Apple iMovie Version 10: 10 Features to Get Excited About

With an eye on the iPhone user, Apple has streamlined iMovie, its free movie editor, with the version 10 update released in October. Apple iMovie version 10 is part of the iLife Suite which also includes iPhoto and GarageBand. The newest iMovie maintains many features of prior versions, while adding a number of improvements.

The biggest advantage this time is quicker and easy sharing with iPhones and iPads. Multi-layer editing is simplified, and the overall interface is cleaner and more logical. Editors will find that working on projects now takes fewer steps. iMovie 10 also offers a new way to share movies to computers and Apple TVs.

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What's to love in iMovie 10? Here are the top 10 features:

1. The iMovie version 10 interface is less intimidating. It's clutter- and confusion-free, a big plus for beginners.


2. iMovie version 10 works seamlessly with both Mac OS and iOS devices.


3. iMovie offers the same timeline as Final Cut, which has more tools in its toolbox. That makes moving to Final Cut easier.


4. Tools are discreetly hidden behind buttons for a clean interface. Producers don't need to create a project if they only want to share clips.


5. A simple sidebar accesses photos, video projects, and the rest of the content library. Tasks such as importing videos, creating new projects, and sharing videos make use of the simpler interface.


6. This version offers real multi-layer editing, with the ability to drag a clip onto another to cutaway to the second clip.


7. An Undo button is prominently displayed and is visible on both Mac and iOS devices.


8. There are 16 new title styles, 14 new trailer templates, and 8 new movie themes.


9. Editors can slow the action down with new slow-motion controls in the timeline.


10. 10. iMovie 10 has learned to share. Previous versions were not that user-friendly, but users will now find simple export controls. A project started on an iPhone can easily be transferred to an iPad via AirDrop by tapping the Share button.

Honorable mentions go to these improvements: Importing clips is now faster and easier. HD clips no longer need to be downscaled prior to editing. Video adjustments and effects are all in one area. iMovie version 10 more closely resembles Final Cut X with the ability to render, import, and share videos in the background. Panorama images now work with the Kens Burns effect.

For more on iMovie version 10's new features, check out this tutorial by director Mitch Davis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fqGvFXrF64

Shelley M. Johnson's article first appeared on OnlineVideo.net