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iMovie quits when saving file

Never had any issues with iMovie previously, but now when I attempt to save/share to "file" the application simply quits. iMove version is 10.1


If it helps, I recently upgraded to Sierra 10.12.6. Never had this problem when running on El Capitan.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 15, 2022 8:26 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 15, 2022 8:59 AM

Be sure that your iMovie version is updated to the highest that High Sierra will run. You can use this procedure:


To update/redownload iMovie 10, drag your iMovie 10 app from the Applications folder into the trash, but do not empty the

trash. Sign in to the app store and open your purchases folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. You will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. If not successful, drag your present iMovie app out of the trash and return it to the Applications folder.


If no luck, try these diagnostic procedures:


Deleting Preferences


Open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select to delete preferences in the box that appears.

iMovie will open in a new library. Reopen your old library to get back to your projects.  Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.


Safe Mode


You could also try booting up in Safe Mode (see Finder menu for instructions) and, after everything loads, immediately shut down and reboot in normal mode. Then see if iMovie works properly.


Resetting the System Management Controller


Try resetting the System Management Controller (but no longer available for the new M1 computers):


How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM


Try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM, although this issue would be fairly rare:


Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


-- Rich


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 15, 2022 8:59 AM in response to Tom Kirkman

Be sure that your iMovie version is updated to the highest that High Sierra will run. You can use this procedure:


To update/redownload iMovie 10, drag your iMovie 10 app from the Applications folder into the trash, but do not empty the

trash. Sign in to the app store and open your purchases folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. You will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. If not successful, drag your present iMovie app out of the trash and return it to the Applications folder.


If no luck, try these diagnostic procedures:


Deleting Preferences


Open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select to delete preferences in the box that appears.

iMovie will open in a new library. Reopen your old library to get back to your projects.  Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.


Safe Mode


You could also try booting up in Safe Mode (see Finder menu for instructions) and, after everything loads, immediately shut down and reboot in normal mode. Then see if iMovie works properly.


Resetting the System Management Controller


Try resetting the System Management Controller (but no longer available for the new M1 computers):


How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM


Try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM, although this issue would be fairly rare:


Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


-- Rich


iMovie quits when saving file

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