Learn How to Convert MOV to MP4 for Hassle-Free Uploading and Sharing

Converting files can be extremely annoying, mainly when it comes to limited formats like MOV. Many users prefer to use MP4 files, as they are highly compatible. Hence, considering this, we have listed some hassle-free solutions to convert MOV to MP4 using Windows and Mac right away without losing the prime quality.

Does anyone know how to converts .mov to a .mp4 ??

— VASSY (@VASSY) October 30, 2023

Let’s get straight to the process. 

How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Mac Using iMovie?

If you are an avid Mac user and find it tough to convert MOV to MP4, – iMovie is what you are looking for. So, go through the steps mentioned below to learn how to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac using iMovie without sacrificing the original quality. 

1. Launch iMovie on your MacBook.

2. Click on the Import Media button.

   

3. Browse your video and import the file. 

   

4. Click on the File option. 

   

5. From the dropdown list, select Share. 

   

6. From the adjacent list, click on File.

   

7. Adjust the Standard export settings (1080 is suggested for resolution).

   

8. After completing, tap on Next. 

   

9. Just after that, you will see a throbber (a circle-like icon) in the top right corner of your screen, tap on it.

   

10. Once completed, you will see a file folder with an MP4 label on your desktop. 

    

Now that you know how to convert video to mp4 on Mac, let us take a glimpse of the pros and cons of using iMovie to remain aware of everything coming your way. 

Overall, iMovie is one of the prime ways to convert MOV to MP4 Mac, but this is not the end. Move on to the next section to explore the freeware websites that can be compatible with both Windows and Mac. 

How to Convert MOV to MP4 Using Freeware or Third-Party Apps?

As discussed above, MOV is a file format designed specially to support Apple systems. But apart from iMovie, you can also use some freeware websites to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac and Windows. 

Here are a few of the captivating websites:

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source tool that allows you to make conversions at any moment. The process is straightforward, just like you convert PDF files to other formats in your daily work routine.

1. Download and install the updated version of the VLC media player on your PC.

2. Launch the VLC media player and click on Media.

   

3. From the dropdown menu, choose Convert/Save.

   

4. You will be redirected to a new window, click Add to upload the MOV videos. 

   

5. After that, click on the Convert/Save button in the right bottom corner. 

   

6. Further, from the pop-up window, select Video- H.264 + MP4 beside the Profile section.

   

7. To label your file, click on Browse.

   

8. Type the tag in the File name section and select the output location.

   

9. Lastly, click on the Start button to convert MOV to MP4.

   

That’s all, now you can view the MP4 file in your chosen saved location. In addition, let us take a look at its pros and cons.

HandBrake 

Besides VLC, HandBrake is also one of the widely used open-source multi-platforms that is observed to be highly compatible for converting MOV to MP4 format on Mac and Windows. 

So, to know how to convert .mov to mp4 on Mac and Windows, go through the step-by-step instructions mentioned below:

• Download and install the latest version of HandBrake on your PC. 

  

• Launch the application and click on Open Source.

  

• Hit the File button in the left corner and drag or drop a MOV file.

  

• Under the Summary, click on Format and choose MP4 from the dropdown list. 

  

• After that, head over to Browse in the right bottom corner and label the file and output location.

  

• Lastly, click on Start Encode to convert video to mp4 on Mac and Windows.

  

After the completion of the process, you can view the converted MP4 in the chosen output location. Moreover, let us take a look at the pros and cons of using this freeware to make an informed decision. 

Adobe Express 

Adobe Express is a web-based product that caters to fulfil the needs of a creator to a professional photographer. Ahead, it is also a renowned platform that offers a free tool for converting MOV video to MP4 in just seconds. The step-by-step instructions are mentioned below: 

• Open the Adobe Express Convert tool in a web browser.

  

• Click the plus symbol (+) to select your content. 

  

• As soon as you upload your MOV, the conversion will start. 

• Once done, click on Download to save the MP4 file format. 

Despite having some negative aspects, VLC media player, HandBrake and Adobe Express are a must-try. 

Which Format is Better, MOV or MP4?

MOV and MP4 are the widely used digital container file formats that are popular for their unique features. For that, let us take a quick look at both of their capabilities and features.

Features	MOV file format	MP4 file format
Introduced by	Apple Inc.	Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG).
Compatibility	A format of Apple, but can open on both Mac and Windows.	Highly compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Category	Video file format.	Video file format.
Video Quality	Low video quality.	High video quality.
Editing	Compatible with editing software on Mac.	Supports different video editing software.
Size of File	Small file size.	Large file size.

As observed, since they are owned by two different developers and have selected compatibility, the use of them will depend on the demand on media type.

Conclusion

Now that you know the methods, you can easily convert .mov to .mp4 on Mac or Windows. For more comfort, you can try switching the video file format on the devices you use for recording to get rid of the multiple conversions. 

Besides all the information, kindly remember that you may suffer a loss of quality in the final output after exporting MOV files to MP4 files on Mac.