I am having an issue with importing media into an iMovie project. When I click the import media arrow, I get an empty list. Then if I choose Desktop, it is empty again, not even the mp4 videos I have on the desktop. I can drag and drop those videos into iMovie but why don't I see them listed in the Import window as I have seen in the iMovie tutorials?
iMac 24″, macOS 26.2
One thing you could try is to look into System Settings->Privacy & Security.
There are two items there which could be of interest: 1) look at Files & Folders, and see if iMovie appears there and it has access to the Desktop; or 2) look at Full Disk Access if you want to grant wider permissions and never have to worry about whether or not the application can access media, be it on the Desktop, Movies folder or some external drive. That is how it is recommended in the case of Final Cut Pro, and I think it is worth it for iMovie too.
One thing you could try is to look into System Settings->Privacy & Security.
There are two items there which could be of interest: 1) look at Files & Folders, and see if iMovie appears there and it has access to the Desktop; or 2) look at Full Disk Access if you want to grant wider permissions and never have to worry about whether or not the application can access media, be it on the Desktop, Movies folder or some external drive. That is how it is recommended in the case of Final Cut Pro, and I think it is worth it for iMovie too.
ADDENDUM: I think my previous post is right on.
I removed permission from iMovie in System Settings->Privacy & Security->Files & Folders, and I can reproduce your symptoms exactly.
Occasionally apps do not behave as they should.
Deleting the preferences (aka Settings) is one strategy that can help.
Shut down iMovie.
Hold down the option and command keys as you launch iMovie until a window appears.
Click the delete button.
Correction: I was turning off full disk access.
However, when I turned off Files & Folders the Desktop appeared in the Import window with a little gearwheel rotating and I could not select it but there was no mystery as a warning popped up telling me to grant access.
I'm on Tahoe so earlier operating systems might treat it differently.
I'm at a loss but a couple more suggestions if you haven't already tried them.
Sometimes simply restarting the app can do the job.
Actually, I removed and then added Desktop in Files & Folders.
You can turn Full Disk Access OFF:
or you can remove iMovie from the list completely, by selecting and pressing the "-" button at the bottom left of the window.
I appreciate you help. I followed your suggestion but the problem still exists. At least I am able to drag and drop content into to the project. Do you have any suggestions for getting more advice?
Ian, Thanks again for you interest to help. I have .mov and mp4 file on the desktop. The issue is not fixable at this time. I was on the phone with Apple for 1 hour trying to fix it. I even reinstalled the OS and that didn't solve it either. There must be a glitch in the system. The next step would be to completely erase the Mac and reinstall everything, which I am not going to do now. At least I can drop and drag what I need for the projects.
Luis, Thanks for your reply. I was hoping you had the solution to my problem but the folder settings for iMovie is already set for Full Disk Access. How did you remove the permission? Maybe if I remove permission and then give Full Access again it would fix it?
I have never had this problem.
What type of video file have you got on your desktop?
Believe me, I did all of that. There is a glitch in my system. It's a strange problem. I hope you don't have to deal with that.
I can't reproduce it. With full disk access on or off I still get everything on my desktop.
iMovie import window doesn't display media files for import
