Make Mac BetterHow to convert MOV to MP4 on a Mac
Screen recordings and iPhone videos are saved as .mov. They play perfectly on Apple devices, but some websites, TVs and Windows PCs ask for .mp4. Converting is quick.
Step by step
Check whether you really need to
Most .mov files already contain H.264 or HEVC video, the same as an MP4. If a site rejects the file only because of the extension, converting changes the container and not the picture.
With iMovie
Create a project, drag in the video and choose Share › File. iMovie exports an .mp4; choose the resolution and “High” quality.
With a free converter
HandBrake is a free, open-source app that converts to MP4 with presets by device. It’s a good option if you want to control every setting.
Several videos at once
In Make Mac Better, open Tools › Convert video, drop the files and choose MP4 and the resolution. They are processed in the background and saved in a new folder; the originals stay as they are.
Why doesn’t QuickTime Player export MP4?
QuickTime’s Export As saves .mov files. It’s useful for reducing the resolution, but not for changing to .mp4.
Can I just rename .mov to .mp4?
Sometimes it plays, because the content is similar, but many programs reject it. Converting properly takes little time and avoids problems.
Does converting lose quality?
Each conversion re-compresses the video. Keeping the same resolution and a high quality, the difference isn’t visible. Avoid converting the same video several times in a row.
Which is better, H.264 or HEVC?
H.264 plays on practically everything. HEVC takes up less with the same quality, but older devices may not open it. For sharing, H.264 in MP4 is the safe choice.