MTS and M2TS guide

Import isolated MTS clips into iMovie

Create a ProRes editing copy when iMovie cannot import isolated MTS clips without the original AVCHD camera structure.

Updated September 11, 2026By

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later

The free version limits many processing operations to the first three minutes. Check compatibility and trial limits.

  • MTS/M2TS footageAVCHD or M2TS files
  • Choose ProResOutput matched to this workflow
  • IMovie checkVerify before batch processing

Problem and solution

Check the AVCHD source before choosing a workflow.

Keep the original camera folder when available, then confirm the recording mode, frame rate, and destination support before converting.

Prepare MTS footage for iMovie

MTS is usually one file inside an AVCHD camera structure, not a complete project by itself. Current iMovie releases can import many supported cameras when the full card structure is present, but an isolated clip or an unsupported recording mode may fail even though the file plays elsewhere.

Keep the original card folders and test native import first. If iMovie cannot read the isolated MTS clip, create a ProRes MOV editing copy that matches the source dimensions and frame rate. This adds storage but avoids relying on missing camera metadata during the edit.

Try the complete AVCHD structure first

Copy the entire camera card to a working drive instead of moving only the .mts files. In iMovie, import from the camera archive or use the file import workflow supported by the current release. Confirm clip duration, audio, and motion before deciding that conversion is necessary.

Create ProRes for isolated MTS clips

When the card structure is unavailable or native import remains unreliable, choose Editing > ProRes. Retain the source resolution and frame rate unless the project requires a deliberate change; do not use a delivery preset simply because it produces a smaller file. Import one output into iMovie and check cadence, picture, audio channels, and sync.

Verify the iMovie editing copy

Review the beginning, middle, and end of the test clip, including motion-heavy scenes and dialogue. Keep the original MTS files until the project and every converted clip have been verified, especially when a batch combines recordings from different cameras or recording modes.

Solution direction

Apply the solution in the workflow below.

Create a ProRes editing copy when iMovie cannot import isolated MTS clips without the original AVCHD camera structure.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Create a ProRes editing copy when iMovie cannot import isolated MTS clips without the original AVCHD camera structure.

01

Add the source

Load the MTS or AVCHD clips

Open LosslessConverter and select Add Files. Add the MTS or AVCHD clips and select the files required for this workflow.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible
Source toolbarLoad the source from the main toolbar.
02

Create editing-ready media

Choose Editing > ProRes

Open Output Format, select the Editing group, and choose ProRes. Select Same as source to retain the source dimensions; choose HD 1080P or HD 720P only when the project deliberately uses that resolution.

LosslessConverter Output Format menu with Editing and ProRes selected
ProResSelect Editing, then choose ProRes.
03

Create the current output

Select Start All, then verify in iMovie

Choose an output folder and select Start All. When processing finishes, import the ProRes MOV files into iMovie and verify picture, frame rate, and audio.

LosslessConverter main window with Start All ready at the lower right
Start AllRun the task, then verify the result.

Try it with your own media

Process one file, verify the result, then run the full batch.

The free version limits many processing operations to the first three minutes. Check compatibility and trial limits.

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later Browse MTS/M2TS Solutions

Primary sources

Official references for this workflow

Use these first-party references to confirm current format, application, or device support. Capabilities can change after this guide is updated.

Continue exploring

Compare a nearby format, device, or editing workflow before choosing the final output.