How to Convert Movies to MP4 Format on Your PC
You may often need to convert your movie files into different formats in order to use them on your chosen platform. The MP4 format is typically used by proprietary media outlets and for handheld media devices. There are dozens of MP4 converters available for download on the web, and many of them are free. While each program will have a slightly different layout, the overall functions are very similar.
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Instructions
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Download the MP4 converter program of your choice, and then follow the instructions to install the software on your PC. When installation is complete, open the program.
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Select the "Input" or "Add Media" option of your software, which will open a browsing window. Find the movie file you wish to convert and select it. Your software should recognize the format of your selected media. If it does not, you may need a different converter.
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Click the "Style" or "Format" option and a drop-down menu will appear. You'll see a list of file formats available. Choose "MP4" or "MPEG-4" from the menu.
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Select the field labeled "Output" and a browsing window will open, allowing you to choose where on your PC to save your newly converted file. "My Videos," "My Documents," or "Desktop" are easy-to-find places to save your file. If you're converting a large number of files, you may want to click the "New Folder" icon and create a special folder for your converted files.
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Start your converter by clicking "Start" or "Convert." The program may convert your file in just minutes, or it can take several hours. It depends on the size and original format of your media file. Once the conversion is complete, your movie file will appear in the location you selected for "Output." You now have your movie file in MP4 format, ready to transfer to your portable media device.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a large number of movie files to convert, you may want to pay the small fee for the premium version of your MP4 converter. These versions typically get the job done faster.
If you are extracting your video file from a DVD, there are many DVD ripping programs available that pull your media straight from the disc and convert it to MP4 in one easy step.
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