In this article, you'll learn how to add fade-in and fade-out effects to the beginning and end of your clips in iMovie. This can be done on both mobile and desktop versions of iMovie.

On Mobile

Step 1. Launch iMovie.

Step 1

Launch iMovie by tapping the icon that looks like a white star and a video camera on a purple background.

Step 2. Select Your Project.

Step 2

Select your project by tapping the "Projects" tab at the top of the screen, then tap on the project you want to open.

Step 3. Choose the Transition Icon.

Step 3

Choose the transition icon by tapping one of the |►◄| icons between two clips. A pop-up menu will appear.

Step 4. Tap Fade

Step 4

Tap on Fade. This will add a fade to black effect at the end of the left clip and a fade from black effect at the beginning of the second clip.

  • Repeat this step for any other transition icons you want to modify.

Step 5. Tap Settings {"smallUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/3/36/Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png","bigUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/36/Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png/30px-Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"","zoomWidth":30,"zoomHeight":30,"zoomUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/36/Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png/30px-Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png"}.

Step 5

Tap Settings. This icon is located in the lower right corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear.

  • If the icon isn’t visible, tap on the clip, then swipe right or left on the screen.

Step 6. Toggle the "Fade from Black" Switch {"smallUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png","bigUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png/47px-Iphoneswitchofficon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":294,"bigWidth":47,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"","zoomWidth":47,"zoomHeight":30,"zoomUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png/47px-Iphoneswitchofficon.png"}.

Step 6

Toggle the "Fade from Black" switch. The switch will turn green, and a fade from black effect will be added to the beginning of the project.

Step 7. Toggle the "Fade to Black" Switch {"smallUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png","bigUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png/47px-Iphoneswitchofficon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":294,"bigWidth":47,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"","zoomWidth":47,"zoomHeight":30,"zoomUrl":"https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/Iphoneswitchofficon.png/47px-Iphoneswitchofficon.png"}.

Step 7

Toggle the "Fade to Black" switch. The switch will turn green, and a fade to black effect will be added to the end of the project.

Step 8. Tap Done

Step 8

Tap Done. This option is located in the upper right corner of the screen. Your changes will be saved, and the fade effects will be applied to the project.

On Desktop

Step 1. Launch iMovie on Your Mac.

Step 1

Launch iMovie on your Mac by clicking the icon that resembles a purple star with a video camera; it is located in the dock. You can also open Spotlight, type "iMovie," and hit "iMovie."

Step 2. Select Your Project.

Step 2

Select your project by going to the "Projects" tab at the top of the window and then clicking on the desired project.

  • If you don’t have any projects, click "Create" in the upper left corner and then add the video you need.

Step 3. Drag the Clip to the Editing Area.

Step 3

Drag the clip to the editing area. Move the desired part of your project into the lower half of the iMovie window. A preview of the clip will appear on the right side of the iMovie window.

  • To add multiple clips, hold down ⌘ Command and click on each clip you want to select. Now drag one of the selected clips into the editing area.

Step 4. Click on Settings

Step 4

Click on Settings. This option is located to the right of the window (just below the clip preview). A menu will expand.

Step 5. Check the "Fade from Black" Box.

Step 5

Check the "Fade from Black" box. This option is found in the menu. A fade from black effect will be added to the beginning of the clip.

Step 6. Check the "Fade to Black" Box.

Step 6

Check the "Fade to Black" box. This option is located below the "Fade from Black" option. A fade to black effect will be added to the end of the clip.

Step 7. Add Fade Effects to Other Clips in Your Project.

Step 7

Add fade effects (to black or from black) to other clips in your project. Do this if you need to edit multiple clips in the project.