Quit iMovie, open Finder > Applications, select iMovie, then choose File > Move to Trash or press Command-Delete. Empty the Trash to remove the app permanently. This removes iMovie itself—not your separate iMovie Library, projects, or videos.
What uninstalling iMovie removes—and what it leaves behind
The iMovie app is separate from the files you make or use with it. Apple says deleting an app does not delete its documents, and deleting and reinstalling iMovie does not affect iMovie libraries (Apple’s app-removal guidance; iMovie troubleshooting guidance).
- iMovie app: The application in an Applications folder. Moving it to the Trash uninstalls the app.
- iMovie Library: A separate library file that can contain projects, events, clips, and other project media. Deleting the app does not delete it.
- Original media: Footage or audio may also be stored separately in Photos, Downloads, Documents, or another location.
- Exported movies: Finished video files are separate from the app and may be saved wherever you exported them.
- Dock icon: This is a shortcut. Removing it from the Dock does not uninstall iMovie.
If you only want the app gone, use the Finder steps below. If you want to reclaim substantial storage or erase your iMovie work, first identify and review the library and any separate media.
Uninstall iMovie with Finder
- Quit iMovie. Choose iMovie > Quit iMovie or press Command-Q.
- Open Finder and choose Go > Applications, or click Applications in the Finder sidebar.
- Select iMovie, then drag it to the Trash, choose File > Move to Trash, or press Command-Delete.
- If macOS asks, enter an administrator name and password.
- When you are ready to remove the app permanently, choose Finder > Empty Trash.
Until the Trash is emptied, you can recover the app: open the Trash, Control-click iMovie, and choose Put Back. Emptying the Trash permanently removes its contents (Apple’s Trash guidance).
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Finder is the dependable method for standard iMovie installations. Apple notes that macOS-required apps cannot be deleted through Finder; if macOS refuses to remove iMovie, do not try to force-delete system files (Apple’s app-removal guidance).
Optional: remove iMovie from Launchpad
Since iMovie is distributed through the Mac App Store, Launchpad may offer a delete option:
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- Quit iMovie and open Launchpad.
- Search for iMovie, then press and hold the Option key or click and hold an app until the icons jiggle.
- If a Delete button appears beside iMovie, click it and confirm.
Apple says Launchpad’s Delete button is available only for apps downloaded from the App Store. If the button is absent, use Finder instead; its absence does not mean that Launchpad is required for removal (Apple’s app-removal guidance).
Find and remove the iMovie Library only if you intend to delete your projects
The usual library location is Home > Movies > iMovie Library—the path is typically ~/Movies/iMovie Library. In Finder, choose Go > Home, then open Movies. Your library may instead be in a folder you selected or on an external drive, and you may have more than one. Search Finder or Spotlight for “iMovie Library” if it is not in Movies (Apple’s library-management guidance; Apple’s guidance on multiple libraries).
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Deleting a library is different from uninstalling the app: it can remove projects and media stored in that library. Before moving it to the Trash, open iMovie and review the libraries and projects you want to keep. Back up the library or make a copy, then verify that the copy opens and its media is present. Check separately for exported videos and originals outside the library.
- Quit iMovie after checking the library.
- In Finder, locate the specific library you intend to remove.
- Move that library to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash only after you have verified that any backup or replacement copy works and that you no longer need the library.
Do not delete every file with “iMovie” in its name: that could remove libraries, backups, exports, or other files you have not checked.
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Free space while keeping your projects
Removing the app frees the space occupied by the app, but the amount varies. If your library contains a lot of footage, it may take substantially more space than the app. To keep working on projects while freeing space on your Mac, move the library to suitable external storage. Apple recommends APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for an external iMovie library and advises against SD cards, USB flash drives, shared network storage, and Time Machine backup drives (Apple’s library-management guidance).
After moving a library, open the copy in iMovie and confirm the media is present before deleting the original. The library will not be available while its external drive is disconnected. For a storage overview, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage; categories and controls can vary by macOS version (Apple’s storage guidance).
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If iMovie will not move to the Trash
- It says the app is in use: Quit iMovie and check for an open window or unsaved work. If the message persists, restart the Mac and try again. Apple also lists Safe Mode as a fallback when an app cannot be removed because it is in use (Apple’s app-removal guidance).
- It asks for a password: Use an administrator account. On a work- or school-managed Mac, an administrator may restrict deletion.
- You cannot find it in Applications: Search Finder or Spotlight. Apps can also be installed in the Applications folder inside your home folder; iMovie may already have been removed.
- Launchpad has no Delete button: Use Finder rather than looking for a hidden Launchpad control.
If you are uninstalling iMovie to fix a problem
Removing the app is only one troubleshooting option. Before deleting project data, back up the library. Apple’s iMovie guidance includes updating the app, checking the library’s location, testing with a new library and project, resetting iMovie settings, and deleting and reinstalling the app when appropriate. Resetting settings is not the same as deleting a library; the library contains your projects and media. Apple also flags Desktop, Documents with iCloud enabled, and third-party cloud storage as locations to check when troubleshooting a library (Apple’s iMovie troubleshooting guidance).
Reinstall iMovie from the Mac App Store
To reinstall, open the Mac App Store, search for iMovie or open your account’s purchased-app area, then choose the download or install control. Sign in with the Apple Account used for the download if prompted. Redownload availability and compatibility can depend on your account, macOS version, and what Apple currently offers (Apple’s App Store guidance).
Remove only the Dock icon
If you want to keep iMovie installed but remove its shortcut, Control-click the iMovie icon in the Dock and choose Options > Remove from Dock. This does not delete the app or its library.
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