Transparent png overlay in iMovie

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Level 1

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Transparent png overlay in iMovie

I saw an old post where someone said you could use a transparent png in iMovie. I've been trying to put a png, with just a logo and name and address over a simple slideshow of about 10 slides. I'm also using the ticker tape, to put details. When I place the png in the project it is transparent, but defaults to the Ken Burns effect. As soon as I change it to fit it goes black. I tried to set my default to fit and then again, when I place the png, it turns black and doesn't show the slideshow below. Using iMovie 10.1.9

Thanks,

Elaine

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Oct 25, 2018 2:53 PM

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Answer 1

Rich839

Level 8

48,156 points

Oct 25, 2018 4:37 PM in response to elainepsq

It looks like you inserted it as a cutaway. Here are some help links that will explain the Picture-in-Picture and Cutaway features.

https://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/mova1aaa682b

https://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/movf525350f0

My other question was: How did you create your transparency?

-- Rich

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

48,156 points

Oct 25, 2018 4:26 PM in response to elainepsq

Hi, elaine,

How did you create your .png transparency? How did you insert it into your project -- as a cutaway or a picture-in-picture?

As for the default settings, you must set those in iMovie preferences (iMovie>Preferences) before you create the project. Otherwise they won't apply to the project.

-- Rich

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Answer 3

elainepsq Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 25, 2018 4:29 PM in response to Rich839

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure what either cutaway or picture-in-picture is. I just imported it as media, then placed it in a second layer of media in the timeline. I'm not sure if that's the right terminology. I've just been learning iMovie on my own, and I must say it's pretty intuitive! I've figured out a lot on my own!

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Answer 4

elainepsq Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 25, 2018 7:18 PM in response to Rich839

Thank you, the links no longer work, but after googling Picture-in-Picture iMovie, I found a Youtube video, and within 10 seconds, he explained the difference and how to control it using the Video Overlay Settings.

Thank you, thank you!

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Answer 5

Rich839

Level 8

48,156 points

Oct 25, 2018 9:46 PM in response to elainepsq

Sorry for the non-functional links. You might try copying and pasting the links into your browser.

In any event, glad you found the info you needed.

-- Rich

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Transparent png overlay in iMovie

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