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How do I add a picture in a picture in iMovie?

Published in iMovie Video Editing 3 mins read

To add a picture-in-picture (PiP) effect in iMovie, you need to layer your desired image or video clip over your main footage in the timeline and then select the Picture-in-Picture overlay option.

Adding a Picture-in-Picture in iMovie

The picture-in-picture effect allows you to display one video or image clip within another, simultaneously. This is a common technique for tutorials, reaction videos, or showcasing multiple visual elements at once.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Picture-in-Picture Effect

Follow these steps to seamlessly integrate an image or video as an overlay in your iMovie project:

  1. Prepare Your Clips:

    • Ensure both your main video clip and the picture or video you want to use as the overlay are imported into your iMovie project's media library.
  2. Place Main Clip on Timeline:

    • Drag your primary video clip to the timeline. This will be the background footage for your PiP effect.
  3. Add Overlay Clip as a Second Layer:

    • Drag the picture or video you wish to use for the Picture-in-Picture effect from your media library and place it directly above your main video clip in the timeline. As highlighted in tutorials, you are creating a "second layer on top" of your primary footage. Make sure to position it where you want the PiP effect to begin and end. You can also adjust its length by dragging its edges in the timeline to make it shorter or longer.
  4. Select Picture-in-Picture Overlay:

    • With the overlay clip selected in the timeline, locate the Video Overlay Settings button. This icon typically looks like two overlapping squares and is found above the viewer window. Click it to reveal the overlay options.
    • From the dropdown menu that appears, select "Picture in Picture."
  5. Adjust Position and Size:

    • Once "Picture in Picture" is selected, the overlay clip will appear in a smaller frame within your main video in the viewer.
    • You can now drag this smaller frame to reposition it anywhere within the main video's frame.
    • To resize the PiP frame, drag its corners inward or outward to make it smaller or larger.
  6. Refine the Effect (Optional):

    • Fade: Use the fade handles (small circles at the beginning and end of the overlay clip in the timeline) to add a fade-in or fade-out effect for a smoother transition.
    • Borders & Shadows: Within the Video Overlay Settings, you can often add borders, shadows, or other visual enhancements to your Picture-in-Picture clip for better visibility.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a dynamic Picture-in-Picture effect in your iMovie projects, enhancing your video content with layered visuals.