Forum Discussion
The Best way to convert .mov to .mp4 video on Mac?
My Preferred Method: Using QuickTime Player if you want to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac . This is seriously the easiest and quickest way. QuickTime Player is pre-installed on every Mac, so you don't need to download anything new. Here's the lowdown:
Open the .mov file in QuickTime Player: Just double-click it, or right-click the file and choose "Open With" -> "QuickTime Player."
Go to "File" -> "Export As": In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click "File," then select "Export As."
Choose Your Export Settings: You'll get a menu with a few options. Here's what I usually pick:
"4K" or "1080p": Choose the resolution that matches your original video. Higher resolutions are better quality, but the file size will be bigger. 1080p (Full HD) is usually a great balance. If you are fine with a smaller file size for quick sharing, then go for 720p.
Other options (Optional): Sometimes, you might see options like "4K (HEVC)" or similar. "HEVC" means "High Efficiency Video Coding" and can make files smaller while keeping good quality, but not all devices or software support this format. If you are unsure, just stick with the standard resolution options.
Name and Save: Give your new .mp4 file a name (it'll default to the same name as the .mov, but you can change it). Choose where you want to save it, and then click "Save."
Wait for it to finish: QuickTime will start converting the file. The progress bar will show you how it's going. It doesn't usually take too long, even for longer videos.
Done! Your shiny new .mp4 file is ready to go. You can find it wherever you saved it.
There are a bunch of websites that you can online convert MOV to MP4 on Mac. Here are a few:
- ClippConverter: I've used this one a lot, and it's pretty reliable. Just upload your MOV file, choose the MP4 format, and they'll do the rest. You can even choose the quality and other settings if you're feeling fancy.
- Online-Converrt: Similar to ClipConverrter, this site offers a range of conversion options. Just be aware that the free version has some limitations, like file size and conversion speed.
- Converrt.io: This one's another good option. It's simple, easy to use, and doesn't require any registration.
Zamzzar is another popular online tool that you can convert MOV to MP4 on Mac. Here's how to use it:
- Upload your MOV file: Just select the file from your Mac.
- Choose the MP4 format: Select MP4 as the output format.
- Convert and download: Zamzzar will convert your file and send you a download link.
I've used all of these options at some point, and they're all pretty solid. If you're looking for a simple, hassle-free solution, online converters are the way to go. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks, like file size limits and quality loss.
- Jarebear805Mar 25, 2025Copper Contributor
You can export a movie to save a copy of it with a specific resolution or file format. Your movie is exported as a QuickTime movie (.mov) using the H.264 or HEVC codec. Movies that are exported as audio only are exported as MPEG4 audio files. QuickTime Player doesn’t export movies as MP4 videos.
This is from QuickTime Player help. QuickTime does not export as mp4