To add text to a video on Mac, open iMovie, choose Titles above the browser, and drag a title style onto your clip, then type your text in the viewer. iMovie is free and has dozens of styles. For one clean text overlay with exact timing and an MP4 in seconds, use the MobileStudio Add Text to Video tool in Safari or Chrome.
The short answer
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| iMovie titles | Styled, animated titles as part of an edit |
| Add Text to Video | One headline or label, exact start and end |
| QuickTime | Can't add text |
How do I add text to a video in iMovie on Mac?
- Open your project in iMovie's timeline.
- Click Titles above the browser.
- Double-click a title style, or drag it above a clip in the timeline.
- Double-click the placeholder text in the viewer and type your words.
- Click Apply, then export with File > Share > File.
Apple's iMovie titles guide covers it. Drag the edges of the title bar in the timeline to change how long the text shows.
How do I add text to a video on Mac without iMovie?
- Open Add Text to Video in Safari or Chrome.
- Drag in the video.
- Type your text, then choose Top, Center, or Bottom, the Text size, and Text color.
- Turn Background on for a dark box behind the words.
- Set the start and end times, then click Add text & export.
The MP4 keeps the original sound, and nothing is uploaded.
Can QuickTime add text to a video?
No. QuickTime Player can trim, split, rotate, and flip, but not add text. Use iMovie or the browser tool.
How do I add text to a screen recording on Mac?
Screen recordings from Shift-Command-5 open in QuickTime. Bring them into iMovie for titles, or into the browser tool for a single label. Short labels, like the name of the feature you're showing, make tutorials and app demos much easier to follow. Trim the recording first with QuickTime's Edit > Trim, per Apple's trim guide.
How do I make text readable in iMovie?
- Pick a title style with a background or shadow for busy footage.
- Keep it to two short lines.
- Leave each title on screen for at least 2 to 3 seconds.
- Stay inside the frame's safe area, away from the edges.
More in best font size for video text.
Can I add text to only part of a video on Mac?
Yes. In iMovie, drag the title bar's left and right edges in the timeline so it covers just the seconds you want, or move the whole bar along the clip. In the browser tool, set Show text from to the start and end times. For several pieces of text at different times, iMovie is easier, because you can stack as many titles as you need.
Which iMovie title styles work best?
Simple ones. Standard Lower Third works for names and labels, and Centered suits a single headline. Animated styles look fun but can be hard to read in short social videos. Pick one style and use it throughout, so the video feels consistent.
Should I add a title at the start?
For tutorials, demos, and anything shared without context, yes. A clear opening title tells viewers what they're about to see. See how to add a title to a video.
Where MobileStudio fits
Add Text to Video is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos, without the Mac step. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I put text on a video on a MacBook?
Use iMovie's Titles, or Add Text to Video in your browser.
Can I change the font in iMovie?
Yes, in many title styles, using the font controls above the viewer.
How do I make text appear for only part of a video in iMovie?
Drag the title's edges in the timeline to set its length.
Does iMovie keep the audio?
Yes.
Is iMovie free on Mac?
Yes.
