How to Brighten a Dark Video in Windows and Mac: The Easy Fix!

Have you recorded a video or received a clip, only to realize later it’s too dark to enjoy? Whether you’re capturing special moments or creating content to share, a dim clip is disappointing because you can’t share it to get positive feedback. Luckily, both Windows and Mac offer simple tools to help brighten those videos and bring them to life. Windows Movie Maker and iMovie make it easy for you to adjust your video’s brightness, and if you prefer something online, tools like HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer have you covered.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to brighten a dark video on your Mac and Windows PC for the best results. Let’s get started and light up your memories!

Part 1. How to Make a Dark Video Brighter in iMovie on Mac

You don’t need to be a professional video editor on your Mac to brighten your dim or dark videos. You already have iMovie, a fantastic and free tool that can save the day and transform your clips into something clear and vibrant.

Step-by-step guide on how to make a dark video lighter in iMovie on Mac:

1. Open Launchpad (the rocket icon in your dock). Type iMovie in the search bar and hit Enter. Once it opens, you’ll see a clean workspace ready for you to dive in.

2. Click the Create New button, which looks like a big plus (+).

3. Choose Movie from the options—it’s perfect for editing videos like a pro without any fuss.

4. In the top menu, click “Import Media.”

5. A file browser will pop up. Navigate to where your video is saved, select it, and click “Import Selected.” Your video will now appear in iMovie’s media library and be ready for editing.

6. Click and drag the video clip to the timeline at the bottom.

7. Then, simply click your video clip in the timeline to select it. Look above the preview window and find the “Color Correction” icon—it looks like a painter’s palette. Click it to open the editing tools.

8. In the Color Correction panel, locate the brightness slider (a line with a sun icon). Drag the slider to the right to brighten the video.

9. Keep a keen eye on the preview window as you keep adusting the brightness. Find the sweet spot where your video looks bright and natural.

10. When you’re happy with how the video looks, click “File” > “Share” > “File.” Choose your desired resolution, set a file name, and click “Save.”

And voilà! Your video is brighter and ready to impress. iMovie makes video editing so approachable, and with these steps, you’re now a brightness-adjusting wizard.

Part 2. How Can I Make a Dark Video Brighter in Windows

Windows Movie Maker is a very simple and effective editor for Windows PCs. It is a handy, user-friendly tool that is perfect for brightening up your videos so they look professional. Even if you’ve never edited a video before, you’ll find this process surprisingly easy. Let’s dive in and turn that gloomy footage into something you’re proud to share!

Step-by-step guide on how to lighten a dark video in Windows Movie Maker:

1. Launch Windows Movie Maker from your Start menu or desktop shortcut. If it’s not installed, download it from a trusted source, as it’s part of the old Windows Essentials suite.

2. Once Movie Maker opens, click “Add videos and photos” from the Home tab and browse your computer to find the dark video you want to brighten. Select it and click “Open.” Alternatively, drag and drop the clip straight into the editor to move to the timeline on the right pane.

3. Now, from the top menu, click “Video Tools,” then click “Visual Effects,” and select the “Brightness” option—it’s usually represented by a sun icon.

4. Drag the brightness slider to the right to brighten your video. As you adjust, watch the preview window to see how the changes look in real time. Don’t overdo it—aim for a natural, balanced look.

5. Once you’re satisfied with the brightness, click “File” > “Save Movie,” choose the “Recommended for this project” option, name your video, and click “Save.”

Tip: While you’re in the Visual Effects tab, explore other tools like contrast or color correction to make your video even better.

Part 3. How to Make Dark Videos Brighter and Clearer with HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer

Instead of going through multiple steps in iMovie and Windows Movie Maker to brighten up your videos, you can do this in a couple of minutes by using HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer. The best bit is you don’t need to download any software, and your dark clips will convert right from your browser.

Here are the steps:

1. First, open any browser on your Windows/Mac PC and go to the HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer page.

2. Sign up or sign into your account, and click “Choose Video” to upload the video file to the online tool.

3. In the left menu, select the “Low-Light Video Enhancement” option and see how the AI magic works to brighten up your dim video within seconds.

4. Preview the before and after results, and if you are satisfied, click “Export” to save the new and clearer video to your Windows or Mac computer.

Part 4. FAQs of Brightening a Dark Video

Conclusion on Brightening a Dark Video

And there you have it—knowing how to brighten a dark video and making this happen is simpler than it seems! If you’re using Windows Movie Maker, iMovie on your Mac, or an easy online tool like HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer, you’ve got all the tools you need to bring out all the details and colors you thought were lost.

So, the next time your video looks a little too shadowy, you know just what to do. Don’t let the darkness hold your memories back. Light them up and share them with confidence.