Forum Discussion
The Best way to convert .mov to .mp4 video on Mac?
I started by trying the QuickTime to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac. It was a disaster. Super slow, and the output quality wasn't great. The files were often huge, and I couldn't control the settings properly. Early on, I'd just hit "convert" and hope for the best. Then I'd be disappointed with a poor quality MP4 or an enormous file that took an hour to email. I once converted a file for a client, and it wouldn't play on their system. Embarrassing! It turned out the codec was a little obscure.
The Fix:
- Stick to Standards: When in doubt, use widely compatible codecs like H.264 for video and AAC for audio.
- These are pretty much guaranteed to work everywhere. Handbrake and the other apps usually have presets for common devices (phones, tablets, etc.).
- Test, Test, Test: Before you send an important MP4, play it on a few different devices or platforms to make sure it works.
- Check Audio Settings: Make sure the audio codec is set correctly (AAC is usually a safe bet). Also, check the audio bitrate and volume levels.
- Listen Before You Commit: Before converting a whole batch of files, convert a small test clip and listen to the audio to make sure it's good.
As I know, the free online MOV to MP4 converters, like ClipConverrter, will have file size limits. If you're working with large MOV files, you might run into this. This can be inconvenient if you have a large video to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac. Requires an internet connection and a relatively strong and reliable internet connection. It can be annoying if your internet goes down. Converting MOV to MP4 can reduce quality, particularly if you are re-encoding, even with the best codecs. There will always be some amount of loss of video and sound. You may have a lack of control and customization options compared to a dedicated software.