This guide will show you how to change the format from MOV to MP4.

Because most people today view MOV files as obsolete, and because MP4 files are more widely used and easily converted, you'll want to learn how to convert MOV to MP4. If you have a large number of outdated MOV files cluttering up your Mac, you can convert them to an MP4 file format with a little bit of patience and the following step-by-step instructions.

CloudConvert, an online converter, is our preferred method. Those with a Mac or PC and an internet connection can use it without cost or delay. In this tutorial, we'll go over a few different offline conversion methods in addition to using CloudConvert to convert MOV files to MP4.

The best method for transforming your MOV files into MP4 format online

CloudConvert, a freemium online service that supports numerous file formats, is our go-to when converting MOV to MP4. (It's free to sign up for and use, but there are paid upgrades available.) However, registering for the free service is not always necessary. That, however, will be discussed in greater detail below. )

Our go-to for years, but remember that the company doing the conversion may have access to your video files if you upload them to their server. It's also important to exercise caution when converting videos that could be deemed inappropriate or private using online conversion services. However, from what we can tell, CloudConvert is a fantastic online service for converting files.

One more great converter that we like to use and recommend is online-convert.com.

Learn how to change MOV to MP4 with CloudConvert in this article.

First, navigate to the Select file button on CloudConvert's main page. Select the MOV file you wish to convert, then click Open in the lower right corner of the File Explorer window.

Second, on the following page, click the down arrow next to where it says "Convert to" Following this, select MP4 from the drop-down menu.

The third step is to hit the Convert button over on the right. CloudConvert may play your converted video file automatically once the conversion is finished to ensure that it looks the way you expect it to. You can save the file by clicking the green Download button if you're satisfied with the quality of the video.

The MP4 video will be saved to your Downloads folder, from which you can play it on any device or operating system that supports the format.

The conversion service is free and does not necessitate creating an account, but there is a catch. If your video file is under 10 minutes in length, you can convert it without creating an account and it will be converted for free. Therefore, if you have a large video file that will take longer than 10 minutes to process, you will need to create a free account first. A free account can only stream for 25 minutes per day. More advanced features require a paid subscription, however.

Macintosh MOV to MP4 video converter instructions

Apple's Mac OS X has a free and surprisingly powerful video editor preinstalled. I'm referring, of course, to Apple's movie editing program. The best part about converting MOV files to MP4 with iMovie is how easy it is. So, without further ado, let's enter the fray

First, open iMovie.

Second, select New movie from the File menu in the upper left.

Third, select the media you want to import by clicking the corresponding button.

You'll be prompted to open a file browser, at which point you can choose the MOV file you wish to convert.

Fourth, after deciding which MOV file to convert, you'll need to click the Import selected button.

Fifth, open the MOV file in iMovie.

If you click it, a yellow highlighting box will appear around the file. Then select the desired file to share by going to File > Share.

Select the 1080p resolution and proceed to Step 6 by clicking the Next button.

Step 7: Give Your Document a Name and Save It Somewhere The file format will be changed to MP4 automatically by iMovie. Easy

Here's some Windows-specific advice on making that MOV-to-MP4 conversion.

On Windows, it's not quite as simple to convert a MOV file to MP4 as it is on Mac, but it's still possible. You can use a program like Handbrake, but the in-built Photos editor makes the process much simpler.

First, select Photos from the drop-down menu that appears when you right-click on your MOV file.

Second, once the Photos app has opened to where your MOV file is displayed, select the More options... menu by clicking the three vertical dots in the upper right.

Third, pick a destination to store the file.

Fourth, select a destination and file format from the respective menus.

Among the available formats, MP4 is the one you should pick.

To proceed to Step 5, select the Save option.

Methods for changing over from QuickTime MOV to MP4 using VLC

The VLC Media Player has been around for quite some time, but it still manages to evolve and improve. This robust, free app has traditionally excelled at converting between different media formats. VLC is the most flexible choice for converting MOV files to MP4 because it can be used on any platform.

Launch VideoLAN Client (VLC)

Second, select Convert / save from the Media menu.

Third, a new tab will pop up. If you want to add an MOV file, click Add, browse to it, and then click Open.

Once you have your MOV file selected, go to the bottom right and click Convert / save.

In this fifth step, you'll see a box labeled "Convert." In the middle of the box, click Profile, then Video - H. 264 MP3 (MP4)

Step 6: Enter the desired filename followed by " Since VLC does not perform this action by default, add ".mp4" to the end of the file extension.

To Save Your Work, Step 7

Method 8: Press the "Start" Button

Whatever device you're using, there are a number of MOV-to-MP4 converters available. Like Windows Photo Editor and Apple iMovie, many useful programs are included as part of the operating system itself. Also, there are third-party applications available, such as VLC Media Player and CloudConvert, which are capable of playing and converting virtually any file format (including flv). Any concerns about an obsolete MOV file are now history.

The day's most important technological developments, distilled and delivered to your inbox

For updates, please check your inbox.

To proceed, a valid email address is required.

We have your email address on file. Please check your spam folder if you have not been receiving our newsletters.

Unfortunately, there was a problem processing your subscription. It is recommended that you try again later.

Suggested Reading from the Editors