MOV is a popular file format created by Apple in 1998. Though proprietary, it was fairly well supported until recently. Nowadays, most devices prefer the MP4 file type; it’s smaller and better suited for cross device compatibility. MOVs are still around, but you can’t be sure they’ll work on every non-Apple device like MP4 files.
Previous versions of macOS made it easy to convert these files using QuickTime, but for current versions, you’ll need to use iMovie, or a dedicated conversion tool, like HandBrake. It’s not as straightforward, but it’s not difficult either.
How to convert a MOV file to mp4 on a Mac
To start, we’ll just open the MOV file as a new project in iMovie and then export it as an MP4. Here’s how it’s done.
1. Type iMovie in the Spotlight search bar to find the iMovie app.
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2. Double click the app in the search results to open it.
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3. In iMovie, click the + sign to create a new project.
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4. Click Import Media to add the MOV file to the project.
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5. Browse and select the file.
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6. Click Import Selected to import the file in the project.
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7. Select the video that was opened.
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8. With the file selected, open the File menu to convert the file.
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9. In the File menu, click Share.
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10. In the sub-menu that opens, click File.
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11. In the File dialogue box, check the default settings and click Next.
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12. Click Save to save the file in the same location and the same name but with the mp4 extension.
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