Forum Discussion
The Best way to convert .mov to .mp4 video on Mac?
My Take on Avidemux CLI for converting MOV to MP4 on Mac. I've used Avidemux a bit in the past (mostly the GUI version, but I've dabbled in the command-line stuff). Here's what I've found, keeping in mind this is my experience:
It's Powerful, But Can Be Clunky: The command-line interface, while great for automation, can be a pain to learn if you're not already comfortable with it. You have to memorize the commands, which can be a headache if you only do this occasionally. You might find yourself constantly looking up the syntax.
Limited Editing Capabilities: While it's good for basic conversions, Avidemux isn't a full-fledged video editor. If you need to edit the video (trimming, adding effects, etc.), you'll be better off using a dedicated video editor.
Codec Choice: The choice of codecs is key. While Avidemux supports various codecs, getting the best balance of quality and file size might require some tweaking. You might need to experiment to find the optimal settings for your needs.
How about Microsoft Clipchamp if you are going to convert MOV to MP4? Microsoft Clipchamp (Web-Based and Windows App): This is what I'd recommend for ease of use and quick conversions. It offers great options for codec and bitrate selection, and you can see how it works without really needing a ton of technical knowledge. Clipchamp has a fairly easy to use UI. By the way, Microsoft Photos App is basic, but can be a quick method for simple conversions.