iMovie library taking up a lot of space (420+ GB)

Over time, using imovie has used alot of space, nearly all of it on this old mac i use. Is there anyway i can fix this? Like deleting it entirely?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on May 22, 2024 10:41 PM

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Posted on May 24, 2024 3:51 AM

There is probably no need to delete the Library.


As you edit, iMovie creates render files which are many times bigger than your normal camera clips.


You can delete the render files to free up lots of space. Should you need to revisit a project the render files will be automatically recreated.


To delete the render files select iMovie>Settings (or Preferences) and in the window that opens click on "Delete".



Another window will pop up asking whether you really want to delete them. Click on Delete again and the job is done.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 24, 2024 3:51 AM in response to Alaska298

There is probably no need to delete the Library.


As you edit, iMovie creates render files which are many times bigger than your normal camera clips.


You can delete the render files to free up lots of space. Should you need to revisit a project the render files will be automatically recreated.


To delete the render files select iMovie>Settings (or Preferences) and in the window that opens click on "Delete".



Another window will pop up asking whether you really want to delete them. Click on Delete again and the job is done.


May 24, 2024 9:13 AM in response to Alaska298

Deleting the library would permanently delete all of the projects and the media contained in the library. You would not be able to access or re-edit any projects that you did. Further, you would permanently delete all of your source media unless you had it stored or backed up outside of iMovie.


If you do decide to delete your iMovie library, the next time that you open iMovie it will open in a new blank library that contains no projects or media. In other words, you start all over.


However, as suggested elsewhere in this thread the solution is to move your library to an external drive . The drive must be formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS. If you need to reformat, be aware that reformatting erases all data on the drive, so first back up any data that you want to keep.


-- Rich



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iMovie library taking up a lot of space (420+ GB)

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