iMovie Crashes

Hi, berneltaylor,

Crashing can be caused by a number of things, such as a conflict on your computer, a corrupt library, or a System Management Controller that needs resetting. Nothing to do but try some diagnostics and see if you can isolate the problem.

Sometimes simply shutting down your computer and restarting can cure such problems. So try that first.

When iMovie opens, it must open in a specific library. If the library is corrupted that could abort the launch. Try deleting preferences and see if that cures it. Deleting preferences will cause iMovie to open in a new blank library. If iMovie opens that would tell you that the problem is with your old library. Perhaps a corrupt project. 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. Possibly you may need to reboot to set the changes.  Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.

Another way to open in a new library open iMovie while holding down the Option key and then selecting to create a new

library in the box that appears.

Failing the above, try opening iMovie in your Mac's Guest Account. If it opens there, then that would tell you that there is some conflict in your regular user account that is prohibiting iMovie from opening.

Also, if your Mac uses an Intel chip, resetting your Mac's System Management Controller possibly might cure the issue. (This won't work on a Mac using a silicon chip such as the M1 chip. ) It is easy to do -- a matter of booting up while holding down certain keys. Here's a link that describes the process:

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Lastly, you can try redownloading iMovie. To redownload iMovie, drag your iMovie 10 app from the Applications folder into the trash, but do not empty the trash. Sign in to the app store and open your account folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. Your account folder will open and you will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. If not successful, drag your present iMovie app out of the trash and return it to the Applications folder.

Should none of the above isolate the problem, contact Apple Support.  The techs there have the capability of remotely accessing your computer that we cannot do here.  To contact apple support click on the Get Support item in the upper right hand corner of this forum’s screen.  Navigate to a place where you can enter your phone number.

-- Rich