Are you dealing with the ‘not enough disk space iMovie’ issue whenever you save iMovie files? Not sure why it is happening on your computer and how to get rid of it. Well, iMovie causes this error when it lacks sufficient space.
Learning how to free up space on Mac’s iMovie app and fix this error is so simple. There are multiple solutions to resolve this problem by yourself. So, let’s discover them to get started with a quick fix before purchasing another hard drive.
Why Do You Experience Disk Space Issues in iMovie?
As the error states itself, you may encounter it when your disk is almost full. A minimum of 25GB of available space is required to ensure the smooth running of iMovie. When you create any video using iMovie and save it as MP4, make sure the file size is average.
MP4 files uploaded between 1 and 10GB. If you don’t know how to save iMovie as MP4 or want to learn more about the file format, it should not take too long to figure it out. iMovie creates lots of temporary and cache files that take up huge space. Pending updates can also be the reason.
Let’s move on to the ways to fix the disk space error in iMovie.
Reduce iMovie Disk Space
To get rid of this error, you need to free up some disk space. But, before working on this method, check if your disk really lacks storage space. To clean up the iMovie disk space, remove the unwanted files.
These files may include iMovie caches, junk files, useless iMovie clips, Trash files, and other unnecessary files and applications. You can manually find and delete such files in the Finder option. To save time, you can also go for a cleaner for Mac to remove caches.
Remove Duplicated Clips
Another solution to the ‘not enough disk space iMovie’ error is to locate the duplicated clips and remove them. Deleting the copies will help in freeing some space. To delete the duplicates, click File in iMovie. Next, find the option ‘Consolidate Media’ and open it.
Now, you will find three options – Copy the Events, Move the Events, or Copy the Clips. To move the files anywhere, select the Move the Events option. Then, simply delete all the duplicated iMovie files and check if iMovie is running smoothly now.
Remove Outdated iMovie Projects
When you create iMovie projects, they pile up and consume valuable storage space. Some projects turn outdated after some time and become useless. So, it’s good to remove them and save your space.
To clear outdated projects from the iMovie app, launch iMovie through Launchpad or Spotlight. Now, locate the project you want to delete. Press the three-dot menu and select Delete Project to release disk space.
Delete iMovie Library Events
All iMovie media files, such as photos and video clips, are stored in the iMovie Library. Just like outdated projects, you can delete events you no longer require in your Library to free up some gigabytes of space.
To clear iMovie Library:
- Launch this app and open a required project.
- Tap the iMovie Library in the sidebar.
- Choose the clip you need to delete and then right-click on it.
- Click Move Event to the Trash or Delete Media from Event.
Delete iMovie Render Files
Another step to delete disk space is to remove the render files. These are the temporary files created by iMovie to edit the videos. It’s quite safe to delete these files as it doesn’t affect the video. You can delete the render files either in Finder or within iMovie.
Launch iMovie and open Preferences. To start this process, go to Preferences and then tap on the Delete button. In Finder, click Go to the folder, then go to ~/Movies/. Next, right-tap on the iMovie Library and pick Show Package Contents. Find the files and delete them.
Update or Reinstall iMovie App
Check the update for iMovie in the App Store and install the new version. This step is recommended when you notice this error, even after having enough space. You can also try reinstalling iMovie. To restart, go to Finder and click Applications.
Find iMovie and right-click the app icon. Select Move to Trash. Alongside iMovie, delete the related iMovie app files by selecting Go in the Finder. Click Go to Finder and type ~/Library. Find the files and move them to Trash. Empty Trash and reinstall iMovie.
The Conclusion
So, as now you’re aware of multiple stepwise solutions, let’s get started with troubleshooting the iMovie storage issue. If you prefer, you can also use some reliable third-party Mac cleaners. But check the reviews and ratings before using any tool.
If you are getting iMovie not having enough disk space issues even after trying the above solution, use its alternatives. You can consider the iMovie alternative – Wondershare Filmora, one of the recommended video editing software.
Peekatthis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Peekatthis also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites.
If you found this post useful, please do consider sharing it or letting your friends know via social media. Have something to add? Please feel free to do so in the comments section below. I really appreciate it!
📌 Don’t forget to save the blog for later, pin the image below!
About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
Eager to learn more, and receive a free ebook on the Top 10 Tips For Filming With A Smartphone?
Join our weekly newsletter below featuring inspiring stories, no-budget filmmaking tips, and comprehensive equipment reviews to help you turn your film projects into reality!
