iMovie Not Responding or Beach Ball
Quick answer
iMovie freezing with a spinning beach ball is reported on current macOS. Update, reset preferences and test a new library.
Most likely fix: Update everything
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Update everything
- Update iMovie in the App Store
- Update macOS in System Settings > General > Software Update
Did this fix it?2. Reset preferences
- Hold Option and Command while opening iMovie
- Choose to delete preferences
- Reopen your library from File > Open Library
Did this fix it?3. Try a new library
- Create a new library
- Copy the project in and test
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
App hangs, long spinning ball, high CPU use even with no project open.
Why it happens
- Outdated iMovie or macOS
- Corrupt preferences
- Large HEVC or 4K clips
- Damaged library
This guide also covers
- imovie not responding
- imovie beach ball
- imovie freezing
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