iMovie Library still taking up storage

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Level 1

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iMovie Library still taking up storage

I'm having a problem that doesn't seem uncommon for iMovie users. However, all solutions I've found have not been applicable to my specific situaiton. In the app, my iMovie Library is essentially empty. At least it's not 50 GB worth of content which is what my Mac is telling me exists. Even in my iMovie Library/Show Package Contents, the only files in there is what I currently have.

To preface this, I had the issue with 100 GB a couple of days ago and just ended up deleting the entire iMovie file which caused iMovie to act all weird and randomly crash. I restarted my computer, uploaded 2 hours worth of basic video (definitely not 50 gigs worth) and the app began working properly again. There's no extra files or "events" anywhere that I've been able to find. Should I delete the entire file again or is there a step I'm missing?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Feb 22, 2021 4:09 PM

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Answer 1

sosa_1313 Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 23, 2021 12:02 AM in response to Rich839

Yeah even the Storage Management is saying 50 gigs. I don't want to have to delete the entire iMovie Library file again because I feel like it's not good for the application or potential future projects.

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

47,250 points

Feb 23, 2021 12:51 AM in response to sosa_1313

So, if it says 50 GB that should be what is in the library. What makes you think that it’s less?

Two hours of video might well be 50 gigs, depending on the format, bitrate, frame rate, compression, etc.

Perhaps you have a lot of render files. Open the iMovie preferences box and delete the render files. It is a harmless procedure. See if that makes any significant difference.

If you move your library to an external drive, formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled), how much does that decrease the GB on your internal drive?

— Rich

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Answer 3

Rich839

Level 8

47,250 points

Feb 22, 2021 10:39 PM in response to sosa_1313

When you Control-Click/Get Info on the library’s icon in the Movies folder, how many GB does it show. Be sure you are clicking on the correct library.

-Rich

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Answer 4

sosa_1313 Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 23, 2021 1:24 AM in response to Rich839

Yes, deleting the render files brought it down to 15 GB which is much more likely. Even though it's still about twice as much as the exported video, this is way more manageable. Thank you so much!

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Answer 5

Rich839

Level 8

47,250 points

Feb 23, 2021 9:01 AM in response to sosa_1313

You are very welcome. Glad you got it working satisfactorily.

-- Rich

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iMovie Library still taking up storage

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