How to Undo and Redo in iMovie: Quick & Easy Tips

When using pretty much any form of software, the undo and redo controls get a lot of use. This is no different with editing software, and a lot of people are looking into how to undo in iMovie to ensure that they can quickly go back if they make a misstep. When you are using video-editing software, it is really easy to make a mistake. Redoing is also really important if you get rid of something in the project and then change your mind. We’ve outlined the different methods to undo in iMovie here, which includes:

• Undoing any unwanted changes to the video

• Redoing if you have accidentally got rid of something by mistake

• Easily going a step back if you add an unwanted effect

Knowing how to undo in iMovie is a key skill and can save a lot of time.

1. Start by launching the iMovie app on your Mac. Select the project you want to work on from the Project Library or create a new one if needed.

2. Once your project is open, perform any editing action. This could be trimming a clip or applying transitions.

3. Use the undo option from the Menu bar to manually undo the action. You can click edit from the menu bar and then Undo. This may say Undo Split Clip or reference another specific action in the editing process. 

4. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut for undo. Press Command (⌘) + Z. Though be cautious using this method as it is easy to accidentally press it twice.

Mac controls are often the same, and Command (⌘) + Z serves as the undo button in lots of different software.

If you are trying to go back multiple steps, then you might come across a problem. iMovie only keeps a certain number of undo steps in memory. If the project has been closed and reopened, earlier steps may no longer be undoable.

The redo function is also very important and knowing how to redo in iMovie is very similar in terms of using the command. 

1. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + Z to redo the last undone action.

2. Or go to Edit > Redo [action] from the menu bar.

iMovie on an iPhone has become one of the key ways that people use this app. It is included for free with iPhones, and this means that people regularly edit videos on their devices. The controls are different as there is no keyboard and things need to be simpler. Luckily, knowing how to undo in iMovie on an iPhone is also simple. 

The options are either to:

1. Tap the Undo button. This appears as the shape of a U-turn arrow next to the timeline when using iMovie. 

2. Alternatively, you can shake the device, and then you will get the option to undo project edit. This will remove recent changes (but it sometimes removes more than one).

Just like redoing in iMovie on a Mac, plenty of people are also looking for how to redo on iMovie on devices like iPhones and even iPads.

To undo on iPhone, the options are:

• Hold onto the Undo Project Edit rather than just tap it, this will bring up an option called Redo Project Edit that you can use.

• You can also shake the device and the option to Redo Press Edit will be one of the available options.

The interface is very different when compared with iMac, which could make it trickier, but the gesture controls to redo in iMovie make things much more straightforward.

For editors who want more control over their workflow, mastering how to undo in iMovie goes beyond just tapping Command + Z. 

When working on larger projects, it’s easy to get lost in layers of edits. To manage this, get in the habit of using snapshots, which is a feature that saves the state of a project at a given moment. Think of it like a manual save point. This way, if multiple changes go wrong, the snapshot acts as a safety net. 

Using Time Machine on a Mac is another smart option. It automatically backs up versions of your iMovie project, letting users go ‘back in time’ even after closing the app.

Another useful strategy is combining the undo in iMovie feature with batch editing techniques. Instead of undoing a string of steps one by one, it’s often better to take a step back and reload from a saved state if several elements need correcting. iMovie doesn’t offer infinite undo, so combining features like snapshots and backups ensures peace of mind during complex edits.

It is possible that mistakes can creep in, especially when relying heavily on undo in iMovie or attempting to reverse multiple changes. 

One common issue is when users try to redo in iMovie but find the function unavailable, often because a new action was performed after the last undo, which cancels the redo queue. Another error many users encounter is accidentally deleting a clip and noticing too late that they didn’t save a backup version. These small missteps can quickly disrupt editing flow if not addressed promptly.

Common pitfalls and their quick fixes.

• Undo/redo not working. Fix: try using the Edit menu instead of shortcuts.

• Lost a clip after undoing. Fix: restore from a snapshot or Time Machine.

• Redo disabled. Fix: undo queue is cleared after new action. You need to reapply changes manually.

• Too many undos erase progress. Fix: use project duplication to save a separate file or save points more often.

To gain a full knowledge of editing in iMovie it helps to have a lot of different resources. Mac makes iMovie software and provides a full user guide for people who want to understand the ins and outs of the software.

Read the full user guide

YouTube is also a hub of information with channels and videos offering a way for people to learn the basics of iMovie or even more advanced features.

Check the video guide on YouTube

Reddit is also a very good resource for those that are looking to ask specific questions, as well as Apple Forums. There is a good community around the topic and people can learn how to use titles as well as other features to make their movie look much more professional.

Mastering how to undo in iMovie should be one of the very first steps taken. Lots of Mac users will be familiar with the control to undo in iMovie. It is as simple as pressing Command + Z for the main control to undo, as it is with a lot of other Mac software. Mastering how to redo in iMovie is also pretty straightforward and just involves adding the Shift key. There are other methods and for mobile device users, including using Apple’s gestures.