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**"How to Move Text in iMovie on iPhone"**

Cynthia Jul 13, 2026

Ever found yourself wishing you could move a snappy line of dialogue or an intriguing text element to a different spot in your iMovie project? Thanks to the intuitive design of iMovie on iPhone, you can do just that with a few simple steps. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to maneuver text within your iMovie project with ease.

How to Move Text in iMovie: Mac, iPhone & iPad
How to Move Text in iMovie: Mac, iPhone & iPad

Before we get started, ensure you've updated your iMovie app to the latest version. This will not only provide you with the most optimized user experience but also ensure compatibility with the techniques outlined in this guide.

How to add Text and Titles in iMovie
How to add Text and Titles in iMovie

Understanding the Text Tool

The first step in moving text in iMovie on iPhone is to familiarize yourself with the text tool. This nifty little feature allows you to add, edit, and, as we shall soon see, move text within your project.

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How to format iPhone text messages with animations - iPhone trick - Technology Hacks & Tech Tips

To access the text tool, simply tap on the 'A+' icon located on the project timeline at the bottom of your screen. A new text box will appear, ready for you to type or paste whatever text you desire.

Adding Text to Your Project

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How To Change iPhone Font Style Without App (All iOS)

Once you've tapped on the 'A+' icon, you'll be greeted by a text box that reads 'Double tap to edit.' Go ahead and double tap on the box to bring up the on-screen keyboard. You can now start typing or pasting your text into the box.

Before you exit this editing mode, don't forget to customize your text as desired. You can change the text's font, style, size, and color by tapping on the corresponding icons at the top of the screen. You can also adjust the text's position by dragging the text box to your desired location on the screen.

Making Text Movable

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How To Speed Up a Video on iPhone Without Losing Quality

With your text now in place and customized to your liking, it's time to make it movable. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Tap on the text box to select it.
  • Once selected, a silver border will appear around the text box. Tap this border to bring up additional editing options.
  • From the options that appear, tap on the 'i' icon. This will bring up the text's Inspector panel.
  • Here, you'll find an option labeled 'Ken Burns.' This effect allows you to animate the text, making it move across the screen. To make the text movable, tap the 'Ken Burns' button to enable the effect.

By doing this, you've successfully made your text movable in iMovie on your iPhone. Now, let's look at how to move the text.

How To Add Your Own Text To iMovie on Mac
How To Add Your Own Text To iMovie on Mac

Maneuvering Text in iMovie

With the Ken Burns effect enabled, you can now move your text across the screen with ease. Here's how:

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iMovie Tutorial: How To Use iMovie (App Tutorial) iPhone, iPad, iOS - Tricks, Hacks & Effects 2017
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How to Use Live Text on iPhone
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How to Add Subtitles in iMovie

Once you've enabled the Ken Burns effect, you'll notice that the text box now has two blue sliders. These sliders represent the start and end points of the text's movement. To move the text, simply drag these sliders to your desired starting and ending points on the timeline.

As you drag the sliders, you'll see a real-time preview of your text's movement. This allows you to fine-tune the effect to your satisfaction. If you make a mistake or want to start over, simply tap on the 'Undo' button at the top of the screen.

Refining the Movement

If you're feeling experimental, iMovie offers additional ways to refine the movement of your text. You can do this by adjusting the motion speed and adding keyframes.

To adjust the motion speed, tap on the slider and drag it left or right to make the text move faster or slower. You can also add keyframes by tapping on the 'Add Keyframe' button. This allows you to create more complex motion paths for your text.

Previewing the Effect

Before you finalize your text's movement, it's a good idea to see how it looks in the context of your entire project. To do this, simply tap on the play button at the top of the screen. Your project will play back, showing your text moving as per your specifications.

If you're happy with the result, great! If not, don't worry - the editing power is in your hands. You can continue to adjust the movement, speed, and other properties of your text until you're completely satisfied.

That's it - you've now mastered the art of moving text in iMovie on your iPhone! The next time you want to add a dynamic, engaging textual element to your project, you'll know exactly how to make it move and captivate your audience. Happy movie-making!