How do I import a DVD into iMovie on Mac (OS X El Capitan Included)

Summary: Bringing your DVD videos into iMovie is a quick and simple process. This post will show you how to convert DVD to iMovie compatible video for further editing smoothly.


iMovie, as a part of the iLife suite, is a ideal video editing tool and widely used by more and more users to edit video clips, add sound and voiceover tracks and share movies in various ways. There are some occassions that you wanna import some clips on DVD into iMovie for further editing. They will be disappointed to find the DVD files grey out and iMovie doesn't support the DVD format. Luckily, there is an easy way to fix the issue. Let's find it out here.


Actually, it's not as difficult as you imagine. What you need is just a common DVD converter like Brorsoft DVD Ripper for Mac. With it, you can effortelessly convert DVD files to Apple InterMediate Codec(AIC) MOV files – ensuring maximum editing quality and efficiency when working with iMovie (no matter iMovie HD, iMovie 08, iMovie 09, or iMovie 11). The conversion is darn easy to be finished with only three clicks without loss of video quality. Just get the program and check out the easy steps to convert and import footage on DVD into iMovie without any troubles.

Simple steps to convert and import DVD videos to iMovie

Step 1. Load DVD movies

Insert the DVD disc you want to convert into your Mac's hard drive and click the "DVD" icon to import the DVD movies. Or simply drag the DVD disc icon on the desktop to the program. Loaded DVD movies can be previewed in the right preview window and you're free to take snapshots of your favorite DVD movies. In addition, you can select the subtitle and audio track as you like.



Step 2. Select iMovie native format and start the conversion

Click format bar to choose the format for output. For editing DVDs in iMovie on Mac, you can choose iMovie and Final Cut Express -> Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov), it's best for iMovie editing. After all the settings, click the Convert button to start converting DVD to iMovie supported video format. A few minutes later, you'll get the converted videos.



As you see, besides converting DVDs for iMovie, this DVD ripper for Mac OS can also help you convert DVD to Final Cut Pro, iDVD, etc. or directly convert your DVD movies to the format for your iPhone, iPod, iPad, and more.

Step 3. Import DVD to iMovie

Now launch iMovie and click File > Import > Movies to import the converted videos to iMovie for further editing. Just create your masterpiece with joy!