I imported a file which is 1080p60 into iMovie, I made my adjustments and now I am ready to export. I don't see option to change the frame rate, only the resolution. I exported the video and it is now in 30fps but I need it in 60fps. Is this not possible? I've checked the troubleshooting steps but haven't had any luck.
2021 MacBook Air with Monterey 12.1 installed.
iMovie does export 1080p 60fps at 60fps. For that to happen, the project frame rate must be set at 60fps. The resolution and frame rate of a newly created project (one that has never had any clips in it) is determined by the resolution and frame rate of the very first video clip (not photo) placed into the project timeline. There is no other way to set the resolution or frame rate. So, if a 1080p 60fps clip is the first clip added to the newly created project then the project resolution and frame rate will be 1080p 60fps, and it will export at that if you select the 1080 option. This is true even if the first clip is deleted, or moved elsewhere in the timeline, and even of other clips with different frame rates and resolutions are added. Once the project frame rate is set, it cannot be changed. The only way to change it is to create a new project and add a 1080p 60fps clip as the first clip added.
Possibly your project had been set at 30 fps, and thus it would export at that frame rate. If that's the case, then the solution would be to create a new project and set the frame rate as described above.
If the above situation is not your case, then try deleting preferences, as that can solve export issues. To delete preferences, open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select 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 can export at 1080p 60fps. Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.
-- Rich
iMovie does export 1080p 60fps at 60fps. For that to happen, the project frame rate must be set at 60fps. The resolution and frame rate of a newly created project (one that has never had any clips in it) is determined by the resolution and frame rate of the very first video clip (not photo) placed into the project timeline. There is no other way to set the resolution or frame rate. So, if a 1080p 60fps clip is the first clip added to the newly created project then the project resolution and frame rate will be 1080p 60fps, and it will export at that if you select the 1080 option. This is true even if the first clip is deleted, or moved elsewhere in the timeline, and even of other clips with different frame rates and resolutions are added. Once the project frame rate is set, it cannot be changed. The only way to change it is to create a new project and add a 1080p 60fps clip as the first clip added.
Possibly your project had been set at 30 fps, and thus it would export at that frame rate. If that's the case, then the solution would be to create a new project and set the frame rate as described above.
If the above situation is not your case, then try deleting preferences, as that can solve export issues. To delete preferences, open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select 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 can export at 1080p 60fps. Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.
-- Rich
Yes, I think that the 2k 60fps is the problem. iMovie's 60fps option is for 1080. It won't export 4k 60fps at 60fps and probably not 2k at 60fps.
Try creating a new project and placing as the first clip a known 1080p 60fps clip. That will set the project at 1080p 60fps. Then delete the clip and insert your 2k 60fps clip. I think it will then export at 1080p 60 fps.
-- Rich
Great. Glad you got it working.
— Rich
I deleted preferences, I also examined the video file and it appears to be recorded in 2560x1440 at 60fps. iMovie only gives me the option to export at 1080 (which is what I prefer anyways), would 2k resolution be keeping it from exporting at 60fps? Even though the first and only clip is the clip I'm using.
EDIT: I am currently watching the video file with QuickTime Player and it is very clearly 60fps, as soon as I import it to iMovie it is in 30fps without any changes, just dragging and dropping changes it.
Problem solved, thank you, Rich. It seems 2K Resolution was the issue. I'll record in 1080p from now on. Thanks for your help!
iMovie project imported at 60fps is exporting at 30fps.
