How to Import MKV Files to iMovie?

Quick Navigation

1. How to Add MKV Files to iMovie on Mac?

2. What If I Temporarily Use a Windows Computer?

3. iMovie Compatible Formats

======FAQs======

iMovie's sleek interface and intuitive editing features make it a go-to for many Mac users, but it has its limits, notably its compatibility with the MKV format. It begs the question, "Does iMovie support MKV files?"

The answer, in short, is NO! iMovie does not directly support the MKV format, primarily due to the complex codec and container specifics of MKV files. But no worries, I'm here to help you out. :-)

How to Add MKV Files to iMovie on Mac?

Converting MKV files to a compatible format is the best way to import them into iMovie. Below, I'll walk you through some of the best tools for the job on your Mac. Ready? Let's get started!

#1. Using VLC

VLC media player isn't just for watching videos, it's also a pretty nifty converter. Here's how to turn those MKVs into iMovie-ready files with VLC:

Download VLC and install it on your Mac.
Launch VLC, open "File" menu and click "Convert / Stream".
Drag your MKV file right into VLC or click "Open media" to find it manually.
Pick a profile like "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" to make sure it's going to be compatible with iMovie.
Hit "Save as File", pick a destination, and click "Save" to start the conversion.
Once it's done, you can import it straight into iMovie.

VLC Convert MKV to iMovie Supported Format

#2. Using HandBrake

HandBrake is another great tool that's perfect for converting MKV files to iMovie-friendly formats. While it may seem more complex than VLC, HandBrake offers advanced options and customization for video encoding. Let's break down the steps:

Download HandBrake and install it on your Mac.
Open HandBrake, click on "Open Source", and select the MKV file you want to convert.
HandBrake offers various presets. For iMovie, select a preset like "Fast 1080p30" under the "General" category.
Choose "MP4" from the "Format" dropdown menu with H.264 or HEVC as the video codec.
Optionally, you can customize settings under the "Video" and "Audio" tabs.
Click "Start" to begin the conversion process.
After conversion, open iMovie and import the MP4 file for editing.

#3. Using ffWorks

ffWorks (formerly iFFmpeg) is a graphical front-end for FFmpeg, a powerful video processing tool, catering to users who require detailed and further customization. Here's how to use it:

Download ffWorks and install FFmpeg as well.
Open ffWorks, click on the "+" button to add your MKV file or drop it in.
From the "Format" (Target) dropdown, select the "MOV Container [.mov]" or "MP4", and ensure the video codec is compatible with iMovie.
Customize video and audio settings as needed.
Process to convert your file to a compatible format.
Click "Start" to start the conversion process.
Once the conversion is complete, you're set to import your video into iMovie.

What If I Temporarily Use a Windows Computer?

For those temporarily on Windows but using iMovie on a personal Mac, WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory has got your back. This free tool is specifically designed for converting videos between various formats, including those compatible with iMovie. Here's a step-by-step guide:

DownloadDownload, install, and run the freeware on your Windows PC.
Open the "Converter" module and add your MKV files.
On the right panel, expand the list of presets. Head to the "Apple" category and choose "iMovie Video" or find another iMovie-friendly profile under the "Video" category, such as "MP4" or "MOV".
Optionally tweak your video's settings through "Parameter settings".
Set an output folder and click "Run" to convert the MKV files.
Once done, transfer the converted files to your Mac and import them into iMovie for your project.

Convert MKV to iMovie-Friendly Format on Windows

iMovie Compatible Formats

Apple has officially listed the formats compatible with iMovie on Mac computers running macOS Catalina or later. These include:

Container formats: 3GP, AVI, M4V, MOV (QuickTime), MP4
Video formats: Apple Animation Codec, Apple Intermediate Codec, Apple ProRes, AVCHD (including AVCCAM, AVCHD Lite, and NXCAM), DV (including DVCAM, DVCPRO, and DVCPRO50), H.264, HDV, HEVC, iFrame, Motion JPEG (OpenDML only), MPEG-4 SP, Photo JPEG, XAVC-S
Audio formats: AAC, AIFF, BWF, CAF, MP3, MP4, RF64, WAV
Still-image formats: BMP, GIF, HEIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD, RAW, TGA, TIFF

It's worth noting that, Apple seems to have removed this webpage, and it now shows "Page Not Found". However, this information is still accessible via web archives and Wikipedia.

As software updates and changes occur, it's always a good idea to cross-reference multiple sources to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why doesn’t iMovie support MKV files directly?

A: MKV files often contain codecs not natively supported by macOS or iMovie, necessitating conversion to a compatible format.

Q2: Can I edit MKV files directly in any Apple software?

A: No, MKV files must be converted to a compatible format before they can be edited in Apple software like iMovie or Final Cut Pro (FCP).

Q3: What's the best format to convert MKV files to for iMovie?

A: Either MP4 or MOV, with compatible codecs, is recommended. Check the iMovie compatible media formats above.