How to resolve iMovie Library file size discrepancy and improve workflow?

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Level 1

12 points

How to resolve iMovie Library file size discrepancy and improve workflow?

Q1. What could be causing this iMovie Library file size discrepancy? It shows as 35GB on the Finder info but 258.45GB on the storage menu in System Settings/General/

Q2. I have been testing iMovie this past month. Today got "Your Disk Is Almost Full " message. iMovie Library size had bloated up to the extreme. After manually frantically, deleting files in iMovie found out by trial and error the solution was to delete Render files.

I have the iMovie Library on an external drive now but any suggestions to improve workflow in iMovie would be appreciated.

MAC MINI - M4 - 2024 - 24GB - SEQUOIA 15.6.1

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iMovie Library file

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 9:32 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

90,844 points

Dec 8, 2025 11:14 AM in response to Ardnega

The System Settings > Storage is a convoluted mishmash of your iMovie Library and other files on your Mac.

To check the total usage of your Macintosh HD and External Drive(s) use Get Info or Disk Utility.

IMHO the best way to drill down into overall disk usage and file locations.

Is to use a third-party app like OmniDiskSweeper.

https://www.omnigroup.com/more/

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

102,343 points

Dec 9, 2025 2:53 AM in response to Ardnega

Follow the advise by my colleague @ den.thed

Just to add, use another application to see where space is being used Storeograph on the Apple Apps Store

This is from the same developer as Etrecheck

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,343 points

Dec 9, 2025 8:12 AM in response to Ardnega

If we may

" MAC MINI - M4 - 2024 - 24GB - SEQUOIA 15.6.1 "

You may consider possible update to current Sequoia 15.7.2

macOS Sequoia 15.7.2

Or, go all out and UpGrade to macOS 26.1 Tahoe which your M4 Mac mini does qualify to run

That is what I am running on this M4 Mac Mini I am writing from

Though is does only have 16 GB Unified RAM and 500 GB SSD drive

It does meet my current needs as will as the projected needs

That is, until a possible M5 Mac Mini is made available ??

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

102,343 points

Dec 9, 2025 8:03 AM in response to Ardnega

If this works for you - Great and good work

🦉-53

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Answer 5

Ardnega Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 9, 2025 7:51 AM in response to den.thed

At the moment managing files manually with Onyx

In my post, I have a screenshot of using Get Info.

The best solution is to delete render files when the iMovie session starts to lag and once the project is complete delete the files from the timeline and also from the Event Library.

Thank you for your input - Owl and Den

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

90,844 points

Dec 9, 2025 8:33 AM in response to Ardnega

Ardnega wrote:

At the moment managing files manually with Onyx

I'm glad that OmniDiskSweeper is helping you find those large files.

The best solution is to delete render files when the iMovie session starts to lag and once the project is complete delete the files from the timeline and also from the Event Library.

Good work, it sounds like you have found the problem and a working solution.

Thank you for your input - Owl and Den

You're welcome.

I also concur with Owl-53, that you should update or upgrade the macOS.

What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support

What's new in the updates for macOS Tahoe - Apple Support

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