Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rotate Video in iMovie

Navigating the world of video editing can sometimes introduce seemingly simple tasks that require a bit of know-how, such as rotating a video. This task is particularly relevant for iMovie users who might find themselves wondering, "How to rotate video in iMovie?" Whether it's footage shot in the wrong orientation or a creative decision to change the perspective of your video, iMovie offers a straightforward solution to rotate videos to your desired angle.

This step-by-step guide is designed to walk you through the process, ensuring that your videos look exactly as you envisioned. For those looking for an alternative editing tool that is equally user-friendly and capable of enhancing your video editing projects, CapCut video editor emerges as a compelling option, ready to meet your creative needs with ease.

How to rotate video in iMovie

Rotating a video in iMovie can seem daunting at first, especially if you're new to video editing. Whether you've shot a video in portrait mode that needs to be landscape, or you're experimenting with different angles for artistic effect, iMovie provides an intuitive platform for making these adjustments seamlessly.

In this article, we'll guide you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can rotate your videos in iMovie with confidence and precision, to achieve the perfect look for your project.

How to rotate video using the iMovie on Mac

Rotating a video in iMovie on a Mac is a straightforward process, thanks to the intuitive design of this preinstalled freeware on macOS. Here’s how you can easily adjust the orientation of your videos using iMovie on your Mac.

Step
1. Launch iMovie and select the "Create New" button to start a fresh project.
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2. Choose "Movie" from the dropdown menu to create a new movie project.
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3. Import your video by clicking on the "Import Media" button, then navigate to and select the video you wish to rotate.
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4. After importing, click on your video to select it. It will be highlighted in yellow, indicating it has been selected.
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5. Look for the "Cropping" button in the toolbar above the video player. Clicking on this will display options to rotate your clip either clockwise or counterclockwise.
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6. It's important to note that iMovie restricts saved videos to a 16:9 aspect ratio (horizontal orientation). Rotating a landscape video to a portrait will introduce black bars on the sides of your video, and you'll need to save it with these bars visible.
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For additional editing flexibility, iMovie also allows you to flip your video. Rotating the clip clockwise twice will flip it vertically. To achieve a horizontal flip, you will need to apply a filter:

• Click on the "Clip filter and audio effects" button.
• Select the "Clip Filter" field.
• Choose the "Flipped" filter to flip your video horizontally.
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This guide simplifies the process of rotating or flipping your video in iMovie, ensuring your final product aligns perfectly with your vision.

How to rotate video using the iMovie App on iPhone and iPad

Rotating a video on your iPhone or iPad is straightforward with the iMovie app. If iMovie isn't already installed on your device, you can easily download it from the iOS App Store.

Here's how to rotate a video using iMovie on your iPhone or iPad.

Step
1. Open the iMovie app and select the "Create Project" button to get started.
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2. From the pop-up that appears, choose "Movie" to start a new video project.
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3. Click on "Create Movie" at the bottom of your screen to proceed.
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4. To add the video you wish to rotate, tap the "+" sign, then navigate to the "VIDEOS & PHOTOS" section and select "Video."
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5. Choose "All" to view all your videos, then tap the one you want to edit.
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6. Add the selected video by tapping the "+" icon.
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7. With the video now in your project, use your thumb and index finger to rotate the video either clockwise or counterclockwise. A white circular arrow will display, showing the direction of your rotation.
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8. After adjusting the video to your preferred orientation, tap "Done" in the top left corner to save your changes.
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This process not only allows you to correct the orientation but also gives you the creative freedom to alter your videos for a better viewing experience.

The best way to rotate a video: CapCut video editor

The ultimate solution for rotating videos effortlessly is found within the CapCut video editor. This versatile editing tool simplifies the process of adjusting your video's orientation, whether you need to switch from landscape to portrait mode or vice versa. CapCut's intuitive interface allows users to rotate their videos with precision and ease, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned editors alike.

• Multi-terminal support

CapCut's versatility across three terminals—computer, and mobile—ensures that users have the flexibility to edit their videos regardless of their device preference. This multi-platform approach caters to the varied needs of content creators, from those making quick edits on the go to professionals refining projects with precision.

Computer terminal

Offers a robust, feature-rich environment for detailed video editing. Ideal for editors who require the precision of mouse and keyboard controls.

Mobile terminal

Enables editing directly from smartphones or tablets, offering a portable solution for on-the-spot video creation and sharing. This is especially useful for social media content creators who need to edit and post content while away from their desk.

• Rich video stickers, filters, and transitions

CapCut enhances videos with an extensive collection of stickers, filters, and transitions, allowing users to express creativity and add personality to their projects. Whether it's adding thematic stickers to highlight special occasions, applying filters for a cinematic look, or using smooth transitions for seamless storytelling, CapCut's library is equipped for any scenario.

• Integrated video and audio editing

The platform offers comprehensive tools for both video and audio editing within the same environment. Users can trim clips, adjust video speed, and apply effects with ease, while also fine-tuning audio tracks, adding voiceovers, and syncing sound with visuals. This integrated approach simplifies the editing process, making it more efficient and effective.

• TikTok popular templates

CapCut's integration with TikTok templates allows users to leverage popular formats and styles with just one click. This feature is particularly appealing for content creators looking to engage with trends and viral content on social media. The CapCut editing templates serve as a creative springboard, enabling users to produce content that resonates with their audience while saving time.

• Smart video editing functions

CapCut caters to a wide range of editing needs with both basic and advanced functions.

Anti-shake

Stabilizes shaky footage, essential for action shots or handheld videos, ensuring a smoother viewing experience.

Noise removal

Cleans up audio tracks by removing background noise, which is crucial for clear voiceovers and soundtracks.

Translation and transcription

Breaks down language barriers by providing translation and transcription services, making content accessible to a global audience. This feature enhances the reach and inclusivity of videos, catering to diverse viewers.

CapCut's comprehensive feature set, spanning from creative enhancements with stickers and filters to practical tools like anti-shake and noise removal, positions it as a versatile video editing solution. Its support across different terminals ensures that users have the flexibility to create and edit their videos in various contexts, catering to the dynamic needs of today's content creators. Whether for professional use, social media engagement, or personal projects, CapCut provides an all-in-one platform that adapts to the user's creative workflow.

How to rotate a video on PC with CapCut

Step
1. Upload video
2. Initiating a new project in CapCut begins with a simple click on the "New project" button, a gateway to importing your chosen video files from your computer. This first step is crucial, setting the stage for the creative magic that follows.
3. By bringing your video into CapCut's dynamic workspace, you're prepped to dive into the realm of editing, equipped with tools and features at your fingertips.
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6. Rotate video
7. With your video now in CapCut's ecosystem, the editing canvas is yours to shape. CapCut desktop video editor doesn't just allow you to rotate your video; it invites you into a world where every adjustment contributes to your narrative's unfolding. Click the "Rotate" button above the timeline to rotate the video.
8. Here, you're not merely rotating a video; you're refining it with a suite of editing tools designed to enhance its visual and auditory appeal. Delve into audio editing to ensure your video sounds as good as it looks, split scenes for dramatic effect, or employ translations to make your content universally understandable.
9. CapCut's library is rich with media assets—from filters and music to effects, text, stickers, and captions—each ready to help your video stand out.
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11. Export video

The culmination of your editing endeavor in CapCut is the export phase, where your project transitions from a work in progress to a completed masterpiece. Clicking the export button unveils a menu of options, allowing you to select the optimal format, resolution, and frame rate for your video.

CapCut's export process is designed to be seamless, ensuring your video emerges ready for viewing, free from watermarks, and polished to perfection. This final step doesn't just mark the end of your editing process; it represents the beginning of your video's journey to audiences, encapsulating your creative vision in a format that's both accessible and engaging.



How to rotate a video online with CapCut

Step
1. Upload video
2. The first step commences when you navigate to CapCut's user-friendly interface and click on the "New video" button. This action opens up multiple pathways for uploading your video content, catering to a variety of user preferences and technological setups. Whether you're working from a desktop computer, using a mobile device via QR code for a quick transfer, or opting for cloud storage solutions such as CapCut's cloud service, Google Drive, or Dropbox, the platform ensures your video is smoothly uploaded and ready for the next steps.
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4. Rotate and edit video
5. Upon uploading your video, you transition into the editing phase, where CapCut's comprehensive web editor comes into play. Rotate a video is simple with CapCut. Click "Crop" above the timeline and select the angle you want to rotate. You can also set the length, width, and height of the video arbitrarily.
6. Rotation is just the beginning; you can also dive into audio editing, add makeup effects, or even utilize translation services to broaden your video's appeal. CapCut encourages exploration through its vast array of free templates and media assets, including filters, music, effects, text, stickers, and captions, all aimed at elevating your video's aesthetic and narrative.
7. Moreover, AI-powered editing tools are at your disposal to streamline the editing process and enhance your productivity, ensuring your video not only looks professional but is also aligned with your vision.
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9. Export and share

The culmination of your creative journey with CapCut is the export and share phase. With a simple click on the "Export" button, you are presented with options to choose the preferred format, resolution, and frame rate for your video.

Additionally, the platform offers the convenience of directly sharing your final work on popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, enabling you to effortlessly connect with your audience. This seamless integration of uploading, editing, and sharing makes CapCut an excellent choice for anyone looking to rotate and further refine their videos online with ease and professionalism.



How to rotate a video on phone with CapCut

Step
1. Download and open CapCut
2. Begin by ensuring you have the CapCut app installed on your smartphone. If you haven't already done so, download it from your phone's app store (available on both iOS and Android platforms). Once installed, open the app to start the process.
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3. Start a new project
4. Upon launching CapCut, you'll be greeted with the home screen, where you can start a new project. Tap on the "New project" option to proceed. This action will prompt you to select the video you wish to edit from your phone's gallery or any albums you have.
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5. Select and import video
6. Browse through your media and select the video you want to rotate. After selecting the video, tap on the "Add" button to import it into your CapCut project. The video will now appear on the editing timeline, ready for adjustments.
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7. Rotate the video
8. With your video imported, look for the editing toolbar located at the bottom of the screen. Scroll through the "Edit" options until you find the "Rotate" tool. Tapping on this option will rotate your video 90 degrees clockwise with each tap. Continue tapping until you achieve the desired orientation.
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9. Edit and enhance
10. After rotating your video, you might want to make additional edits. CapCut offers a wide range of editing tools, including trimming, splitting, adding text, music, filters, and effects. Explore these options to further enhance your video, making it more engaging and polished.
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11. Export and share

Once you're satisfied with the rotation and any additional edits, it's time to export your video. Look for the export button, usually found in the top right corner of the screen. CapCut will process and save the edited video to your phone's gallery. From there, you can share it directly to social media platforms or with friends and family through various messaging apps.



Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering how to rotate video in iMovie is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your video editing skills, allowing for a more polished and professional final product. Whether you're working on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, iMovie provides the tools you need to adjust your video's orientation with ease, ensuring that your content always appears just as you intended.

For those looking to explore beyond iMovie's capabilities, the CapCut video editor offers an intuitive alternative with a wealth of editing features designed to take your videos to the next level. With CapCut, you can continue to refine your video projects with precision, ease, and creative freedom, making it an excellent next step for anyone looking to expand their video editing toolkit.

FAQs

1. Can I change a horizontal video to vertical on iPhone?
2. Yes, you can change a horizontal video to vertical on your iPhone by using the iMovie app. This process involves rotating or flipping your video to adjust its orientation. To rotate a movie in iMovie on your iPhone, simply open the project containing your video, use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to select the video on the timeline, and then rotate it using the rotation gesture.
3. If you're looking to flip a video in iMovie, you'll need to use the cropping tool to access rotation options. After making your adjustments, you can export your video in the new orientation. For an alternative editing solution that offers robust features for transforming video orientations, the CapCut video editor is also available, providing intuitive tools for creating engaging content on your mobile device.
4. How do I rotate the orientation of a video?
5. Rotating the orientation of a video can be easily accomplished with video editing software like iMovie. To rotate a movie in iMovie, open your video in the iMovie project, select your clip in the timeline, and then click on the cropping tool above the preview window. Here, you'll find options to rotate your video clockwise or counterclockwise. This will change the orientation from horizontal to vertical or vice versa, depending on your needs.
6. iMovie allows you to flip a video in iMovie as well, ensuring that you have full control over the video's presentation. For those seeking additional creative control and features beyond what iMovie offers, the CapCut video editor presents a versatile platform to fine-tune your videos with precision.
7. How do you make a vertical video on iMovie on iPhone?

Making a vertical video on iMovie on your iPhone involves adjusting the orientation of your footage from horizontal to vertical. Start by opening your video in the iMovie app and selecting it in the timeline. Use a two-finger rotation gesture to rotate your video to the vertical position. Although iMovie does not directly offer a "make vertical" button, this method effectively changes the orientation of your video. Keep in mind that rotating footage may introduce black bars on the sides to fill the unused space.

To creatively leverage every feature of iMovie, including how to rotate a movie in iMovie or even flip a video in iMovie for unique effects, exploring all the tools iMovie has to offer can greatly enhance your video editing skills. Additionally, for those looking for an alternative with innovative features, the CapCut video editor offers extensive tools and effects to craft visually stunning vertical videos effortlessly.