How can I stop iMovie duplicating files when importing new movies? I like the editing features, but hate the file organization.
It's a ridiculously inefficient method, to copy massive files.
I do not want the only copy to be in iMovie since I cannot then access them any other way.
Is the only option really just not to use iMovie?
iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)
No, those aren't the only options. If you import directly into iMovie you will have one file in the iMovie library, and can import duplicates to an external drive formatted MAC OS Extended (journaled). Or, you can put your Photos library on an external drive formatted as above and import your files into it, and iMovie will reference the files that can then be imported from within iMovie from the Photos library displayed in the media sidebar. Importing into the Photos app is the recommended way.
-- Rich
No, those aren't the only options. If you import directly into iMovie you will have one file in the iMovie library, and can import duplicates to an external drive formatted MAC OS Extended (journaled). Or, you can put your Photos library on an external drive formatted as above and import your files into it, and iMovie will reference the files that can then be imported from within iMovie from the Photos library displayed in the media sidebar. Importing into the Photos app is the recommended way.
-- Rich
Thank you for your help.
If I understand correctly, there are only 2 ways to avoid having 2 copies of every movie:
1. Import movies into iMovie then delete from elsewhere on hard drive
2. Don't use iMovie
This is ridiculous & frustrating, since once imported into iMovie, Apple makes it typically difficult to manage or access the files.
You are very welcome. đ
-- Rich
Unfortunately iMovie copies all imported media into its library. There is no option to use a reference library such as FCPX offers. You can access the media from finder by right clicking the iMovie Library package and selecting view package contents. In the window that opens look for a folder called original media. You can copy/paste or duplicate a file to the desktop or wherever. Just be careful not to disturb other files in the package so you don't corrupt the library.
Hi, Spencer,
Adding to what JIm Wanamaker said, you can select any clip or photo in the media browser or the timeline, and then do File/Reveal in Finder. You will see the selected clip in the pop up display, highlighted, in the Original Media folder for copying to your desktop or wherever else you want it.
If you don't want to import your media into iMovie you can import it to your desktop using the Image Capture app on your Mac. Or, you can import your media into your Photos app, and then access it through iMovie, which is the recommended way.
-- Rich
Thank you! I think I see the choices. Although I use Photoshop rather than iPhoto for photos, I quite like iMovie. So I think I will import directly into iMovie, then store a backup in an external drive or in the cloud.
Thanks again,
Mike
avoiding iMovie duplicated files
