How to Convert MOV to MP4 in OS X
QuickTime videos (MOVs) are often large and mostly uncompressed files that may take up a lot of room on your computer. You may want to convert them to MP4 (MPEG-4) format for saving space on your hard drive, or for uploading to the Internet. There are several programs Mac OS X users can use, including QuickTime Pro (an additional component to your computer's QuickTime Player, costing $29.99), MPEG Streamclip (freeware) and HandBrake (freeware). All these programs are formatted for Mac OS X users, and have automated MP4 preset options. Please note that converting and compressing your MOVs to MP4 may result in some loss of video quality.
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Things You'll Need
- QuickTime Pro (see Resource 1)
- MPEG Streamclip (see Resource 2)
- HandBrake (see Resource 3)
Instructions
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QuickTime Pro ($29.99)
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1
Visit the official QuickTime Pro download page at Apple.com. Purchase and install the QuickTime Pro component. Agree to all terms of use and open the program.
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2
Open your MOV by clicking "File" and selecting "Open Files..." Locate your video in the Finder window and open in QuickTime.
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3
Click "File" and select "Export..."
Choose "Movie to MPEG-4" from the drop down list of options in the "Save Exported File As..." window.
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4
Customize your output MP4's settings, if desired, by clicking the "Options..." button. (You may change quality, encoding options and picture size, among other options).
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5
Name your file and choose a save location on your Mac's hard drive.
Click "Save" to begin the conversion.
MPEG Streamclip
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6
Download and install the latest version of MPEG Streamclip from squared5.com. Agree to the licensing terms and run the program.
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Load your MOV in MPEG Streamclip simply by dragging your video's icon into the empty MPEG Streamclip box, or click "File" and select "Open Files..." Search for your video in your Mac's Finder and open.
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8
Click "File" and select the "Export to MPEG-4..." option to enter the "Movie Exporter" window.
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Choose a frame size for your video. You may try different quality and "Compression" options; however, for general conversions it may be best to stick with the program's presets.
Click "Make Movie" to begin the conversion.
HandBrake Conversions
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10
Download and install the HandBrake software. Agree to the terms of use and launch the program.
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11
Click the "Source" icon to locate your MOV in the Mac Finder window. Choose to open it in HandBrake.
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Select "MP4 file" from the drop down list of output formats. If converting for an Apple device, you can click the "Presets" button on the right side of your screen and select an Apple preset.
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13
Hit the destination "Browse..." button to set the location on your hard drive where you want the MP4 saved to.
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14
Click "Start" to begin the conversion.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If converting for a portable media player, consult your user manual prior to conversion to determine the correct frame size of your device.
Allow up to several hours for conversions to complete, as MOVs are large files.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
