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Master iMovie Text on iPhone: Tips & Tricks

Cynthia Jul 13, 2026

Do you want to add captions, titles, or credits to your iMovie project? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add and edit text in iMovie on your iPhone.

a black background with white text and an arrow pointing to the left, which reads 11 11
a black background with white text and an arrow pointing to the left, which reads 11 11

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, ensure you've updated your iMovie app to the latest version for compatibility with the newest features. Now, let's dive right in.

someone is texting on their cell phone
someone is texting on their cell phone

Accessing the Text Tool in iMovie

First, open the iMovie project you want to work on. Then, tap on the '+' icon at the bottom left of your screen. You'll see several options; scroll right until you find the 'Text' option, represented by the 'T' symbol.

two texts are shown in different languages on the same screen, and one has an empty keyboard
two texts are shown in different languages on the same screen, and one has an empty keyboard

Tapping on 'Text' brings up a mini-player at the bottom of your screen with various text style options. You can choose from a variety of font styles, sizes, and colors to create a look that suits your video's theme.

Placing and Resizing Text Boxes

Motion Captions, Coming Out
Motion Captions, Coming Out

After selecting your desired text style, tap once on your video's timeline where you want the text box to appear. You can then drag the corners of the box to resize it, or tap and drag it to move it around in the video frame. Use the handles around the box to fine-tune its position.

If you want the text to follow an object or subject in your video, enable the 'Ken Burns Effect' in the text settings. This helps keep your text in focus even when the subject moves within the frame.

Adding and Editing Text

an iphone with the texting app on it's screen and keyboard keys highlighted
an iphone with the texting app on it's screen and keyboard keys highlighted

Tap once on the text box to add or edit the text. A keyboard panel will appear at the bottom of your screen. Type in the text you want to include. You can also change the case of the text using the 'AB' button at the top right of the keyboard.

Once you're satisfied with your text, tap the 'Done' button in the top-right corner to close the keyboard. You can then adjust the text's appearance using the styles available in the mini-player.

Advanced Text Customization

an iphone with text messages on it sitting on a counter top next to a cell phone
an iphone with text messages on it sitting on a counter top next to a cell phone

iMovie offers a variety of text animation and motion effects. Tap on the text style in the mini-player to bring up a list of effects, then select one to preview it. Swipe left and right across the effect name to loop through the animation.

To adjust text timing, tap the part of the timeline where you want the effect to begin. The text will then appear at that specific point in your video. You can also customize the duration and opacity of the text effect using the controls in the mini-player.

Футаж sms
Футаж sms
an iphone keyboard with the text hello kitty on it's left hand side, which is highlighted in blue
an iphone keyboard with the text hello kitty on it's left hand side, which is highlighted in blue
a young man sitting at a table with a cell phone in his hand and texting on the screen
a young man sitting at a table with a cell phone in his hand and texting on the screen
🤞🏽
🤞🏽
an iphone screen with yellow icons on it and the text note 3 written in black
an iphone screen with yellow icons on it and the text note 3 written in black
the message is displayed on an iphone screen
the message is displayed on an iphone screen
an iphone keyboard with the new message highlighted
an iphone keyboard with the new message highlighted
someone is texting on their cell phone while holding it up in the dark room
someone is texting on their cell phone while holding it up in the dark room
909
909

Aligning and Grouping Text Boxes

To create a uniform look, you can align multiple text boxes. Select the boxes you want to align, then tap on the 'i' icon that appears at the bottom right. In the menu that opens, tap on 'Align' and choose the alignment style you prefer.

You can also group text boxes together to move and scale them as a single unit. Select the boxes you want to group, then tap on the 'i' icon and choose 'Group'. The grouped boxes will now move and resize together.

Congratulations! You've now successfully added and customized text in your iMovie project. Don't forget to preview your work to make sure everything looks and sounds great. Happy editing!