iOS · iPhone & iPad
Edit Vertical Video in iMovie on iPhone or iPad Without Unwanted Cropping
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Create a movie with the vertical clip, use pinch and position controls to preserve the intended framing, and preview the exported aspect ratio before sharing.
Prepare the correct account, device, project, or session
Duplicate the iMovie project or preserve the original media, then confirm the selected clip, timeline range, orientation, audio rights, available storage, and intended delivery platform before editing. Preview after one change at a time and export a short test. Do not delete source media, overwrite the only project, or use protected streaming music that iMovie cannot license for export.
Start with the vertical source
Create a Movie project and add the vertical clip before landscape media that could influence the canvas.
Adjust framing
Select the clip, use the zoom control, and pinch or reposition only enough to keep the subject inside the viewer.
Check overlays and titles
Preview every title, transition, and cut because vertical framing can hide edge content.
Export a test
Share a short draft and inspect it in Photos and the intended platform before completing the full export.
Verify the result
Export a short draft and view it on the intended platform, checking aspect ratio, subject framing, titles, overlays, and edge cropping.
Use the supported recovery boundary
If the result is unavailable or the interface differs, stop before deleting additional data, weakening security, or using a third-party workaround. Recheck the exact account, device, permissions, compatibility, and current product state, then compare the outcome with the linked Apple Support guidance. Preserve original files and the exact error so official support can diagnose this task without guessing.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If iMovie imposes unwanted framing, restore the project copy and reconsider the project or destination format. Do not zoom until important content is cropped away.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.