ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert MOV to OGV - Open-Source Video for the Web

Transform QuickTime MOV files to OGV format. Open, free, and web-ready.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

Why Convert MOV to OGV?

MOV files from your iPhone, Mac, or professional camera need proprietary software to play on many systems. OGV (Ogg Video) is a completely open-source format that plays natively in Firefox and works seamlessly on Linux without any additional codecs.

If you're building websites, contributing to open-source projects, or working in Linux environments, OGV eliminates licensing concerns and compatibility headaches. Your MOV files become truly universal.

How to Convert MOV to OGV

  1. Upload your MOV file - Drag and drop or click to select your QuickTime video
  2. Wait for conversion - Your video is processed using Theora encoding
  3. Download your OGV - Ready for web embedding or Linux playback

No software to install. No account required. Just upload and convert.

MOV vs OGV: Format Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you decide when each format makes sense:

  • Container - MOV uses Apple's QuickTime container; OGV uses the Ogg container
  • Video codec - MOV typically uses H.264 or ProRes; OGV uses Theora (open-source)
  • Licensing - MOV codecs have patent restrictions; OGV is completely royalty-free
  • Browser support - MOV needs plugins; OGV plays natively in Firefox without any additions
  • File size - In our testing, OGV files run about 15-20% larger than equivalent H.264 at similar quality

For maximum compatibility across all browsers, consider MOV to WebM conversion, which offers better compression with VP9 codec.

When OGV Makes Sense

Open-Source Projects

If you're contributing video content to Wikipedia, open-source documentation, or community projects, OGV is often required or strongly preferred. No patent concerns, no licensing questions.

Linux Desktop Users

OGV plays out of the box on most Linux distributions. No need to install restricted codec packages or configure additional software.

Firefox-Focused Websites

While other formats now have broad support, OGV has the longest history of reliable Firefox playback. Some legacy systems still depend on it.

Educational Content

Schools and universities with strict software licensing policies appreciate OGV's completely open nature.

Quality and Settings

OGV uses the Theora video codec, which was competitive when released but has been surpassed by newer options. In our testing with typical video content:

  • Visual quality is good but not exceptional at lower bitrates
  • High-motion content (sports, action) may show more artifacts than H.264
  • Static or slow-moving video converts with minimal quality loss

For archival or professional use where quality is paramount, MOV to MP4 conversion preserves more detail. OGV is best when open-source compatibility matters more than absolute quality.

HTML5 Video Embedding

OGV works directly in HTML5 video tags for browsers that support it:

<video src='video.ogv' controls></video>

For complete browser coverage, provide multiple formats:

<video controls>
<source src='video.webm' type='video/webm'>
<source src='video.ogv' type='video/ogg'>
<source src='video.mp4' type='video/mp4'>
</video>

Browsers will use the first format they support.

Works in Your Browser

Convert MOV to OGV on any device:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets

No downloads, no installations, no waiting for software updates.

Pro Tip

When embedding OGV in HTML5, always include MP4 as a fallback source. List OGV first if you prefer open formats, but the MP4 fallback ensures Safari and older browser compatibility.

Common Mistake

Assuming OGV plays everywhere like MP4 does. OGV has specific use cases-Linux environments, Firefox users, open-source projects. For general distribution, MP4 or WebM are more practical choices.

Best For

Contributing video to Wikipedia/Wikimedia, Linux-first projects, educational content with strict open-source requirements, or websites specifically targeting Firefox users.

Not Recommended

Don't use OGV if your audience primarily uses Safari, mobile devices, or you need the smallest possible file size. MP4 or WebM serve general audiences better.

Frequently Asked Questions

OGV (Ogg Video) is an open-source video container format using the Theora codec. It was developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation as a royalty-free alternative to proprietary video formats. OGV plays natively in Firefox and is popular in Linux environments.

Not all devices. OGV has strong support in Firefox and Linux systems but limited support in Safari and older versions of Chrome. For universal playback, MP4 or WebM are better choices. OGV is best when open-source licensing is a priority.

Generally no. MOV files typically use H.264 or ProRes codecs which offer better compression efficiency than Theora. At the same file size, MOV usually looks better. OGV's advantage is its open-source, royalty-free nature rather than quality.

OGV predates WebM and has longer-established support in some open-source communities. However, WebM (VP9) offers better compression and quality. Choose OGV for legacy compatibility or specific project requirements; otherwise WebM is usually better.

Yes. Our converter handles files of various sizes. However, since OGV files are typically larger than equivalent H.264, expect your output file to be bigger than the original MOV in most cases.

Yes. OGV files contain both video (Theora codec) and audio (typically Vorbis codec). Both components are converted together, so your sound transfers automatically.

Yes, completely free. No watermarks, no file limits, no account required. Just upload your MOV and download the converted OGV.

Yes. Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons specifically prefer OGV because it's patent-free and open-source. This makes it ideal for educational and community content that needs to remain freely distributable.

Safari has limited OGV support. Apple prioritizes its own formats and industry standards like H.264. For Safari compatibility, convert to MP4 instead. OGV works best in Firefox and on Linux.

Conversion time depends on file size and video length. A 100MB file typically converts in under a minute. Larger files or longer videos take proportionally more time. The process runs entirely in your browser.

MOV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.