iMovie Tutorial for Mac: Pro-Level Editing Using Precision Editor

In this tutorial, I show you a few professional video-editing techniques using iMovie’s Precision Editor. iMovie may seem like barebones, amateur video-editing software. But, it actually has features you’d find in more sophisticated, professional video-editing applications. One of those features is the Precision Editor. As the name suggests, the Precision Editor helps you make more precise edits. But it also allows you to use more professional-level editing techniques in your videos.
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Tools used to make this video (Affiliate links):
Camera: Canon EOS M6 amzn.to/2DwXWIc
Lens: Canon EF-M 22mm f2 STM Lens amzn.to/2VG6jtX
Camera Microphone: RODE NTG-2 amzn.to/2G8jjBx
Desk Camera: Sony a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera amzn.to/2Mu1Vhf
Lens: Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN Art (Silver) for Sony SE amzn.to/2wppAoe
HDMI to Thunderbolt Adapter: Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini Recorder amzn.to/2PBlaUn
Voice-Over Microphone: RODE NT-USB amzn.to/2DBRa7l
Lights: VILTROX L116T CRI95+ Super Slim Dimmable LED Light Panel amzn.to/2EFxy0C
Editing: Screenflow 8: bit.ly/screenflowEditing
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#imovie #editinghacks #editingforyoutube
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[@MacVideoMagic]

The Precision Editor makes iMovie a way more capable video editor than it looks. What do you think of the Precision Editor feature? How will you use it in your videos?

[@aureliesaim]

Great tutorial Michael, can you do a Tutorial on How to show what you are doing from your IPad Pro while you are teaching on your Mac Book Pro late 2015 at the same time ? Which has a different Connectic to plug into your Mac

[@Wanderwithher]

Amazing tutorial. Perfect speed of explanation and such a great voice! Loved learning how to use this instead of just swearing every time I open Precision Editor by mistake. 😂

[@OTCRock4one]

Wow! you really know how to explain things so succinctly. Great tutorial.

[@AndreaAvalon]

I subscribed to you after watching this video... and it was the first video of yours I've watched! Seen your other stuff now and love your content immensely. Thank you.

[@u.kasmir6219]

My I movie was working perfectly until last week but now it is not working at all I and it is a updated version thanks to you i have learn iMovie from you but I want to post my vedios on my channel but I am unable to use iMovie well if you can teach us Vedio Cut Vedio editing software I will be very thankful to you.

[@JustinHouser]

Bro, you legit need to do voice overs for commercials or official tutorials for big companies. 👍👏

[@julianatalksfilms7112]

I work in advertising and can attest you would be a great VO artist!

[@koolliohxv1271]

Juliana Talks Films no one asked

[@jordanm4743]

Koollioh XV no one asked you to comment 😎

[@angellotivio]

I agree with this!!🥺💓

[@retorsions7403]

LOOL

Such a sophisticated, articulate tutorial, thank you. 2:01 How to select the Precision Editor 1:20 Continuity Cut 3:47 Roll Edit 4:58 Edit Points 5:40 Manipulating a Transition 7:00 Split Edits 7:38 Split Edit 1: Audio Advance (J Cut) 11:05 Split Edit 2: L Cut 9:50 Audio Key Frames (to adjust a portion of audio)

[@RobFlaxMusic]

11:59 That knowing wink saying "look I just did one right here." This is Inception-level meta-editing.

[@SantosChronicles]

I have been using imovie for years and didn’t know about these functionalities. Thanks for sharing these great tips.

[@hackysaq]

Same here! I’ve often accidentally clicked the precision editor, freaked out by how strange it looked, then quickly tried to escape … now I know that J cuts prevent me from needing to detach audio to blend, and that Option-click on the audio track can help with smooth ducking! Thank you for revealing these useful functions that were hidden in plain sight.

[@SantosChronicles]

Mike C I think imovie is so underrated. I felt the exact same way.

[@margad]

Santos Chronicles -1--👨🏿‍⚕️

[@VidGameStory]

Your explanations are so clear! This level of instruction is rare, and I really appreciate it.

[@aerial360]

Michael, you are an outstanding teacher! You deliver just the right amount of technical info perfectly paced all the while carefully buidling our skill level. I have a deeper respect for both you and iMovie now.

[@chemistNATE]

Top notch dude. This was so professionally done, I sought out your Patreon. Great work.

[@tarabeans]

In all my years, I never had anyone explain anything to me with as much patience and collected tone. Subscribed!

[@nifstrenton]

Wow, Michael, this was a master class. Your work has made me really appreciate the software installed on my macs. Thanks!

[@garymiller2382]

You are the kind of teacher who makes things clear, understandable, and achievable. And yes, you probably do voiceovers :-)

[@EnjoyTheJourneyLife]

Whoa! Thank you Thank you! L-cuts and J-cuts in iMovie...who knew? Not me! And I have been using iMovie for years, always afraid of precision editor, so I stayed away from it. Not anymore! Excellent video! Thanks Michael:)

[@JoshInsightIdeas]

Did you know we also have J turn in driving? awesome terms. Next time I will come with a K - cut.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Im new to this, and just started learning how to use imovie on my Mac, and this was a really interesting tutorial. I shall keep watching.

[@JusticeRosa]

Your voice is so calming, which makes me want to learn from you! I appreciate the video and your help. Thank you

[@ericvaneupen9986]

Thank you, Michael. After already having used iMovie for quite some time, I learned a lot from your tutorial. The tutorial is top-notch pro. Obviously, I subscribed...

[@alexandrasanches2473]

You are the best teacher I’ve ever seen! I just love learning with your tutorials! Big hug!

[@allblueberries]

I really appreciate how each step and micro-step was clearly explained. The video was just my speed too which resulted in better comprehension. Thank you!

[@FixItAngel]

thank you brother. best of luck to your channel. video was very helpful

[@theadventuresofraz8706]

Oh yeah you are my latest golden find! Content I'm looking for and very professionally and concisely delivered. My future videos will benefit from these tips. Thanks very much!

[@Booth7425]

Michael, your presentation, easy-to-follow directions, and professionalism is top-notch. There are many other fine iMovie tutorials, but yours are a cut above in my opinion. Thank you!

[@colinpearce9217]

What a find! You're a gold mine, Michael. Thanks.

[@Upploadz]

The bell is tapped. Mike, you’re the truth! Thanks, brother.

[@zondoliac]

tyvm! I cant say more than : _ good quality _ well explained _smooth voice so easy to understand and very helpful. Thank you!

[@mrs.growdaddy4937]

These tutorials are so great - I LOVE the way you explain everything so simply and clearly, telling us the exact terminology. These are just the absolute best!

[@ChrisHamilton911]

I rarely comment but had to acknowledge your tutorials. Smooth voice, very clear instructions at a pace where I can understand what's being said the first time I hear and see it. No fancy intro graphics. I only shoot video for fun but still enjoy learning the skills involved. I've subscribed to learn everything you have taken the trouble to teach. Thank you.

[@handiman5]

How do I give you 10 'Thumbs Ups'? Your teaching is excellent, and certainly THE best on KZbin. You are able to make the complex, and detailed, easily understandable. Clear, specific instructions, accompanied with great detailed video explanations! Thank you!!

[@KurtPapke]

Great job Mike. The most complete Precision editor tutorial on KZbin. I appreciated the insight on how transitions are treated. Very professional. The one thing you did not address is the use of a second video track or overlay when using the PE. I do a lot of those, and it's not clear how they fit in.

[@seamasmanly]

Your exposition of iMovie is by far the clearest I’ve seen. Thanks 🙏

[@tomstansbury8806]

Michael, Thank you so much. It’s refreshing to see a KZbin presenter who is so articulate with such a wonderful voice. I’m a new fan and subscriber!

[@MGriffin2501]

“...and knowing is half the battle.” Classic G.I. Joe line. 😆

[@thehandbagsnob4721]

Our Mi-Ammy Life my fav line ever

[@TangerineTravels]

Gold. This is gold. Thank you, Michael!

[@mikekirylo6115]

just what I needed! advanced user capabilities! Thank you for posting!

[@luvindabass102]

I'm just starting to use iMovie. I love it. This will really help me. Thank you!

[@adykurniawan5361]

Loud and Clear, Sir.. love how you explain all this

[@kevingoza]

Thanks Michael! Will be binge watching your iMovie pro tips!

[@ian.m.schomber]

Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Been looking for this forever, but didn‘t know the right term for it.

[@isaacodegard740]

The keyframe hotkey is amazing. Thank you

[@vintagemodernblendedliving2191]

Thank you so much for such an informative and clear cut video on more professional techniques! ❤️

[@theabyssaldemon]

Thank ya. Learned how to get more out of iMovie through this tutorial.

[@Music-eo6ts]

awesome , thanks for explaining it so simply

[@volckerrules942]

Love these! Thanks.

[@Sophie-ud2tf]

Thank you for sharing! I will definitely be using some of your tips when editing. 🙏🏾

[@domaddeo401]

Excellent - thank you, Michael.

[@aslamnajeem]

Amazing! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@kimalessi5037]

My NEW FAVORITE iMovie tutorial creator! Thanks, Michael!

[@svendura1]

I never had someone explain iMovie as good and understandable as you did. Thanks so much for your work. Both thumbs up!

[@SeanMadden]

This has been the most helpful iMovie tutorial I've ever watched that goes into advanced features beyond the basics. I didn't even know the precision editor existed until I watched this. And the way you not only clearly and slowly explain things, but also explain potential "common issues" the user may stumble upon is top notch quality. Thank you! This has made a world of different in editing my videos.

[@seanpregamepratt]

Exactly what I needed, thanks!

[@RawFitChris]

Thank you Mike, for teaching me these Tips & Tricks. Your tutorials are much appreciated.

[@nigelgould-davies6950]

Outstanding and generous. A model of well-paced clarity. Best-in-class for KZbin instruction.

[@thekiwistudy]

Perfectly straightforward and informative. Thank you!

[@TheSalonLife]

You are an amazing teacher. Thank you!!

[@brunosoares9021]

Perfect! Thanks!

[@carlosdias1940]

Thank You, very clearly explained!

[@kenromero9236]

MIchael, I've watched this tutorial a number of times and ti always amazes me! Your teaching skills and voice are incredible. As a 40+ years radio vet I always look forward to catch your latest. I've learned so much from and saved a ton of money on other "professional" software from your tutorials. For my purposes iMovie is all I need thanks to you.

[@TaeMontana]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@optimistprime709]

Thanks a lot. Learned a lot of new stuff today.

[@karlcardozatv]

Love your videos. Simple and straight to the point. Nice

[@AmberLeighMusic]

Thank you so much - this is the best tutorial! Not too fast or too slow, to the point, and you explain the “Why” - so glad to have found this channel

[@kellycox3181]

Great tips! Look forward to using some of these soon. Thank you

[@AaronRWilliams]

You have answered my question. Thank you!

[@garthkester]

I haven't come across a better more professional, more knowledgeable presenter. Thank you!

[@henriquemarques3495]

Thank you Michael. Very good Tutorial.

[@j.h.bonesnaturalnihongo306]

Excellent video. Thank you!!

[@John-mj6uq]

This was just what I needed. Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@pentonhusqvarna]

Your instruction methods are very easy to follow. Thanks!

[@scogginsscoggins]

Your presentation is super clear. Thanks.

[@fielding68]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@DoctorJack16]

So helpful. Thanks for showing this!

[@whatzupLizzy]

This channel always brings clear and consise content - appreciate it so much!

[@sobrevida157]

You are a wonderful teacher! Concise and clear, anticipating all my questions before I even asked them! Thanks!

[@michaeli5884]

Mike your tutorials are truly great. iMovie, on the other hand is the most frustrating catastrophe I've ever tried to use. you make it look easy and you explain things perfectly.

[@sarsur67]

I revisited your tutorial. Thank you once again for guiding thru J cuts and L cuts. Your videos are always very helpful.

[@elpopposupreme8178]

I really liked this video - your were concise but did not rush through everything like other tutorials I have seen, and I thank you for that

[@keithpreston1806]

Excellent tutorial - thanks!

[@SlateNFriends]

I've been using iMovie for my edits for a while now, and I recently started this channel for vlogs and what in the actualllll..... I HAD NO IDEA THESE WERE POSSIBLE ON IMOVIE! Thank you so much!

[@thetribepride]

Awesome tip. Many thanks.

[@Pikolins]

Thank you... Its very helpful

[@issamcovers8222]

Thank you for sharing these knowledge. Great job

[@vaishnavi8347]

Wow thanks for the tips!

[@JeepJeep]

Thanks Mike! It was a headache from the iMovie help. Very easy in fact after you see an expert doing it. Cheers!

[@koteu4ik]

Thanks you man for sharing this stuff.

[@mayberetiredracer3867]

Thank you for such an enjoyable clear explanation. This auto played for me and I'm so glad I watched!

[@maggiegomez2681]

I've watched this over 30 times. I learn something great each time and I'm no longer scared of iMovie. I was a zero beginner, now I get by and I can finally have fun editing thus practicing tons. Thank you, Michael Kinney!

[@emoryschley5546]

EXCELLENT video, Michael. You put out some of the best videos on KZbin, and your efforts are greatly appreciated!

[@alohadeslynn]

Thank you! Your explanation is easy to understand and steady flow when you are speaking.

[@RamaaBharadvaj]

Thank you - I LOVE your videos - no unnecessary chatter - just precisely detailed and very helpful guidance. I've already subscribed.

[@dr.ramenglish3651]

Thank you Michael. That was sooooo helpful for me. You're great, bro.

[@jtalk0074]

I've been fumbling over these for the longest time without a clue of what I'm doing! Thank you very much for this tutorial.

[@msovereign3076]

Excellent videos Michael. Thank you

[@hanstone2662]

Thank you that is so helpful!!

[@bernardoaguilargt3763]

Huge time saver! Thanks a lot!

[@mindtalkcoach]

Thanks very much for your work.

[@crparnell1]

Fantastic tips, thanks.

[@1220maxwell]

Have been using iMovie for years. This was extremely helpful, thank you.

[@joyofsinging3135]

Wow, thank you for teaching us this wonderful technique.

[@artieshell9205]

Wow! Thanks!

[@nicolematthews4886]

Thank you!!!! This was so helpful!!!

[@RVOnTheWayside]

Thank you! I've been just learning as I go with my videos, and just thought I would find a class or something. Now, that I found your channel, I think I found my classroom. You rock. Thank you! ❤️

[@z_Darkstar]

Thank you! I'm new to video editing and this is exactly the kind of thing I need. 👍