Desktop editor · macOS, iOS, iPadOS
iMovie export settings, per platform.
Where every export setting lives in iMovie, what it can and cannot control, and a guide for each platform.
What iMovie lets you set
- Bitrate control
- Slider
- 2-pass encoding
- No
- Profile / level
- No
- Keyframe interval
- No
- HEVC (H.265)
- No
- HDR export
- No
- Frame rate
- Follows the project
Official export help Release notesLabels checked 2026-10-25
The export, step by step (example: YouTube, 1080p, 30 fps)
- 1Select the movie in the browser and choose File > Share > File.
- 2Format: Video and Audio. Resolution: 1080p.
- 3Quality: Custom, then drag the slider to about 8 Mbps. Watch the file size estimate under the thumbnail.
- 4Compress: Better Quality.
- 5Click Next, name the file, choose a folder and click Save.
- 6On iPhone or iPad: tap the project, tap Share, tap Options, set the resolution, tap Done, then Save Video.
iMovie pitfalls
- iMovie exports at the project frame rate; there is no frame rate setting.
- iMovie on Mac shares in SDR only; HDR clips are tone-mapped. Send the movie to Final Cut Pro for HDR.
- There are no profile, level or keyframe controls.
iMovie export settings by platform
Frequently asked questions
What are the best iMovie export settings?
For a 1080p upload: H.264, your recorded frame rate, 8-12 Mbps (higher for 4K), AAC audio at 48 kHz, MP4. The exact numbers depend on the platform; pick one below.
Can iMovie set a bitrate?
Yes.
Can iMovie export HDR?
No. Export SDR (Rec. 709).
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get upload-ready edits back?
Our editors cut, caption, colour and export to each platform's spec, with 2 revision rounds. Shorts come back in 48-72 hours, long videos in 5-10 days.