Convert a MOV File to an MP4

MP4 is a popular and highly-compatible file format. Converting MOV to MP4 may be as simple as changing the extension. You can also transcode the files into the MP4 container using free programs available for both Windows and Mac.

Steps

Using Adapter (Windows and Mac)

1. Download and install Adapter. This is a free program that can convert virtually any media format into any other format. It is available for both Windows and Mac. You can download it from macroplant.com/adapter/.
   • During installation, check the "Download and install FFmpeg" box. This is required for video conversion. FFmpeg will be installed separately after Adapter finishes.
   • You shouldn't have to worry about adware if you downloaded from Macroplant.
2. Launch Adapter. It may take a few moments to start for the first time.
3. Drag the MOV file into the Adapter window. You can also click "Browse" in Adapter and navigate to your MOV file's location.
4. Click the "Select Output Format" menu. You can find this at the bottom of the Adapter window.
5. Select "Video" → "General" → "Custom MP4." This will set the converter to the MP4 setting.
6. Click the Gear button to open the settings. Generally you can leave these at their default. Some users may want to make adjustments:
   • The "Directory" section allows you to change the destination directory for the converted file. You can also give it a file name.
   • The "Video" section allows you to adjust the encoder options. The default settings will preserve the original quality.
   • The "Resolution" section allows you to change the output resolution. Change the "Quality" setting to "High" or "Very High" to preserve the original quality. A higher-quality encoding will result in a larger file size.
   • The "Audio" section allows you to change the audio encoder settings. Leave these set to "Source" for the best results.
   • The "Trim" section lets you set the start and end time to remove excess footage.
   • The "Layers" section allows you to overlay text and images. Click the "Add New Layer" button.
7. Click "Convert" to start converting the video. The length of time this takes will vary from file to file.

Using Handbrake (Windows and Mac)

1. Download and install Handbrake. Handbrake is a free video encoding program available for both Windows and Mac. You can download Handbrake for free from handbrake.fr.
   • Only download Handbrake from the official website. this will protect you against adware.
2. Launch Handbrake. You'll be greeted with the main Handbrake interface.
3. Click the "Source" button and select "File." This will allow you to browse for the MOV file that you want to convert.
4. Ensure that the "Container" menu is set to "MP4." You can find this in the "Output Settings" section of the main Handbrake window. This is usually the default setting.
5. Click the "Browse" button in the "Destination" section. Choose where you want to save the converted file and give it a file name.
6. Select the "Normal" preset in the "Presets" panel. This will result in a good-quality copy with a low file size. If you want to maintain the best possible quality, select "High Profile."
   • Select a preset from the Presets menu for specific devices.
   • If you don't see the Presets panel, select "Show Preset Panel" from the "Presets" menu.
7. Click "Add to Queue" and then "Start." This will begin the conversion process. The time it takes to convert will vary from file to file.

Related Articles

• Convert MOV to MP4 and HD MP4 With Quicktime Pro 7
• Convert Mp4 to Avi With Mp4 Converter
• Convert AVI to MP4
• Convert Video to WMV Using Windows Media Encoder

Sources and Citations

See also

• Download the Soundtrack from a YouTube Video Using SnipMP3
• Convert MP3 to WAV
• Convert MP4 Files to MP3

What links here

• Convert MOV to MP4 and HD MP4 With Quicktime Pro 7
• Convert Mp4 to Avi With Mp4 Converter