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Convert M4V to OGV - Open-Source Video Freedom

Transform Apple M4V videos to patent-free OGV format. Play anywhere, share freely.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert M4V to OGV?

M4V is Apple's video format, closely related to MP4 but often protected by DRM. When you need videos that work in open-source environments, OGV is the answer. Built on Theora and Vorbis codecs, OGV is completely patent-free and plays natively on Linux systems and in Firefox without plugins.

If you have M4V files from iTunes or other Apple sources, converting to OGV opens up compatibility with free software ecosystems where proprietary formats face restrictions.

How to Convert M4V to OGV

  1. Upload your M4V file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
  2. Confirm OGV output - The converter handles Theora video and Vorbis audio encoding automatically
  3. Download your OGV - Your open-source video is ready to use

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting in queues.

M4V vs OGV: Format Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you decide when OGV is the right choice:

  • Licensing - M4V uses patented H.264 codec; OGV uses patent-free Theora
  • DRM - M4V can include FairPlay protection; OGV has no DRM support
  • Linux support - M4V requires extra codecs; OGV plays natively
  • File size - M4V typically produces smaller files; OGV may be slightly larger
  • Quality - Both formats handle HD video well at comparable bitrates

In our testing, OGV files average 10-15% larger than equivalent M4V files, but the open-source compatibility often outweighs the size difference.

When to Use OGV

Wikipedia and Wikimedia

Wikipedia only accepts free media formats. OGV is one of the approved video formats for Wikimedia Commons. If you want to contribute video content to Wikipedia, converting your M4V files to OGV is required.

Open-Source Projects

Software distributed under GPL or similar licenses often cannot include patented codecs. OGV provides a fully free alternative that respects these licensing requirements.

Linux Desktop Use

While most Linux distributions can play M4V with additional codec packages, OGV works out of the box on virtually any Linux installation without extra configuration.

HTML5 Video Fallback

Although browser support has evolved, OGV remains useful as a fallback format for older Firefox versions and situations where MP4/WebM licensing is a concern.

Alternative Formats to Consider

OGV is ideal for open-source contexts, but other formats may suit different needs:

  • M4V to WebM - Better compression than OGV with similar open-source benefits; preferred for modern web video
  • M4V to MP4 - Maximum device compatibility if open-source licensing is not a concern
  • M4V to MKV - Flexible container supporting multiple audio tracks and subtitles

For most web use today, WebM offers better compression than OGV while maintaining the royalty-free advantage. Choose OGV specifically when Theora compatibility is required.

Browser-Based Conversion

Our converter works entirely in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and capable mobile devices

No plugins or downloads required. Your video files are processed locally for privacy.

Pro Tip

When converting for Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons, check their specific encoding guidelines. They recommend certain bitrate ranges and resolution limits for optimal playback on their servers.

Common Mistake

Assuming OGV works everywhere like MP4. While great for open-source contexts, OGV has limited support on iOS devices and some streaming platforms. Test playback on your target platforms.

Best For

Contributing video to Wikipedia, embedding in GPL-licensed software, Linux-native applications, or any project where patent-free media is a requirement.

Not Recommended

General video sharing or social media uploads. Most platforms prefer MP4 or WebM. Use OGV specifically when open-source licensing matters for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

M4V is Apple's video format using H.264 codec with optional DRM protection. OGV is an open-source format using Theora video and Vorbis audio codecs with no patent restrictions. OGV is designed for free software compatibility.

There may be slight quality differences since both are lossy formats. Converting at higher bitrates minimizes visible quality loss. For most viewing purposes, the difference is negligible.

No. DRM-protected M4V files from iTunes cannot be converted without first removing the protection. Our converter works with unprotected M4V files only.

OGV is the best choice when you need completely patent-free video for open-source projects, Wikipedia uploads, or GPL-licensed software. For general use, MP4 or WebM usually offer better compatibility.

VLC Media Player plays OGV on any platform. On Linux, most default video players support OGV natively. Firefox can play OGV directly in the browser without plugins.

OGV was popular for HTML5 video before WebM became widespread. Today, WebM generally offers better compression for web use. OGV remains useful for projects requiring strict open-source compliance.

Typically yes. OGV files are often 10-20% larger than equivalent M4V or MP4 files because Theora compression is less efficient than H.264. The tradeoff is complete patent freedom.

Yes. Upload multiple M4V files and convert them all to OGV in a single batch. No need to process videos one at a time.

Yes. OGV handles 720p and 1080p video well. For 4K content, you may want to consider WebM instead, as it offers better compression efficiency at higher resolutions.

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