Step 1: Open iMovie

Launch iMovie:

Open the iMovie application on your Mac or iOS device.

Step 2: Create a New Project or Open an Existing One

Create a New Project:

Click on the Create New button and select Movie to start a new project.

Open an Existing Project:

If you already have a project, select it from the Projects view to open it.

Step 3: Import Photos

Importing Photos on Mac:

Go to the Import Media Screen:

Click on the Import Media button located in the toolbar or use the File menu and select Import Media.

Select Photos:

Navigate to the folder containing the photos you want to add. You can import photos from your computer, iPhoto, Photos app, or an external storage device.

Import Photos:

Select the photos you want to add and click on the Import Selected button. The photos will be imported into your iMovie media library.

Importing Photos on iOS:

Access the Media Library:

Tap on the + button (Add Media) in the toolbar and select Photos.

Choose Photos:

Browse your photo library and select the photos you want to add.

Import Photos:

Tap on the photos to import them into your project.

Step 4: Add Photos to the Timeline

Drag and Drop Photos:

In the media library, locate the photos you imported. Drag each photo and drop it onto the timeline where you want it to appear in your video.

Adjust Photo Duration:

By default, iMovie sets the duration of photos to a few seconds. You can change this by clicking and dragging the edges of the photo in the timeline to adjust its length.

Step 5: Enhance Your Photos

Apply Ken Burns Effect:

The Ken Burns effect adds motion to your photos by panning and zooming. To enable it, select a photo in the timeline, click on the Crop to Fill button in the viewer, and then choose Ken Burns.

Adjust the start and end frames by dragging the corners of the green and red rectangles.

Add Transitions:

Smooth transitions between photos and video clips enhance the visual flow of your project. To add transitions, click on the Transitions tab in the browser, and drag and drop a transition effect between two clips or photos in the timeline.

Adjust Photo Settings:

Select a photo in the timeline to access the adjustment tools above the viewer. Here, you can adjust the color balance, apply filters, and modify other settings to enhance the appearance of your photos.

Step 6: Add Titles and Captions

Add Titles:

To add titles or captions to your photos, click on the Titles tab in the browser. Choose a title style and drag it onto the timeline above the photo where you want the title to appear.

Edit the text by double-clicking on the title in the viewer and typing your desired text.

Step 7: Add Music or Sound Effects

Import Music:

To add background music or sound effects, click on the Import Media button again, navigate to your music files, and import them into your media library.

Drag the audio file onto the timeline below your photos and adjust its length to match the duration of your project.

Adjust Audio Settings:

Select the audio clip in the timeline to access audio adjustment tools. Here, you can adjust the volume, fade in/out, and apply other audio effects.

Step 8: Review and Fine-Tune Your Project

Preview Your Project:

Use the playback controls in the viewer to preview your project and ensure everything looks and sounds as intended.

Make Adjustments:

If needed, make any final adjustments to the timing, transitions, effects, and audio settings to perfect your project.

Step 9: Export Your Project

Export Your Video:

Once you are satisfied with your project, it’s time to export it. Click on the File menu, select Share, and choose your preferred export option (e.g., File, YouTube, Facebook).

Set Export Settings:

Choose the desired resolution, quality, and other export settings. Click Next, choose a location to save your file, and click Save.