Is there a good way to bring MXF files into Apple iMovie?


Is there a good way to import MXF files into iMovie maintaining original quality? You can follow this guide to bring MXF footage into iMovie in a very easy and direct way.
import MXF files into iMovie’11
Problems importing Canon XF105 MXF files into iMovie
“Is there a good way to import MXF files into iMovie 11 at full HD resolution as the original filles (or close to it)?  I’ve copied the MXF files from a Canon XF105 camcorder onto my MacBook Pro running Mavericks. I want to edit these MXF files in iMovie’11, but iMovie won’t recognize them. In the import dialog box the files are grayed out. What should I do to go about this? I’m working with iMovie’11 on a MBP running OS X Mavericks (10.9.5). Any suggestions? Thanks.”

All you can do is convert the MXF files to an iMovie friendly editing format, such as Apple InterMediate Codec with third party solutions. If you want to preserve the original quality of the .mxf files, we do recommend using HD Video Converter for Mac, which works well as an MXF to iMovie AIC Converter, being able to convert MXF footage to AIC .mov giving results that will closely match the original .mxf files.

Download a demo of HD Video Converter for Mac
MXF to iMovie AIC Converter

How to convert MXF files to QuickTime MOV with AIC codec?

To do this:
bring MXF footage into iMovie

Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional MXF to iMovie Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.

Step 2: Select output format for iMovie and FCE
For the purpose of converting MXF files for use in iMovie, from ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column. This format is also suitable for use in the discontinued Final Cut Express.
edit these MXF files in iMovie’11
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

Step 3: Adjust video and audio settings (Optional)
If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.

Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ to start MXF to MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated QuickTime files for using in iMovie with optimum performance.
Tips: MXF files are always HD content, so the conversion process may cost a little longer time. In this situation, you can tick off ‘Showdown computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.

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