No 4K Option (even though I was imported 4K video first), Bugs?

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mactreouser Author

Level 1

26 points

No 4K Option (even though I was imported 4K video first), Bugs?

Hi,

I'm so disappointed that I couldn't go for 4K option/setting/export!

My procedure as below:

Shoot in 4K
Create New Project (check on setting, shown as 1080p, as everybody knows, can't change anything)
Then I Imported my 4K video and drag it to the timeline, and it supposed in 4K mode now, BUT Nope, It doesn't, and remaining 1080p
No matter how I delete and reimport, drag 4K video to timeline, result was the same!

What's wrong? It's a Bugs?

Btw, my iMovie version is 10.1.12

Thanks for HELP!

Posted on Sep 3, 2019 7:07 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Rich839

Level 8

48,532 points

Sep 3, 2019 8:31 AM in response to mactreouser

When you create a new project the 4K clip must be the very first clip that is added to the project. If everything is working correctly that will set the project at 4K. When you go to share out the movie as a File the share box should give you a 4K option. I did a test just now and it worked fine, so there is no bug. As I understand it, you are saying that that is not happening when you try it on your computer. You tried deleting preferences and that didn't cure it.

Even though you tried a You Tube 4K download, double-check that the video clips that you are using are in fact 4K. Open them in QuicktimePlayer and do Window/Show Movie Inspector to verify. Check the frame rate as well. iMovie supports 4K 30 fps. A 4K 60 fps clip will be knocked down to 4K 30 fps, but it still should show as a 4k project. If your 4K clip is at a frame rate that is higher than 60 fps, perhaps that is the problem.

If the clips are in fact 4K, upgrade to Mojave if you haven't already done so.

If still no luck, last resort would be to redownload iMovie.

-- Rich

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

48,532 points

Sep 3, 2019 7:52 AM in response to mactreouser

Try opening iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and

selecting to delete preferences in the box that appears. iMovie will open in a

new library. Reopen your old library to get back to your projects. Now see if

you get the 4K setting and option.

-- Rich

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Answer 3

mactreouser Author

Level 1

26 points

Sep 5, 2019 8:43 AM in response to Rich839

Rich,

Thanks once again for the precious advices!

Update:

I was exported a 4k file by using QT Export service. Although the picture is jerky/unsmooth/choppy like, but when I imported to iMovie and dragged it to the timeline then checked out the setting... BOOM! It's 4K now!

Then, I created a new project (without that exported 4K file), and imported the 4K Video File that I used before (which doesn't change the editing setting to 4K -- 1080P remaining), BOOM! It's now in 4K editing mode!

I'm so happy that finally got the solution! In fact, I hope it could remain the behaviour iMovie supposed to be (4K video imported first, project setting auto set to 4K)! Will update if there is something wrong in future!

Thanks again RICH!!

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