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Level 1

11 points

iMovie Won't Import MP4 Files

For some reason iMovie '11 won't let me import videos. Specifically, I'm trying to add MP4 files that I copied to my hard drive from my GoPro HD 960. For GoPro users, I used the R2 (720p) format. They open properly in QuickTime and VLC but can't be imported into iMovie (or iPhoto). When I select File-->Import-->Movies and browse to the directory where I saved all the .mp4 files on my hard drive, they're all greyed out. And actually, it seems that just about no video files at all on my computer can be added (all greyed out)--even other MP4 files.

I downloaded MPEG Streamclip but that says "unrecognized file format" when I try opening the videos. I also installed Perian and rebooted.

In case it helps:

- I have an Intel MacBook running OS X 10.6.8 with iLife '11

- QuickTime info for the video format says "H.264, 1280 x 720, Millions; AAC, 2 channels, 48000 Hz"

- VLC says "Stream 0 (Video) - Codec: avc1" and "Stream 1 (Audio) - Codec: mp4a"

Any ideas? This is incredibly frustrating!

Posted on Apr 6, 2012 4:10 PM

28 replies

Mar 17, 2016 7:29 PM in response to woodyonboard

This worked for me! I simply removed .m4v and used .mp4 instead.

stan58

Level 1

4 points

Apr 7, 2016 7:23 PM in response to drew879

I had the same problem, I was trying to drag the files, it was frustrating to see them jump back. this is what I found.

select the file on your desktop.( in imovie )... go to file.... click on import ...... click on movies... you will see files that can be imported , if you need to change the format I am using Wondershare video converter ultimate and under editing it has a converter to go from anything to iMovie.

hope this helps. Blessings

Apr 27, 2016 11:31 AM in response to stan58

thanks, that actually did the trick, simple solutions are the best ones!!! :-)

May 19, 2016 7:46 PM in response to Jennimedi

imovie is not a good program. If you right click on a mp4 file and try to open it with Select Application > Imovie, it says that imovie can't open it. BUT, if you open imovie and Import Media >open the SAME mp4 file, NO PROBLEM, it opens it !!!

Nov 7, 2016 3:25 PM in response to drew879

I still cannot import mp4 file to my iMovie. Can anyone recommand some free online converter to .mov file?

Nov 30, 2016 2:17 AM in response to drew879

iMovie only import MP4 files encoded with MPEG-4, H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.

But MP4 is a video container format which may contain various video and audio codec,

If the MP4 encoded with iMovie unsupported video and auido codec, iMovie will fail to import MP4 files.

Resources: http://www.avdshare.com/convert-mp4-to-imovie

HamHat

Level 1

4 points

Dec 24, 2016 9:05 AM in response to drew879

Found a very easy to use, free program called "Adapter". Exports to all apple formats.

Dec 28, 2016 12:48 PM in response to DHEX

maybe on a newer version?

Dec 28, 2016 1:22 PM in response to carloulair

It's looking like they invented a format that no older decoder will recognize. GoPro's files crash or won't be recognized by any decoder app I've been able to find. Including iPhoto.

My 11 y/o got a GoPro for xmas and I was going to give him my old MacBook Pro with 10.6 on it. I guess that idea is a no-go unless someone has any ideas.