Can I convert an AVI file to MOV and import it into iMovie?

Yes. AVI files generally need converting before import. Convert the AVI to MOV with H.264 or HEVC codec, and iMovie will accept it.

Will converting a video reduce its quality?

Converting before import is a one-time lossy step for compressed sources, so keep the original. Some quality loss can occur, but using high bitrate settings minimizes the difference.

Why does my video appear greyed out in the iMovie import window?

Files that iMovie cannot import appear greyed out in the import window. This happens when the file format or codec is not supported, such as MKV or WebM.

Does hdvideoconverter-mac.com add a watermark to converted videos?

No. The site converts video to MOV or MP4 without adding a watermark, and the service is free and online.

Video Won't Import Into iMovie or Final Cut? Convert It First

You tried to import a video into iMovie. It was greyed out. You are not alone. The fix is straightforward. Apple’s editing applications iMovie and Final Cut Pro accept only certain file types and codecs. When a file does not match, the import window greys it out or refuses it. Convert the video to a compatible format before you bring it into your project.

Why IMovie and Final Cut Pro Reject Some Video Files

iMovie and Final Cut Pro work with specific containers and codecs. They import MOV and MP4 files with H.264, HEVC or Apple ProRes codecs. They do not import MKV or WebM. AVI and WMV files need converting before import. If you see an ‘imovie unsupported file’ message, or ‘final cut pro won’t import mkv’, the cause is the same: the file format is not on the accepted list.

When a file is not supported, the application marks it as unavailable. That is why the icon appears greyed out. You cannot drag it to the timeline or open it. The only way to get that footage into your project is to change the file into something iMovie or Final Cut Pro can read.

Which Formats Apple’s Editors Accept

Safe Containers and Codecs

The safest formats for editing on a Mac are MOV and MP4. MOV is Apple’s native QuickTime container. MP4 works well, provided the codec inside is supported. Within those containers, H.264, HEVC and Apple ProRes are all accepted.

Formats That Need Converting

If you want to ‘import webm into imovie’, convert that WebM file first. WebM is not a format iMovie can open. The same applies to MKV. Even if the video inside an MKV is H.264, the container itself is not recognized. The file will be ignored.

How to Convert Video for IMovie and Final Cut Pro

Converting before import is a lossy step for compressed sources. Keep the original. Produce a MOV or MP4 file the editor can read. Follow these steps with any conversion tool.

Open your converter and add the video file that iMovie or Final Cut Pro rejected.
Choose an output format. Select MOV or MP4 as the container.
Set the video codec to H.264 or HEVC. Both are supported.
Select an audio codec. AAC works.
Start the conversion and wait.
Locate the new file and import it into iMovie or Final Cut Pro.

After conversion, the file should no longer appear greyed out. If it does, the source file may be damaged. A corrupted source will still fail after conversion.

Using Hdvideoconverter-mac.com for the Conversion

If you do not have a converter installed, use hdvideoconverter-mac.com. It is free. The site converts video to MOV or MP4 in your browser. Upload your file, choose the output format, and download the result. No watermark is added. You do not need to install software to ‘convert video for imovie’.

Converting is a lossy process for compressed sources. Always keep the original file on your drive. You may need to convert again later with different settings.

What to Do If Conversion Does Not Fix the Problem

A file may still fail to import after conversion. This points to corruption in the original video. A damaged file produces a damaged output, regardless of the format. Do this:

Check if the original file plays correctly in a media player. If it stutters or fails, the source is corrupt.
Try a different source file. If other videos convert and import without issue, the problem is with that one file.
Re-download or re-record the original footage.

There is no way to repair a truly corrupted video through format conversion alone.

A Note on Keeping Your Original Files

Converting before import is a lossy step for compressed sources. Keep the original. Each conversion from one compressed format to another loses a small amount of quality. Store the originals in a separate folder. Move only converted copies into your editing project. You can always start over with fresh settings.