- Change Video Background in iMovie Using a Green Screen on iPad and iPhone
- Adjust the green screen feature on iPad or iPhone
- Add or edit backgrounds in iMovie on iPhone
- Change Video Background in iMovie Using a Green Screen on Mac
- Adjust the green screen feature on Mac
- Change the background of your iMovie
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Do you want to make your own film in Paris, but you’ve never been to France? You can do this in iMovie by removing the background and inserting a new one. And the best way to change the background of your video in iMovie is to record it in front of a green screen and then insert your desired background underneath. Not only can you do this in iMovie, but you can also do it on an iPad, iPhone, or Mac.

This article explains how to add or edit backgrounds in iMovie and how to change the colors of solid, gradient, or patterned backgrounds.
Change Video Background in iMovie Using a Green Screen on iPad and iPhone
Many users know that one of the easiest ways to change the background of a video is to record it in front of a green screen. This means recording your video using a green screen as a background which can then be removed using iMovie on an iPad or iPhone. This basically removes the background in iMovie and allows you to place your video on a different background.
With this green screen effect, you can overlay your clip on a background photo, image, or video. To do this, you must add the video clip on top of the background clip in the timeline of your iMovie project. You can then use the green screen feature, which shows the background clip behind the subject. Below are the steps on how to use the green screen feature to change the background in iMovie:
- Open your iMovie project, then add the still image or background video to your timeline.

- Make sure the white vertical line, the “Playhead,” is over the background clip.

- Select the “Add Media” button and then from the list choose a category.

- Tap the clip on your green screen.

- Press the three dots icon, then choose the “Green/Blue” screen. Your green screen clip will be added to your project timeline on top of the background clip.

- Move or trim your background clip so that it is the same length as your green screen video clip. The two are connected and will move in sync when you rearrange clips in the timeline.

Adjust the green screen feature on iPad or iPhone
You can adjust the green screen effect after you have placed it on your timeline. Select the green screen clip you want to adjust and make adjustments using any green screen control. Here are the different ways you can make adjustments to the green screen clip:
- To edit the amount of green removed from a green screen clip, tap “Adjust” and then drag the “Strength” slider to the right or left.
- To crop ps of your green screen clip, select the “Mask” button and then drag the corners of the clip.
Add or edit backgrounds in iMovie on iPhone
If you want to use a colored background in your iMovie project, you can choose from several solid backgrounds, with customizable patterns and gradients. Here’s how you can do this:
- Open your iMovie app on your iPhone.

- Enter your movie project.
- Make sure the white vertical line, the “Playhead,” is placed where you want to add the background.

- Tap “Add Media” and then select “Backgrounds.”

- Choose whether you want a pattern, gradient, or solid color.

- Select “Add to project.”

Change the color of a solid background
To change the color of a solid background in iMovie on your iPhone, do the following:
- Open your iMovie project from your iMovie app on your iPhone.

- From your timeline, select the background clip you want to customize.

- In the upper right corner of the viewer, select the “Color” button.

- Select a color from those available.

Change the background colors of a gradient or pattern
Changing the colors of your gradient background or pattern is easy by following these steps:
- From your iPhone, open the iMovie app and open your iMovie project.

- Select the background clip you want to customize within your timeline.

- In the upper right corner of the viewer, select the “Color” button. You’ll see two color buttons in your viewer that show the primary and secondary colors, which are used to create the pattern or gradient.

- Change the colors to:

• Set a primary color for the background: Select the first “Color” button on the left and select a color from those available.
• Set a secondary color for the background: Select the second “Color” button from the right and select a color from the available ones.
Change Video Background in iMovie Using a Green Screen on Mac
To change or adjust your green screen clip on a Mac, follow the steps below:
- Open your iMovie project, then insert your background image or clip into your timeline.

- Insert the green screen clip on top of your background clip on your timeline.

- Move or trim your background clip so that it is the same length as your green screen video clip. The two are connected and will move in sync when you rearrange clips in the timeline.

- If you can’t see the video overlay controls, click “Video Overlay Settings” at the top of the viewer, then select “Green/Blue Screen” from the menu.

- iMovie will remove the green from the green screen in the viewfinder and you will see the background clip behind the subject. These clips will move in sync as you rearrange clips on your timeline.

Adjust the green screen feature on Mac
Once you’ve added your green screen to your iMovie project timeline, you can adjust it to your preference. Click the green screen clip on your timeline, then select the “Video Overlay” settings button and use the controls to make adjustments. These are the different options that you can adjust:
- Drag the “Smoothness” slider to adjust the transition between green screen clips.
- Clicking the “Crop” button and dragging the corners of the frame in the viewer isolates areas of the green screen clip.
- Mask ps of your green screen clip by selecting the “Clear” button and dragging it across the clip from the viewer.
Change the background of your iMovie
Adding or editing the background to your iMovie project is a simple process by following the steps above for your preferred device. You can also change the background colors to display a solid background, a pattern, or gradients. The easiest way to change the background is to first record the video using a green screen. iMovie can then replace the green screen with a background image or video clip.