Q: how to clone hard drive onto a new ssd

You will need an external enclosure to put it in and connect it, and you can use Carbon Copy Cloner to perform the clone. It is free for 30 days. It is wise to change the internal connecting cable while you have the HDD out but before you fit the SSD.

Are you using antivirus software?

Stop scanning or delete antivirus software while making clone drive.

I recommend CCC because it can transfer the recovery partition in addition to the main drive, something neither disk utility or SuperDuper can

Absolutely not, a VM requires no partition, it is a file on your Mac

I used this method.

USB sata adapter

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00HJZJI84/ref=sr_1_ 3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473531536&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+sata+adapter

Attach your SSD to the adapter and plug it into the Macbook.

Use "Carbon Copy Cloner app" to do the clone. Just down load and run as trial for FREE use.

https://bombich.com/

Tool kit for replacing hard-drive in Macbook.

https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Precision-Screwdriver-16-Piece/dp/B00E3CHLLC/ref=sr _1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473531252&sr=1-1&keywords=torx+screwdriver+set

After you get the the clone done and install the SSD into the Macbook.

You will need to enable "trim" support for your SSD.

Open "terminal app" and enter this command "sudo trim force enable" select YES, YES, and reboot when complete.

Your done.

I am afraid not, but you should post in the iMovie forum, help will be available there