How to Delete the iMovie Preference List

iMovie is part of iLife, which also includes iPhoto, Garage Band, iDVD and iWeb.

iMovie has made desktop video editing easily accessible to Mac users since it debuted with the iMac DV in 2000. As part of the iLife suite of multimedia software for the Mac, iMovie offers a wide array of special effects and editing capabilities, especially for a consumer-level program. As with any software, the iMovie preferences file can become corrupted and cause odd behavior, such as video that freezes up while the audio continues to play. Delete the "Preferences" file, also known as the plist file, to troubleshoot quirks and fix problems.

Instructions

1. Save any unsaved work on your iMovie project. Quit your iMovie project and quit the software.

2. Click "Go" from the Finder menu, then scroll down to "Home" and click it. Navigate to the "Library" folder from your home account.

3. Click on the "Preferences" folder. Navigate to the file named "com.apple.iMovieApp.plist" and drag it to the trash. Don't empty the trash.

4. Click on the iMovie icon from your dock to launch the program. A new preferences file will automatically be created and placed in your "Preferences" folder.

5. Empty the trash after iMovie has reopened.

References

• Apple: ILife: Troubleshooting Basics
• Low End Mac: iMovie a Great Tool for Getting Started with Video Editing, Putting Your Movies on DVD
• Unofficial iMovie FAQ: iMovie Problems and General issues