Editing videos has become a lot easier with the introduction of iMovie on the iPad. This can save you a great deal of time and effort. However, the more you edit, the more storage space you use up on your device. That’s why it’s essential to know how to free up space on iMovie iPad so that you don’t run out of storage in the middle of a project.
In this blog post, we discuss different methods to free up space on iMovie iPad. Additionally, we provide an overview of the techniques you can use to extend your storage life, keep your work running smoothly, and minimize problems.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
You will need an iPad running on the latest iOS version, an iMovie app, and some basic knowledge of using the app. It is also recommended to back up your files before deleting them. You may use cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox or OneDrive, or an external hard drive.
What Requires Your Focus?
When you start using iMovie on your iPad, it is easy to get carried away and forget about saving hard drive space. Several factors consume storage space, such as imported raw footage, the timeline edits, and exported videos. Moreover, each project eats up about 4GB of storage. Hence, it’s essential to keep an eye on the space usage and manage the projects to ensure that there’s always enough space for work.
Different Methods to Free Up Space on iMovie iPad
Method 1: Delete Unnecessary Files
The first and most straightforward method to free up space in iMovie iPad is to delete any files that you no longer need. This includes reducing the number of videos, photos, and audio clips stored in the "All Projects" section. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the iMovie app on your iPad.
- Select the "All Projects" section and delete any old, unnecessary projects that take up space. Click on Edit on the right top corner, then select the project to delete and click on Delete Project.
- To delete a file, select it in the project and tap the "Delete" button. Then, select "Move to Trash" or "Delete from Camera Roll."
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward.
- You can selectively choose the files you want to delete.
Cons:
- You need to navigate through the interface to delete each file, which can be time-consuming.
Method 2: Optimize Storage on iMovie iPad
The iMovie app provides an option to optimize storage on your device if you enable iCloud. When this feature is enabled, the app deletes projects and related media files from your device automatically when storage space is low to save space. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to Settings > iCloud on your iPad and log in.
- Turn on iCloud Drive and enable "Optimize Storage" for iMovie iPad.
Pros:
- You don’t have to worry about managing storage yourself, as iMovie will do it automatically.
- If you accidentally delete a project, it can be recovered from iCloud Drive.
Cons:
- You will need to have an iCloud account for this feature to work.
- Deleted projects on the iMovie app will also be deleted from your iCloud storage if your storage space is full.
Method 3: Export Projects to Computer
If maintaining space on your iPad is challenging, you can export your iMovie projects to a computer, as hard drives offer more storage space. This can be achieved by enabling AirDrop or connecting your iPad via a USB cable. Here are the steps to follow:
- Connect your iPad to the computer via a USB cable, open iTunes, and make sure both devices are connected.
- Unlock your iPad screen and trust the computer if prompted.
- Select your iPad from the menu and click on "File Sharing".
- Locate iMovie from the list of apps and select it.
- Select the project you’d like to export and click on "Save to."
- Select a destination on your computer to save the project.
Pros:
- You can export and back up your projects on your computer, increasing your storage space and creating a secure backup.
Cons:
- You need a computer with enough storage space to save your projects, which can be time-consuming.
Why Can’t I Free Up Space on iMovie iPad?
There could be several reasons why you’re unable to free up space on your iMovie iPad, including:
1. Your Projects Take Up too Much Space
If you have too many projects saved on your iPad, this is usually the primary reason for insufficient storage space. It’s especially an issue if you work with high-resolution timelines. Once a project is completed, export it as a video and delete its data off your iMovie app and iPad to save space.
Fix:
- Use External Storage: One of the easiest ways to resolve the issue of insufficient storage on your iMovie iPad is to use external storage devices for your projects. You can save your projects on iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, among others.
- Limit the Number of Projects: Try to keep the number of projects you’re working on to a minimum. It’s always a good practice to delete any projects that are several months old or any raw footage that you no longer need.
2. Your iMovie App has Corrupted Data
In rare cases, iMovie data may become damaged, causing the app to malfunction or fail to delete files. To check whether your iMovie app has corrupted data, launch it and observe if it’s performing effectively or not.
Fix:
- Reinstall iMovie: Uninstall and then reinstall the app. This simple action often corrects any bugs or corrupted data that caused the app to malfunction.
- Reset All Settings: Go to settings, find iMovie, and tap "Reset All Settings" to reset your iPad’s settings to their defaults. Note that this step will delete any data that can’t be recovered.
3. Your iPad has a Low Storage Capacity
In some cases, your iPad may be low on storage capacity, preventing it from functioning or running correctly. This low space may cause your files to be saved partially.
Fix:
- Transfer Your Data: Try transferring some of your data to external storage devices or a computer.
- Remove Unused Apps: Uninstall any unused iPad apps to free up space continually.
- Clear Old Data Files: You can use tools such as file cleaners to clear cache files, duplicates, and unnecessary data in your iOS device.
Implications and Recommendations
It is always advisable to work on a project with sufficient storage space, and you should regularly maintain your iMovie iPad app’s storage. By freeing up space regularly, it will help you avoid running out of space in the middle of an edit or data loss. The method of storage you choose for your iMovie projects must also be secure and have sufficient storage space. Lastly, it’s always wise to back up your work externally to secure and save it when needed.
5 FAQs about Freeing Up Space on iMovie iPad
Q1: How do you permanently delete projects from the iMovie iPad app?
A: Open the iMovie app on your iPad, select the "All Projects" section and click on "Edit" on the right top corner. Select the project to delete and click on "Delete Project." Then, select "Move to Trash" or "Delete from Camera Roll."
Q2: What’s the best way to optimize storage on iMovie iPad?
A: Enabling "Optimize Storage" feature on iMovie iPad can automatically delete projects and related media files from your device when storage space is low to save space.
Q3: How can I transfer my iMovie projects to a computer?
A: Connect your iPad to the computer via a USB cable, open iTunes, and make sure both devices are connected. Select your iPad from the menu, click on "File Sharing," locate iMovie from the list of apps, select the project you’d like to export, and click on "Save to."
Q4: Why is iMovie not deleting files on my iPad?
A: This issue could be due to corrupted iMovie data. To resolve the issue, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app or resetting all settings to their defaults.
Q5: Is there a way to recover deleted projects on iMovie iPad?
A: If iCloud Drive is enabled, you can recover deleted projects using the "Recently Deleted" folder. You can also recover accidentally deleted projects if you have backed up your iPad to iTunes on a desktop or laptop computer.
Final Words
If you’re looking to free up space on iMovie iPad, there are several simple methods you can use. You can optimize storage on iMovie, delete unnecessary files, or export projects to a computer. Whatever method you choose, always remember to back up your work externally to secure it and avoid data loss.