Member Avatar for slrman

I have been chasing this problem for a while now and everything I see is oriented to converting wmv and avi files to something that iMovie can read. My question is, wouldn't it be more simple to fix iMovie to read these files? That's something you would only have to do once instead of altering every file to accommodate iMovie. Often, you would then need to convert them back to something else after editing.

Or would it be easier (and cheaper) to just get a different editor and dump iMovie?

Otherwise, I love my Mac. :)

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This thread correctly frames the real tradeoff: patch the system once so iMovie can accept extra containers/codecs, or convert every WMV/AVI file before editing. iMovie’s import ability is governed by the macOS media framework: when the system can decode a file, iMovie usually can import it. That makes two practical paths — add system-level support (one-time) or transcode files into an edit-friendly format (per-file).

Quick, practical checklist and tips:

  • Verify playback in the system player (QuickTime/OS player). If it plays there, try importing to iMovie next.
  • If it won’t play, a system codec/plugin or a rewrap/reencode step is needed. For reliable editing, create an intermediate file (an editing codec or a QuickTime MOV wrapper) rather than editing highly compressed originals directly.
  • Always keep originals. Run a short test clip through any tool or plugin before batch-processing a whole library.

Workflow and troubleshooting notes:

  • For batches, use a dedicated transcoder and match source frame rate, resolution and audio sample rate to avoid sync issues. Test a short segment first.
  • If video imports but audio is missing or garbled, inspect the audio codec/sample rate and re-encode audio to a standard sample rate (e.g., 48 kHz) during transcoding.
  • If using a system plugin, confirm it’s compatible with the macOS and iMovie versions in use; OS upgrades can break some older QuickTime components.

Context relative to the replies: ’s preference for a one-time system fix is valid for convenience; ’s conversion suggestion is the dependable fallback for broad compatibility; highlighted the cross-platform angle that explains why container and codec choices matter.

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Member Avatar for ahihihi...

:S
To use Mac files on a Windows computer, save the files being transferred in a format that can be read on both Macintosh computers and PCs, such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint...
:$

Member Avatar for slrman

ahihihi, I think you missed the point. It is iMovie that I need to do something about. I have OpenOffice that handles all the MS office-type files with little problem.

It is importing wmv and avi files into iMovie that I want to fix. Fortunately, Flip4Mac seems to have made it possible. At this point, everything seem to be OK.

commented: sorry... +1
Member Avatar for cambridge7

ahihihi, I think you missed the point. It is iMovie that I need to do something about. I have OpenOffice that handles all the MS office-type files with little problem.

It is importing wmv and avi files into iMovie that I want to fix. Fortunately, Flip4Mac seems to have made it possible. At this point, everything seem to be OK.

I won't know if I get the point, but you could convert the AVI or WMV to flash with a ScreenShow programm. Then you could see the flash on any Plattform or take it to the Web. But I guess you like to have a special iMovie converter.

Member Avatar for slrman

I won't know if I get the point, but you could convert the AVI or WMV to flash with a ScreenShow programm. Then you could see the flash on any Plattform or take it to the Web. But I guess you like to have a special iMovie converter.

The point was, I don't want to have to convert each and every .wmv or .avi file to use them in iMovie. Fortunately, as I said above, Flip4Mac Pro has solved all of that and I can load any file I have into iMovie and make a video out of it. So the problem is solved.

Thanks to everyone for the replies, but this is no longer an issue. perhaps the moderator will lock the thread?

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