Freeze Frame iMovie: How to Add an iMovie Pause Frame for Free

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Freeze Frame iMovie: How to Add an iMovie Pause Frame for Free

Last Updated: 2024. 03. 22

A freeze frame is a commonly used technique in video production that involves repeating a single frame within a sequence, creating the illusion of a paused moment in time. This effect is often employed for dramatic emphasis or to highlight a particular moment or action within a scene.

Among the various software available for creating freeze frames, iMovie stands out as a user-friendly option, offering this feature at no cost. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to add freeze frames in iMovie.

Part 1: Adding Freeze Frames in iMovie

1)How to Add Freeze Frame in iMovie on Mac 2)How to Freeze Frame in iMovie on iPhone

Part 2. How to Add Freeze Frame to Text in iMovie

Part 3. iMovie Alternative to Add Freeze Frame Online for Free

Part 1: Adding Freeze Frames in iMovie

1)How to Add Freeze Frame in iMovie on Mac

With iMovie, you can achieve a wide range of visual effects, including freeze frames. To add a freeze frame in iMovie, follow these steps:

Step 1

Launch iMovie on your Mac and select "Create a New Project" to import the footage you wish to freeze into the timeline.

Step 2

Position the playhead over the timeline to the specific frame where you want to add iMovie freeze frame.

Select the Frame You Want to Freeze in iMovie

Step 3

Navigate to the "Modify" menu and select "Add Freeze Frame." The chosen frame will then be frozen for a duration of three seconds, without any accompanying audio. You can adjust the length of the freeze frame by dragging either edge to extend or shorten its duration.

Adjust the Freeze Frame Effect

Step 4

Once you are satisfied with the result, click on "Export" to save the edited video on your Mac.

2)How to Freeze Frame in iMovie on iPhone

If you prefer to create a freeze frame using your iPhone, iMovie also offers a straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

Step 1

Open your project in iMovie.

Open Project You Want to Freeze with iMovie

Step 2

Scroll through your project to locate the specific frame you want to freeze. Tap on the clip containing the desired frame, then select "Speed" followed by the "Freeze" button to insert the freeze frame.

Apply the Freeze Effect to Video

Step 3

Just like on a Mac, you'll notice a yellow box indicating the freeze frame's position in your Timeline.

Step 4

To adjust the duration of the freeze frame, simply drag the edge of the freeze frame either to make it longer or shorter according to your preference.

Adjust the Freeze Frame Duration in iMovie

Part 2. How to Add Freeze Frame to Text in iMovie

I’m trying to freeze my text and it is not working. I click on my imovie text and I go to modify but the freeze frame botton is not in a dark color. I looked on YouTube on how to freeze frame and I tried everything it says on there but its just not working. please help me! - from Apple Discussion

As iMovie doesn't offer a direct option to add static text, users often attempt to simulate a freeze frame effect with text to create a static appearance. However, achieving this effect directly with text is not supported within iMovie. Don’t worry! In this guide, we'll walk you through a workaround to freeze text in iMovie.

Step 1

Begin by creating your title on a green background in a new project, and then export it.

Step 2

Import both the title footage and the original clip into your project. Position the title above the clip in the timeline.

Step 3

Select the title clip and navigate to the "Modify" menu. Choose "Add Freeze Frame." This will create a freeze frame at the location of the playhead.

Step 4

With the title clip containing the freeze frame selected, apply the green screen effect. Click on the overlapping squares icon located in the toolbar at the upper right corner of your screen. From the selection box that appears, choose the green screen option. You should now have a title with freeze frame effect.

Creating a freeze frame in iMovie is straightforward, but some users encounter an issue where the freeze frame appears gray, hindering them from achieving the desired pause frame effect. In such cases, it might be beneficial to explore alternative software options that allow for the easy addition of text or visual freeze frames without complications.

Part 3. iMovie Alternative to Add Freeze Frame Online for Free

With FlexClip, you won't need to spend hours watching YouTube tutorials just to add a freeze frame. Its intuitive interface and straightforward operation make adding a pause frame to your video a breeze.

iMovie Alternative to Add Freeze Frame Online for Free

Moreover, FlexClip offers an extensive library of media resources and a variety of editing tools to help you fine-tune your freeze frame with just a few clicks. Additionally, its fast upload feature allows you to easily share your creations on popular media platforms like YouTube and TikTok in no time.

TTS tool to add AI voice

Various text styles to select

Filter & overlay your video

Edit freeze frame with ease

Sound effects are available

AI tools to streamline workflow

Extract a frame from video

Create project in high quality

How to Add Freeze Frame Using FlexClip

Step 1

Access FlexClip’s editor page, upload the video you want to freeze and add it to the timeline.

Upload the Targeted Video to FlexClip

Get Started Now

View Templates

Step 2

Play the head to the desired frame and right-click the clip to select Freeze Frame from the drop-down menu. By default, the frame will be frozen for three seconds. You can drag the slider to make the duration longer or shorter.

Choose the Desired Frame You Want to Freeze

Step 3

Edit the freeze frame with text, sound effects and filters. When you’re satisfied, tap on Export icon to download the video or share it across social media.

Edit the Frame and Export

The Bottom Line

That’s all for how to add freeze frame in iMovie. With one-click operation, a pause frame effect can be easily added. However, if your freeze frame button greyed out, turn to third-party application - FlexClip for help now!

Bella /

Full of vitality, curiosity and hope, Bella is an energetic copywriter at FlexClip. She mainly concentrates on video creation and troublesome issues related to video editing, providing users with practical solutions and tricks. Personally, Bella loves novels, sci-fi movies, cooking and travel. And, she believes that all her life is the best arrangement from God.