Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can't open iMovie library.

After upgrading from El Capitan to Sierra, iMovie wont open my library.

I get this message:

The operation couldn’t be completed. Permission denied

“iMovie Library” is already in use by “my name” on “another name”.

I have read and write permissions on the library but I notice that I am not the owner and the option to make me the owner is greyed out.


Any ideas on how to fix this?

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Sep 23, 2016 10:46 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Aug 24, 2017 3:26 PM

Something that worked for me in this situation is that I right-clicked on the imovie library and clicked on "get info"

User uploaded file


At the bottom under "Sharing & Permissions" I had to add myself to read&write (you may have to unlock first to make changes). Anyway, it somehow worked for me.

7 replies

Nov 20, 2016 9:42 PM in response to Jim Wanamaker

As it turns out (called in a Mac expert as it seemed like all was failing, including Time Machine), the issue had to do with my external drives (both La Cie, one as the primary drive for Movies, Pictures and Music and the other for Time Machine). Turns out, the raid software on those external drives was apparently not compatible with Sierra and made it appear like iMovie, iTunes and Photos files were corrupted. Right now, my Photos library appears to be repairing (has been 3+ hours as file size is 700 GB) and iMovie libraries appear fine. However, iTunes (nearly 1 TB) is only recognizing half of my songs, seemingly because I have an iTunes file buried within the iTunes file (its not recognizing the first one). Having two iTunes files within each other was something that happened during an iTunes upgrade many years ago. Trying to figure out that one.

Can't open iMovie library.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.