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You can utilize online tools or mobile apps to create videos from photos, or opt for iPhoto or Aperture. However, iMovie offers you control over effects, adjusting background music volume, and more.
iMovie 11, along with other iLife programs, comes pre-installed when you purchase a new Mac. If you don't have iMovie, you can purchase it from the Mac App Store for $14.99 USD. Here's how to create videos from photos on Macbook using iMovie.
Creating Videos from Photos on Macbook
Editing Images
Before embarking on the process of creating videos from photos on Macbook, you need to perform certain tasks such as cropping and editing the images you'll use for the video. While you can edit images within iMovie, using Apple's photo editing apps like iPhoto or Aperture will be much simpler.
Next, create an album containing all the photos you want to use for the video. If desired, you can arrange the order of the photos to be displayed in the video. Although you can arrange the order of photos for presentation within iMovie, it's advisable to first organize the photo sequence in iPhoto or Aperture, and then rearrange some photos in iMovie if necessary.
You can also opt for selecting photos and creating a photo video in iPhoto (File =>New Slideshow) or Aperture (File =>New =>Slideshow) to get inspiration for your video.
To create a draft, simply use the classic or Ken Burns theme in iPhoto or Aperture to preview the length of the video and arrange the order of photos as desired.
Creating Videos from Photos in iMovie
If you're new to iMovie, essentially iMovie features drag-and-drop functionality and editing capabilities similar to those in iPhoto and Aperture. The main challenge when using iMovie lies in adjusting the effects and optionally fading background music in your video.
Upon opening iMovie, you'll notice the iPhoto (or Aperture) library displayed on the left side of the iMovie control panel. By default, iMovie organizes all movies and photos by date. If you've never used iMovie before, the app will create an event using the current date as the title. If you wish to change it to a different title, simply double-click on it and create a new title.
Create Slideshow
Select a theme for your project; you can click on the theme to preview and get ideas for motion effects. Depending on your project, themes like Simple, Photo Album, Comic Book, and Scrapbook are best suited for creating image slideshows.
Note: After applying a theme to your project, if you wish, you can also change it to another theme by selecting the project, then clicking the Setting button at the bottom corner of the toolbar.
Name your slideshow (name can be changed) and select an event. Once done, a blank timeline will appear on the screen.
Click on the iPhoto or Aperture library and locate the photo album you've created. Double-click to open the album.
If the photos are arranged to your liking, select all photos and drag them onto the timeline. Alternatively, you can drag and select each photo in the order you prefer. Even after importing photos into the timeline, you can still rearrange their positions.
For the project you've selected, press the spacebar to preview the slideshow before starting the editing process. Note that when you hover your mouse pointer over the viewer window, the control bar appears to start and pause the video, play one or more selected clips, or view the video in full-screen mode.
Add Background Music
Before you dive into editing effects and the duration of the video, the first task you need to do is add background music. Try combining effects and background music to make your photo video content more lively.
You can find background music in the iTunes library located in the Content Library section of iMovie, or search for the song you want to add and drag it onto the timeline.
Additionally, you can select a song from the library, press the E key to quickly add that song to the timeline.
Edit Video
The initial panning effects applied in iMovie videos may not always be exactly what you want, so you'll need to take the time to adjust the Ken Burns effects. Note that iMovie saves your project as you work, and the app doesn't limit the number of times you can undo states.
Before diving into video editing, click on the filmstrip icon in the top right corner to enlarge the video, making it easier to edit.
On the timeline, you can see the current length of the video. When you hover over the video, iMovie will display its length.
Other Editing Features and Sharing
Although you can't fully customize iMovie themes, click on Transitions and Titles in iMovie to change transition effects and theme styles.
To change transition effects, select any style and drag it onto the timeline. iMovie offers options to apply styles to a single transition or to all.
Additionally, you can choose video titles and drag them onto the timeline.
Once your photo video is created, you can export it as a movie file, share it on social media, or via email. If you prefer, you can also export your video to iTunes or iMovie Theatre.
Here's how to make a video from photos on Macbook using iMovie. Hopefully, after this guide, you'll be able to create professional-looking videos from photos on your Macbook. If you're interested in creating videos from photos but using Windows instead of a Mac, creating a video from photos with Proshow Producer can help you accomplish this on a Windows computer easily. Proshow Producer software supports many features and unique effects.
