How to Convert and Import DVD to iMovie

iMovie, part of iLife bundle stick on Mac, is a good video editing tool for home movie making. iMovie can edit high definition videos from camera and share on web like YouTube or play on iPod touch and so on. And the newly released iMovie '11 is more powerful. However, you still can not directly import DVD to iMovie '11.

This article provides a simple workaround to import whole DVD movie or just DVD clip to iMovie for editing. Solutions are avaiable for both non-commercial and commercial DVDs are provided.

Part 1: How to import commercial DVD into iMovie
Part 2: How to import NON-Commercial DVD into iMovie

Part I. How to import commercial DVD into iMovie

Commercial DVD (VOB files) is not allowed to put into iMovie directly because of the format incompatibility and the protection. To import commercial DVD into iMovie, you need a Mac DVD Ripper to rip and convert DVD to iMovie supported MP4 format, so that you could add DVD to iMovie (iMovie '11) on Mac for editing. This DVD to iMovie Ripper for Mac (Lion included) can also rip DVD to AVI, convert DVD to MOV, and extract audio MP3 from DVD, etc. Below are the steps and tips on how to convert DVD to iMovie.

Free download and install DVD Ripper for Mac

Download DVD Ripper for Mac (Intel version) Download DVD Ripper for Mac (PowerPC version)

Step 1: Install and run the DVD to iMovie Converter, insert DVD into your DVD-ROM

This DVD Rippe automatically detects your DVD and starts loading. If not, simply drag the DVD icon to the screen or click "Load DVD" button to load your DVD. You can preview the DVD files on the right and take pictures of the video scenes you like.

Step 2: Select iMovie as output format

Click image button at right of each video item, set output file name and click Format to choose "iMovie" as output format from following list. This Mac DVD to iMovie Ripper will optimize the output videos for iMovie so that you don't need to worry about the compatibility.

Tip: You are also allowed to adjust video and audio setting such as codec, resolution, frame rate, etc. Please click image button at right each video item, and choose Option button, then you could change the settings from following window.

Step 3: Start DVD to iMovie conversion

Once you finish the output setting, hit the "Convert" button. The output file will be save to the Moives folder in Finder by default.

Step 4: Put the converted videos into iMovie

Open iMovie and choose File->Import > Import Movies and import the converted video. That is how to transfer DVD to iMovie for your further editing. Now you can edit DVD in iMovie easily. If you want to learn some tips on iMovie video editing, you can go to How to make a home movie using iMovie.

Part II. How to import NON-Commercial DVD into iMovie

1. Insert your DVD on Mac (Snow Leopard, Lion included).

2. Open Open Disk Utilities (Application--> Utilities--> Disk Utilities). Highlight your DVD and press "New Image" on the upper toolbar.

3. Choose the location you would like to save your DVD from the drop down menu, for example, Desktop. Then click Save.

4. After several minutes, the process will be finished. Your DVD icon will appear on the desktop with the .dmg extension.

5. With the iMovie open, double-click the .dmg file you have created to mount it. iMovie import window will then appear asking you to choose. Now click Import All and wait for the Import to complete.

By the way, if you want to convert videos to iMovie (iMovie '11 included), please follow edit video formats (MOV, FLV, WMV, MKV, AVI, VOB, MPEG, ASF) in iMovie.