To add text on top of a video in iMovie, position the playhead where you want the text to appear and then select a title style to overlay on your clip. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Add Text to Your Video in iMovie:
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Open iMovie and Select Your Project: Open the iMovie application and choose the project you want to edit. If you don't have an existing project, create a new one.
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Position the Playhead: In the timeline (the bottom part of the screen where your video clips are arranged), move the playhead (the vertical line indicating the current playback point) to the exact location where you want the text to appear.
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Access the Titles Browser: Look above the browser (where your media is located) for the "Titles" tab and click on it. This will open the titles browser, displaying various text styles.
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Choose a Title Style: Browse through the different title styles and select one that you like. iMovie offers a variety of styles from simple lower thirds to animated titles.
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Add the Title to Your Video: You can add the title to your video in one of two ways:
- Drag and Drop: Click and drag the chosen title style directly onto the timeline, positioning it over the clip where you want the text to appear.
- Double-Click: Double-click the title style. This will automatically add the title to the timeline at the playhead's position.
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Edit the Text: Once the title is added to the timeline, it will appear as a separate clip above your video clip. Double-click on the title clip in the timeline to edit the text. A text editor will appear in the viewer (the main video preview window). Type in the text you want to display.
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Customize the Title (Optional): iMovie provides options to customize the title further. You can adjust:
- Font: Change the font type, size, and color.
- Style: Modify the text's appearance, such as adding a shadow or outline.
- Position: Adjust the text's location on the screen.
- Duration: Change how long the text appears on screen by dragging the edges of the title clip in the timeline.
- Animation: Some title styles have built-in animations that you can customize or remove.
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Preview Your Changes: Play back the section of the video to see how the text looks. Make any necessary adjustments until you're satisfied.
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Finalize and Export: Once you're happy with your edits, finalize your project and export it to your desired format.
By following these steps, you can easily add and customize text on top of your video using iMovie.
