When Apple announced the iPhone 4 they showed up new features and the power of the hardware included on the device. Utilizing the power of the upgraded HD camera, Apple demonstrated their new iPhone App iMovie. At first I was a bit suspect of the ability to create even somewhat enjoyable video while on the iPhone. But, despite my doubts, I purchased the App when it was released to the iPhone App Store.

My initial tests with the device lead me wanting for an app that was easier to use and I didn’t return to the app for a number of months. After reading that the iMovie app for the iPhone was updated, I decided to test out the App again. While only small adjustments were made, iMovie on the iPhone truly allows users to quickly create enjoyable short-clip home movies. While technically capable, the iPhone really just isn’t the place for making longer home videos.

Creating Movies with iMovie on the iPhone

To create movies with iMovie on the iPhone you’ll need to download and install the app from the App Store. Once the app is installed on your iPhone you’ll need to record video on your iPhone with either the iMovie app itself, or by using the iPhone Camera app.

After you’ve recorded your video you can start to edit it from within iMovie on the iPhone. When you first open iMovie you’ll be presented with a project screen. You can either create a new project, enter into one that you’ve already created for edits, share the project with friends through YouTube, SMS or Email, or delete the project from iMovie and the iPhone.

Once you’ve created a project and enter into it for edit mode, you can easily select video and pictures from your iPhone photo/video library. Organize the video and photos into the way you want your movie to play, add transitions, and drag and drop audio from your library to make finishing touches. I’ve created a short enjoyable and high quality video in the matter of minutes with iMovie for the iPhone.

Tips for iMovie App on the iPhone

Slice

To slice video in iMovie on the iPhone you’ll need to drag and drop the entire clip from your photo/video library to the iMovie Project. Slide the playhead to the portion you want to slice and split the video into two and then with your finger drag your finger straight down the playhead line like you were cutting it with a knife.

Removing a Clip

After you’ve split a clip, or if you just want to delete one from your movie project, touch and hold to select the clip and then drag it and drop it above the timeline. You’ll see a cloud and when you remove your finger from the touch screen the clip will be removed from your iMove project.

Transitions

To add a transition in your iMovie project you’ll first need to add the two clips, or create two clips by splitting one. After you’ve added the two clips you’ll see a transition icon between them. Double tab the icon to be presented with the Transition settings. Select Cross Dissolve or Theme and then the time for the transition to take place.

Use Short Video Clilps

For easier video editing and movie making Maciverse highly suggest breaking up your recording session into clips while you record the live video Stop and start the video recording to create a video clip libary that is easier to use in iMovie.

Add Text Overlay

To add a text overlay to a clip, double tap the click to bring up the iMovie clip settings. To add text, select Title Style and then an option other than none. Once you’ve selected the Title Style, return to your iMovie project and double tab the title text on the clip to bring up the keyboard so you can start typing the text you’d like to be included on the iMovie project.

Undo

Don’t forget that the iPhone standard undo gesture applies to the iMovie app. If you accidentally delete a clip or add text you’d like to remove, simply and gently giggle the iphone to bring up the Undo option. This has saved me a number of times as I’ve accidentally done something in iMovie that I wanted to undo.