iMovie library permission error after macOS Golden Gate update

Ever since I updated to Mac OS Golden Gate when I open iMovie I get this error

Permission error opening iMovie Library.imovielibrary Libraries require read and write permission.

The file permission on the library is read-write for Me, Staff and Everyone, as is the directory the library is in. This did not occur before the upgrade. I use iMovie frequently so it appears to be a problem related to the upgrade.

Posted on Sep 28, 2026 4:26 PM

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Posted on Sep 29, 2026 1:09 PM

It turns out this was not a file permission error. It was an app permission error. I needed to go to Apple System Settings->Privacy & Security->Media & Apple Music and toggle the permissions for iMovie.


Why this was necessary for iMovie and no other applications I have no idea. Apple TV, etc. did not require reinstating app permissions. It's a pity the error message seems to point to a file permission error.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 29, 2026 1:09 PM in response to Jgsjvxm

It turns out this was not a file permission error. It was an app permission error. I needed to go to Apple System Settings->Privacy & Security->Media & Apple Music and toggle the permissions for iMovie.


Why this was necessary for iMovie and no other applications I have no idea. Apple TV, etc. did not require reinstating app permissions. It's a pity the error message seems to point to a file permission error.

Oct 3, 2026 1:46 PM in response to Deathorb

I am a user like yourself, so I am not certain how to resolve your issue. You might try granting file level permissions on the library file. When you start iMovie a pop-up window lists the library file it wants to open. Find the file in Finder. Right click on the file in Finder, choose Get Info, toward the bottom are the file permissions (read, read/write). Change them all to read/write.

Oct 19, 2026 7:14 PM in response to Jgsjvxm

Since the update, not only I get permission error, some of my movies -- old videos with sentimental value has vanished. I am at my wits end because I was also working on a video project, and that project has disappeared and it has become a set of clips that I cannot add to. Spent an hour with apple care tech support and in order to open iMovie, I have to go through a roundabout way to open iMovie with my entire life GONE! NOW...since I'm not techie, I have to probably pay someone to do another data migration from my 2010 Mac Pro. Argh...

iMovie library permission error after macOS Golden Gate update

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