Because MOV files are typically larger than MP4 files, not all players will be able to play them, and sometimes a platform will only allow a specific set of formats when you need to post a video online, which may not always include MOV. Read on if you need to convert MOV videos that your camera or phone is recording into MP4 files.
MOV vs MP4, what’s the difference?
MOV is a QuickTime-compatible file extension. It was created by Apple and is a container for video. MOV files often feature less compression and are greater in size, offering a higher level of video quality.
Another popular video file format that can be played without QuickTime is MP4, which is also frequently used. Generally speaking, MP4 files are smaller, more compressed, and have poor image quality.
How to convert MOV to MP4 without losing quality
You can’t just rename your file if you want to convert MOV to MP4 though. If you want to change your file type, you’ll require a converter. But do not fear; we have provided you with a step-by-step guide below.
Movavi Video Converter is an effective tool for converting MOV files to MP4 without losing quality. Using SuperSpeed technology, the software can convert even enormous files in just a few minutes. In addition to converting, the app also enables you to edit your files as you please, including cropping, rotating, and trimming videos as well as changing their resolution and bitrate as well as their color settings. More than 200 presets for all popular devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android-based devices, Xbox, PlayStation, and many more, are available in Movavi Video Converter, which also supports more than 180 media formats.
Step 1. Install the MOV-to-MP4 converter
Install Movavi Video Converter on your computer by running the downloaded file and following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2. Open files for converting
Select the Add Video option by clicking the Add Media button in the top-left corner. Now navigate to the MOV files you wish to convert to MP4 and click Open to include them in the software.
Step 3. Select the output format
By selecting the Video tab, you may view a list of supported video formats. Locate the list of MP4 presets and choose the one you want.
Step 4. Edit your videos (if needed)
Before conversion, you can edit your videos by clicking the Edit button in the file metadata column to the right. A new window with several tabs will appear.
To lessen shaking in your movie, select the Stabilization tab and experiment with the various available choices. To control the video’s volume or even lower background noise, use the Audio tab. You can enter preferred values for brightness, contrast, saturation, and other characteristics on the Adjustments tab. By selecting the desired elements in the corresponding tabs, you may also add effects, captions, or watermarks. To crop video edges, rotate the film, or remove unnecessary pieces, use the Crop, Rotate, and Trim tabs.
Step 5. Compress MOV files (optional)
You can use Movavi Video Converter to compress your MOV files when you export them to MP4 if they are huge.
Simply click the file size number that is displayed in the output information. Set the desired size, quality, and bitrate in the dialog box that appears by dragging the relevant slider. To see how a file fragment will appear after conversion, click Convert sample.
Step 6. Convert MOV to MP4
Convert should be clicked to begin the process. You can simultaneously convert several files using the app’s batch conversion functionality. The folder holding the output files will immediately open after the conversion is done.
Change MOV to MP4 on Mac using iMovie
On a Mac, you can use iMovie to convert your MOV file to MP4. This program from Apple is for more sophisticated video editing.
Because iMovie only has the export option, just like QuickTime, you might not be able to find a way to convert by looking in the app’s settings.
However, it turns out that an MP4 file is produced when you export your MOV using iMovie’s Export File feature. (Yes, we have attempted this with QuickTime; the outcome was a MOV file.)
With the use of iMovie, all you have to do to convert your MOV to MP4 is:
- Add the video to iMovie.
- In the top right corner of the app window, click the Share icon.
- Choose Export File.
- Choose the video parameters and export the file location you want (or keep the default ones)
- Start converting.
Before starting the conversion, make sure you are satisfied with the place where your converted MP4 will be saved. Keep in mind that it is unlikely that your converted MP4 will be saved in the same folder.
Easiest and most secure way to convert on Mac and Windows
As you can see, changing your MOV files to MP4 is a simple process that can be carried out using a variety of easily accessible tools. You can convert files online, utilize an all-purpose tool like Movavi Video Converter, or export them from iMovie.
Because it enables you to convert video, audio, and photos to numerous formats safely on your Mac or Windows computer, Movavi Video Converter is unquestionably the best option. The conversion is rather speedy, and the files remain on your device (at least for the smaller video file sizes that we’ve tested).
FAQ
Since MOV was developed by Apple, there shouldn’t be any issues if you try to open it on an Apple device. MOV files may be played back by both QuickTime and iTunes. When it comes to Windows, you can open MOV files using either VLC or Windows Media Player.
In essence, MOV is compatible with Windows and macOS, the two most widely used operating systems. The operation of MOV and MP4 containers is the same. Any issues you have might be caused by the particular codecs that were used to encode your MOV file. Windows won’t be able to open your file if these codecs aren’t recognized.
You can try one of three methods based on the quantity and size of the files you wish to convert:
If you need to convert numerous videos or if your files are huge, use Movavi Video Converter.
Consider using a free tool like iMovie for Mac, which can be used to convert videos in addition to playing back media files.
Only Apple devices can play MOV files, although almost every device can play MP4 files. Additionally, MOV files require more storage space than MP4s do.
Follow these steps to use QuickTime to convert a MOV to an MP4 file:
1. Activate QuickTime Player.
2. To upload your video, click File.
3. Select MP4 by clicking File, Export, and then.
4. Click the Save button to save the document.
The best way to convert a MOV of larger than 1 GB to MP4 is via a desktop application. For video files larger than 1 GB, Movavi Video Converter is a quick MOV-to-MP4 converter. Even numerous video files can be converted simultaneously.
