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MOV Converter - Transform QuickTime Video Files

Convert Apple QuickTime videos to any format instantly

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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What is MOV?

MOV is Apple's QuickTime multimedia container format, introduced in 1991. It's the native video format for macOS and iOS devices, used by iPhones, iPads, and Macs for recording and editing video.

MOV files can contain video, audio, text, and effects tracks using various codecs. The format is popular in professional video production due to its high quality and seamless integration with Apple's editing software like Final Cut Pro and iMovie.

While MOV works perfectly in the Apple ecosystem, converting to MP4 is often necessary for compatibility with Windows, Android, and web platforms.

Why Convert MOV Files?

MOV is excellent but has limitations outside Apple's ecosystem:

  • Windows compatibility - Windows doesn't fully support all MOV codecs
  • Android playback - Most Android devices prefer MP4 over MOV
  • Web uploads - Social media and platforms work better with MP4
  • File size - MOV files are often larger than equivalent MP4 files
  • Sharing ease - MP4 is universally recognized; MOV may confuse non-Apple users
  • Streaming - MP4 streams more efficiently than MOV in most cases

Convert MOV to Other Formats

Transform your QuickTime videos for universal compatibility:

MOV to MP4

The most essential conversion. MP4 offers the same quality as MOV with universal device and platform compatibility. Perfect for sharing iPhone videos.

MOV to AVI

Convert for Windows-based video editing and legacy media player compatibility.

MOV to MKV

Transform for archival with support for multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters.

MOV to WebM

Create web-optimized video for HTML5 browser playback without plugins.

MOV to WMV

Convert for Windows Media applications and older Windows devices.

MOV to MP3

Extract audio from QuickTime videos as MP3 files.

Convert Other Formats to MOV

Create MOV files for Apple ecosystem and professional editing:

MP4 to MOV

Convert for editing in Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or other Apple video software.

AVI to MOV

Transform Windows videos for Mac-based editing workflows.

MKV to MOV

Convert MKV for Apple device playback and editing.

WebM to MOV

Transform web video for Apple ecosystem compatibility.

MOV Technical Specifications

  • Full name: QuickTime File Format
  • Developer: Apple Inc.
  • First released: December 1991
  • File extension: .mov, .qt
  • MIME type: video/quicktime
  • Video codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, ProRes, Apple Intermediate Codec
  • Audio codecs: AAC, ALAC, MP3, PCM
  • Container: QuickTime container (basis for MP4)
  • Relationship to MP4: MP4 is derived from MOV/QuickTime

MOV Compatibility

Devices That Support MOV

  • All Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV)
  • QuickTime Player (Mac, legacy Windows)
  • VLC Media Player (all platforms)
  • Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Adobe Premiere
  • Most professional video editing software

Devices With Limited MOV Support

  • Some Android devices (codec-dependent)
  • Windows Media Player (limited codec support)
  • Some smart TVs and streaming devices
  • Web browsers (partial support)
  • Gaming consoles

How to Convert MOV Files

  1. Upload your MOV file - Drag and drop your QuickTime video or click to browse. We handle large iPhone and Mac videos.
  2. Choose your output format - Select MP4 for universal sharing, or other formats for specific needs.
  3. Download converted file - Get your video optimized for any device or platform.

Pro Tip

iPhone MOV files use H.264 or HEVC codec. When converting to MP4, you can often remux without re-encoding-preserving 100% quality and converting almost instantly.

Common Mistake

Assuming MOV only works on Apple devices. MOV plays fine on many platforms; it's specific codecs (like ProRes) that cause issues. Try playing before converting.

Best For

MOV is ideal for Apple device workflows, professional video editing with Final Cut Pro, and high-quality video production. It's the native format for iPhone recordings.

Not Recommended

Avoid sending MOV files to Windows users or uploading to platforms that prefer MP4. Convert to MP4 for sharing outside the Apple ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

MOV is Apple's QuickTime video format used by iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It's a multimedia container that can hold video, audio, and text. MOV is popular in professional video production and Apple devices.

Upload your MOV file to ChangeMyFile, select MP4 as output, and download. The conversion is fast and preserves quality. MOV and MP4 are related formats, so conversion is efficient.

MOV is Apple's format; MP4 is the universal standard derived from MOV. They're technically similar, but MP4 has broader compatibility. Use MOV for Apple editing, MP4 for everything else.

Quality loss is minimal with proper settings. Since MOV and MP4 use similar codecs (often H.264), conversion can sometimes be done without re-encoding, preserving 100% quality.

iPhones use MOV because it's Apple's native format with optimal integration into iOS and macOS. MOV supports Apple's advanced features and editing workflows.

Windows can play some MOV files, but not all codecs are supported. For reliable playback, install VLC Media Player or convert MOV to MP4 format.

Neither is objectively better-they're similar quality. MOV is better for Apple ecosystem and professional editing. MP4 is better for sharing, streaming, and cross-platform compatibility.

Yes, YouTube accepts MOV uploads. However, YouTube recommends MP4 for optimal processing. Converting to MP4 may result in faster upload and processing times.

MOV files from iPhones or professional cameras often use high bitrates for quality. Convert to MP4 with optimized settings to reduce file size while maintaining visual quality.

Yes, ChangeMyFile supports batch conversion. Upload multiple MOV files and convert them all to MP4 or other formats simultaneously.

MOV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.