Video Software suggestions/Safe to upgrade Sierra 10.12.6 to Catalina for iMovie during lockdown?

[sjamestown]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a teacher and I've been tasked to record some workshops to make into a video from home during lockdown. As I've not really any video editing experience most of the articles I've read point me towards using iMovie. I'm on a 2017 MacAir running Sierra 10.12.6 which I've avoided upgrading because the system runs beautifully (and I don't trust Apple with good backwards compatibility). But if I don't upgrade the OS - I can't download iMovie from the App Store.

Do you think I should it? Or is there another alternative app/programme that would run well?

I really want to minimise any risk of my Macbook playing up as I don't know how I'd get it fixed during lockdown.

Thanks a lot in advance guys,

Simon

 

[pm-r]

I'm probably the worst person to ask, but from what I have read I would stay with the Sierra 10.12.6 you are currently running, and especially considering your comment:

I've avoided upgrading because the system runs beautifully (and I don't trust Apple with good backwards compatibility).

Personally I prefer using Mavericks. It suits my use.




- Patrick
======

 

[Slydude]

Does your Mac currently have a version of iMovie on it? If so the version included with Sierra is more than capable of some pretty decent video editing.

If your needs are very basic even the version of QuickTime Player on your Mac can be used for some very basic video editing.

×

 

[sjamestown]

Thanks Patrick and Slydude,

Unfortunately iMovie wasn't bundled on this Mac (not sure why, as I've heard it usually is but I did buy it refurbished - with just one previous owner). It seems it wasn't put on by the company who did the refurb. No sign of it after checking the Applications folder in Finder and doing a full 'search this mac' so I'm confident it's not there.

I've been advised to do a manual upgrade to Mojave which should allow me to download it from the App Store and minimise any complications by jumping too far ahead. How does this sound to you both?

And any other issues I should be wary of before doing the upgrade?

 

[ferrarr]

Before you upgrade to a new OS, search in the App Store, it may be a free download?

 

[Slydude]

Before you do that try the following and see if iMovie appears as an option:
1. Launch the App Store program and make sure you are logged into your account.
2. Search for iMovie. When the search results come back if it says "Get" you can download iMovie for free. You should also be able to do that if you have downloaded it before.

Upgrading to Mojave isn't a bad idea it's just not something I suggest people tackle in the midst of trying to get a project done.

Edit: Bob gives a shorter answer his post appears first. Gotta try that one of these days.

 

[sjamestown]

Hi Folks,

Thanks a lot for that, just tried it (ensuring I was logged in) and when I try to install iMovie the App Store generates a dialogue box:

"iMovie can’t be installed on “Macintosh HD” because macOS version 10.14.6 or later is required."

I think Mojave might be my only option, short of mucking around with some free editor software downloads...

 

[pm-r]

Upgrading to Mojave isn't a bad idea it's just not something I suggest people tackle in the midst of trying to get a project done.

+1!!! Agree 100%!!!





- Patrick
======

 

[pm-r]

"iMovie can’t be installed on “Macintosh HD” because macOS version 10.14.6 or later is required."

Unfortunately, at least by some user comments, Apple has upped the OS requirements and dumbed down the ability of the application:
iMovie 10.1.14
Compatibility macOS 10.14.6 or later

iMovie for Mac. Download Free [Latest Version] macOS

Maybe a google search could find a legitimate earlier compatible version to download. Otherwise it looks like going with Mohave is the only other choice.


EDIT:
It's odd that my old 10.0.5 version of iMovie that's installed on various OS partition volumes gives no indication that there is any sort of iMovie update available.






- Patrick
======

 

[Slydude]

How complex is the video editing that you need to do? If all you need is trimming the footage down or joining clips together that can be done with QuickTime Player. See here

 

[ferrarr]

Unfortunately, at least by some user comments, Apple has upped the OS requirements and dumbed down the ability of the application:
iMovie 10.1.14
Compatibility macOS 10.14.6 or later

iMovie for Mac. Download Free [Latest Version] macOS

Maybe a google search could find a legitimate earlier compatible version to download. Otherwise it looks like going with Mohave is the only other choice.


EDIT:
It's odd that my old 10.0.5 version of iMovie that's installed on various OS partition volumes gives no indication that there is any sort of iMovie update available.






- Patrick
======

It would notify you if you had a newer OS version.