How to add a freeze frame effect in iMovie on Mac and iOS

Adding a freeze frame effect to your movie is a cool way to stop time to make something stand out. You can add a freeze frame, adjust its length, and then have your movie pick right back up where it was. If this sounds interesting to you, here’s how to add a freeze frame effect in iMovie on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Use freeze frame in iMovie

Add a freeze frame in iMovie on Mac

Open your project for editing in iMovie on Mac, and then follow these steps to add a freeze frame:

1) Select the video clip in your movie Timeline.

2) Click Modify > Add Freeze Frame from the menu bar. Alternatively, click the Speed button above the Viewer and choose Freeze Frame in the Speed drop-down box.

Add Freeze Frame iMovie Mac

You’ll see a yellow box with a hand in the center appear in the clip in your Timeline where the freeze frame is located.

Adjust the freeze frame duration

By default, a freeze frame is set to three seconds, but you can change this duration easily if you like.

1) Select the clip in your Timeline and then the freeze frame by clicking the hand icon in the center of it.

2) Drag one of the edges to lengthen or shorten the freeze frame. Alternatively, you can click the Speed button above the Viewer and enter the number of seconds in the Duration box.

Adjust Freeze Frame iMovie Mac

Add a freeze frame in iMovie on iOS

On iPhone or iPad, open your project in iMovie for editing and then do the following to add a freeze frame:

1) Select the video clip in your movie Timeline.

2) Tap the Speed button at the bottom and select Freeze.

Add Freeze Frame iMovie iPad

Similar to Mac, you’ll see a yellow box appear in the clip in your Timeline where the freeze frame is located.

Adjust the freeze frame duration

Like in iMovie on Mac, a freeze frame is set to three seconds. To change this, follow these steps:

1) Select the clip in your Timeline and then tap the freeze frame.

2) Drag one edge of the freeze frame to lengthen or shorten its duration.

Adjust Freeze Frame iMovie iPad

The freeze frame effect gives you a great way to capture and hold onto a few seconds of your movie for just a bit longer. Are you going to add this effect to your movie in iMovie? Let us know!

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