User level: Level 1 (14 points)Ever since I updated to Mac OS Golden Gate when I open iMovie I get this error
Permission error opening iMovie Library.imovielibrary Libraries require read and write permission.
The file permission on the library is read-write for Me, Staff and Everyone, as is the directory the library is in. This did not occur before the upgrade. I use iMovie frequently so it appears to be a problem related to the upgrade.
Posted on Sep 28, 2026 4:26 PM
User level: Level 1 (14 points)Sep 29, 2026 1:09 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
It turns out this was not a file permission error. It was an app permission error. I needed to go to Apple System Settings->Privacy & Security->Media & Apple Music and toggle the permissions for iMovie.
Why this was necessary for iMovie and no other applications I have no idea. Apple TV, etc. did not require reinstating app permissions. It's a pity the error message seems to point to a file permission error.
User level: Level 1 (14 points)Oct 3, 2026 1:46 PM in response to Deathorb
I am a user like yourself, so I am not certain how to resolve your issue. You might try granting file level permissions on the library file. When you start iMovie a pop-up window lists the library file it wants to open. Find the file in Finder. Right click on the file in Finder, choose Get Info, toward the bottom are the file permissions (read, read/write). Change them all to read/write.
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Oct 3, 2026 1:18 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
I'm having the same issue with iMovie after OS 27 update. I did go to Settings->Privacy & Security->Media & Apple Music and enabled permissions for iMovie but library still won't open. What did I miss?
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Oct 19, 2026 7:14 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
Since the update, not only I get permission error, some of my movies -- old videos with sentimental value has vanished. I am at my wits end because I was also working on a video project, and that project has disappeared and it has become a set of clips that I cannot add to. Spent an hour with apple care tech support and in order to open iMovie, I have to go through a roundabout way to open iMovie with my entire life GONE! NOW...since I'm not techie, I have to probably pay someone to do another data migration from my 2010 Mac Pro. Argh...
User level: Level 7 (25,870 points)Sep 29, 2026 12:44 AM in response to Jgsjvxm
This can occur with updates and the solution is to grant all the permissions.
User level: Level 7 (25,870 points)Sep 29, 2026 2:12 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
Glad to hear you sorted it out. These glitches do occur from time to time.
User level: Level 1 (36 points)Oct 7, 2026 2:29 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
Did you lose any files when you got back in? I have a user missing her projects.
User level: Level 1 (14 points)Oct 7, 2026 3:18 PM in response to pep917
No. My library was still there.
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Oct 19, 2026 7:14 PM in response to pep917
Yes, Tons!
User level: Level 1 (36 points)Oct 20, 2026 8:02 AM in response to royalune
I'm so sorry. We haven't had any luck either.
User level: Level 1 (19 points)Nov 9, 2026 1:51 PM in response to Jgsjvxm
Thanks for documenting this… 3 call requests to apple and no replies…...
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256366799