Convert a MOV file to MP4 on Mac
You can easily convert a MOV file to an MP4 file on your Mac so you can upload the video to websites or open it in other apps that don't support MOV files.
To quickly convert a MOV file that uses the H.264 codec, you can simply change the filename extension of the MOV file to MP4.
To adjust the resolution or size of the file, or to convert a file that uses a codec other than H.264, use iMovie to convert the file.
For greater control when converting and exporting video files, use Final Cut Pro or Compressor, both of which are available from the Mac App Store.
Change the filename extension to convert a MOV file to MP4
In the Finder, locate the MOV file that you want to convert.
Select the file, then choose File > Get Info. In the More Info section, make sure that one of the Codecs is H.264. If the file is anything other than H.264, use iMovie to convert the file.
If you want to keep the original MOV file before you convert it, Control-click the MOV file, then choose Duplicate to make a copy.
Control-click the MOV file, then choose Rename.
Select the MOV filename extension, enter “mp4” after the full stop, then press Return.
Choose “Use .mp4” in the window that appears.
The filetype changes, but the resolution of the video and size of the MP4 file will be the same as the original MOV file. If you want to make the video file smaller or change the resolution or quality of the video, use iMovie to convert the video.
If the video won't upload to the website or app after changing the file extension, use iMovie to convert the original MOV file.
Use iMovie for Mac to convert an MOV file to an MP4 file
In iMovie on your Mac, click Create New in Projects view, then choose Movie. If you’re already working on a movie, click Projects to open the Projects view.
Click the Import button at the top of the iMovie window, then locate the MOV file you want to convert.
Select the MOV file, then click Import Selected. The MOV file is added to the iMovie project browser.
Select the MOV file in the browser, then choose Edit > Add to Movie (or press the E key).
Click the Share button
, then choose Export File.If you want to reduce the size of the converted file, click the Quality pop-up menu and choose Medium or Low. You can also reduce the size of the file by changing the resolution to a lower setting. The estimated size of the converted file appears below the thumbnail.
Click Next, choose a location for the exported MP4 file, then click Save.
Use Final Cut Pro or Compressor to convert and export video files
You can use Final Cut Pro on Mac to convert MOV files and export projects as MP4 files.
For the highest level of control when converting and exporting video files, use Compressor, which is available from the Mac App Store. See the Compressor User Guide for more information.