How to Add Text in iMovie on an iPhone: The Definitive Guide

Adding text to your iMovie projects on your iPhone is a cornerstone of mobile video editing. It allows you to create compelling narratives, provide context, and enhance viewer engagement. The process is surprisingly straightforward, leveraging iMovie’s intuitive interface to bring your creative vision to life.

The short answer to how to add text in iMovie on your iPhone is this: Open your project, navigate to the clip you wish to add text to, tap the clip, select the “Titles” option, choose a title style, and then edit the text directly on the screen. This opens a world of possibilities, from simple captions to sophisticated title sequences.

Demystifying Text Addition in iMovie

Let’s break down the process into digestible steps, along with some expert tips to ensure your text looks professional and enhances your video rather than distracting from it.

1. Open Your iMovie Project: Launch the iMovie app on your iPhone and open the project you’re working on. If you haven’t started a project yet, create a new one by tapping the “+” icon.

2. Select Your Clip: Scroll through your timeline and find the specific video clip where you want to add text. Tap on the clip to select it. A yellow border will appear around the selected clip, indicating it’s active.

3. Access the Titles Menu: With the clip selected, look at the options that appear at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see icons like “Audio,” “Speed,” and crucially, “Titles.” Tap the “Titles” button.

4. Choose a Title Style: iMovie offers a variety of pre-designed title styles. These range from simple lower thirds to dynamic opening titles. Scroll through the options and choose one that suits the style and tone of your video. Consider factors like font, color, and animation.

5. Edit the Text: Once you’ve selected a title style, the text will appear on your video clip. Tap on the text directly on the screen. This will bring up the keyboard, allowing you to edit the placeholder text with your own message. Be mindful of the text’s length and readability.

6. Customize Your Text: Beyond just changing the words, iMovie allows customization. Look for options at the bottom of the screen to change the font style, size, color, and position of the text. Experiment with different combinations to achieve the desired look.

7. Adjust the Duration: By default, the text overlay will have a set duration. To adjust how long the text appears on screen, drag the edges of the title clip in the timeline. Dragging the edge inward shortens the duration, while dragging it outward lengthens it.

8. Fine-Tune the Position: You can reposition the text on the screen by dragging it with your finger. Ensure the text is legible and doesn’t obscure important visual elements.

9. Add Multiple Text Overlays: To add additional text elements, simply repeat steps 2-8 for each new text overlay you want to create. You can stack text elements or place them strategically throughout your clip.

10. Preview and Finalize: Once you’re satisfied with your text edits, tap the “Done” button in the upper-left corner to return to the main project timeline. Preview your video to ensure the text appears as intended. Make any necessary adjustments before exporting your final product.

Pro Tips for Superior Text in iMovie

• Keep it Concise: Brevity is key. Aim for short, impactful phrases rather than lengthy sentences.
• Contrast is King: Ensure your text color contrasts sharply with the background video to improve readability. White text on a dark background or dark text on a light background are generally good choices.
• Choose Fonts Wisely: Select fonts that are easy to read and complement the overall style of your video. Avoid overly decorative or complex fonts.
• Maintain Consistency: Use a consistent font style and color scheme throughout your video to create a cohesive look.
• Animate Subtly: Use animations sparingly and ensure they enhance the message rather than distracting from it.
• Consider Mobile Viewing: Remember that many viewers will be watching your video on small mobile screens. Ensure your text is large enough to be easily read on these devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about adding text in iMovie on an iPhone, designed to address specific challenges and provide further clarity.

1. Can I use custom fonts in iMovie?

Unfortunately, iMovie on iOS doesn’t natively support importing custom fonts. You’re limited to the fonts provided within the app. However, you can create title cards with custom fonts in other apps (like Adobe Spark Post) and import them as image overlays.

2. How do I remove text from a clip?

Select the clip containing the text in the timeline. Tap on the text overlay itself within the timeline (it will highlight yellow). Then, tap the “Delete” button that appears at the bottom of the screen.

3. How can I change the duration of the text appearing on the screen?

In the timeline, select the text overlay you want to adjust. Drag the left or right edge of the overlay to lengthen or shorten its duration. This allows precise control over when the text appears and disappears.

4. Is it possible to add text to a photo in iMovie?

Yes, adding text to a photo is the same process as adding text to a video clip. Import the photo into your iMovie project and then follow the steps outlined above: select the photo in the timeline, tap “Titles,” choose a style, and edit the text.

5. How do I change the color of the text?

After selecting the text overlay and tapping on the text on the screen, look at the options at the bottom. There should be a color palette or a color selection tool. Tapping this will allow you to choose from a range of colors or use a color picker to select a specific shade.

6. Can I add a shadow or outline to my text?

Some title styles in iMovie offer built-in shadow or outline effects. Experiment with different title styles to find one that includes the effect you desire. You can’t directly add shadows or outlines to every font in iMovie, so your font choice might be influenced by these effects.

7. How do I animate the text in iMovie?

The “Titles” menu offers various animation options. When you select a title style, it often comes with a pre-set animation (fade-in, slide-in, etc.). Experiment with different styles to find animations that suit your project.

8. How do I add scrolling text or credits?

iMovie doesn’t have a dedicated scrolling text feature. However, a workaround is to create a very long title card in another app and then slowly pan across it in iMovie using the “Ken Burns” effect on a still image.

9. My text is blurry. How do I fix this?

Blurry text can be caused by several factors: using a small font size, compressing the video too much, or scaling up a low-resolution image. Ensure your font size is adequate for the screen size. Export at the highest resolution possible for clearer results.

10. Can I save my favorite text styles for future use?

iMovie doesn’t offer a way to save custom text styles directly. Your best bet is to take screenshots of your preferred settings and keep a reference document for future projects.

11. How do I make the text appear behind a subject in the video?

This requires more advanced editing than iMovie on iPhone typically handles. You’d need to use a video editing software with layering capabilities (like Adobe Premiere Rush on iPad) and potentially rotoscoping techniques to isolate the subject.

12. How can I add a background to my text?

Certain title styles in iMovie come with a background box or shape already incorporated. Experiment with different styles to find one that suits your needs. If you require a custom background, create the background image in another app and overlay it with your text in iMovie.

Adding text in iMovie on your iPhone doesn’t have to be daunting. Following these tips and tricks will help you create professional-looking videos with captivating text overlays. So go forth, experiment, and unleash your inner video editing guru!