Wondering how to convert video files on your Mac? When preparing footage for sharing, editing, or playback – converting videos to the right format is easier than you think. From renaming files to using built-in tools or web apps, this guide explores 6 ways to convert video files on a Mac—perfect for beginners and pros alike.
So, let’s dive into these straightforward methods!
Why Convert Video Files on a Mac?
Video files come in various formats like MOV, MP4, M4V, MKV, and more, each serving different purposes. You might need to convert a file to upload it to a website, make it compatible with editing software like iMovie, or ensure it plays on another device.
For example, a Mac user might have a 4K HEVC video that won’t play on an older Windows PC. Converting it to a widely supported format like H.264 MP4 solves the issue.
With these six methods, you’ll find the perfect way to handle any video conversion task on your Mac!
1. Rename the File Extension (MOV, MP4, M4V)
Sometimes, you don’t need to convert a video at all—just rename it! Formats like MOV, MP4, and M4V often contain the same H.264-compressed MPEG video, despite different extensions.
How to Do It:
- Find your video file (e.g., “video.mov”) in Finder.
- Right-click and select Rename, changing “.mov” to “.mp4” or “.m4v.”
- Confirm the warning prompt to proceed.
- Test the file by playing it with Quick Look or QuickTime Player.
This option works if someone requests an MP4 but your MOV file already has H.264 compression. For instance, uploading a renamed MOV as an MP4 to a website often succeeds without further conversion.
To check the video’s compression, open it in QuickTime Player, go to Window > Show Movie Inspector, and verify it’s H.264.
Pro Tip: Renaming only changes the extension, not the content. If the file doesn’t work, try the next methods.
2. Use QuickTime Player for Simple Conversions
QuickTime Player, built into every Mac, is a versatile tool for converting videos. It handles common tasks like switching from HEVC (a newer format) to H.264 for better compatibility or resizing a 4K video to 720p to save space.
For example, if an HEVC video won’t play on an older device, export it as H.264 using QuickTime.
How to Do It:
- Open your video in QuickTime Player.
- Go to File > Export As and choose a resolution (e.g., 4K, 1080p, 720p).
- Select H.264 for broader compatibility if prompted.
- Save the file, which exports as a MOV (you can rename to MP4 afterward if needed).
PRO TIP: This method also works for files that don’t import into iMovie—open them in QuickTime, export as H.264, and they’ll be ready for editing!
3. Convert Video Files with Apple Compressor
For professional-grade conversions, Apple Compressor is a powerful paid app available on the Mac App Store. It offers detailed control over formats, compression rates, and video codecs, making it ideal for complex projects.
How to Do It:
- Open Compressor and drag your video into the app.
- In the sidebar, choose a preset (e.g., MPEG-4) or create a custom format.
- Adjust settings like codec, bitrate, or audio compression as needed.
- Click “Start Batch” to convert and save the new file.
This highly technical app is useful when you need specific settings, like optimizing a video for streaming or archiving. However, its learning curve can be steep for beginners, so reserve it for advanced tasks.
4. Try Third-Party Apps
The Mac App Store offers numerous video conversion apps, many free with optional in-app purchases or ads. These apps are simpler than Compressor and handle formats QuickTime can’t, like MKV.
How to Do It:
- Search “convert video” in the Mac App Store and pick an app (e.g., a File Converter).
- Open the app and drag your video file into it.
- Select your desired output format (e.g., MP4, AVI).
- Convert and locate the new file (often saved to a designated folder).
For instance, converting an MKV to an MP4 is easy with these apps—just drag, drop, and convert. However, be cautious with free apps, as some may limit features or add watermarks unless upgraded.
5. Use VLC Media Player for Conversions
VLC Media Player, a free and trusted app, isn’t just for playback—it also converts videos. It’s a great option for users comfortable with basic settings and supports various formats.
How to Do It:
- Download and open VLC (available outside the Mac App Store).
- Go to File > Convert/Stream.
- Drag your video into the window.
- Choose an output format (e.g., MP4 with H.264) and customize if needed.
- Select Save as File, pick a destination, and click Save to convert.
VLC can be slow and offers minimal feedback during conversion, especially for formats like MKV. If it doesn’t work smoothly, consider other methods. Still, it’s a reliable free tool for occasional use.
6. Convert Videos Files with Online Web Apps
Don’t want to install software? Online video converters like Online-Convert make it easy to transform your videos without downloads.
Simply choose a format (e.g., MP4, MKV, AVI, WEBM), and download the converted file—all from your browser. Online-Convert uses Credits, a digital currency that powers tasks on their platform. Think of Credits as tokens representing the processing resources needed for conversions.
Online-Convert offers free Daily Credits, letting you try most features and convert videos at no cost. Perfect for testing the platform!
How to Do It:
- Visit a trusted site like Online-Convert.
- Upload your video file.
- Select the desired output format and adjust the settings.
- Click “START”, and download the new file once processing is complete.
Pricing Options:
- Pay As You Go: For occasional needs, buy a one-time package of Credits. Unused Credits roll over to the next month and expire after a year, giving you flexibility.
- Subscription: If you convert frequently, choose a monthly plan with a set amount of Credits for regular use.
Web apps like Online-Convert are convenient for quick conversions and when you’re on the go!
Find more info here.
In Conclusion: Convert Video Files with Ease
Converting video files on a Mac doesn’t have to be complicated. These 6 ways to convert video files on a Mac give you the flexibility to tackle any project.
Start with the simplest method—renaming—and move to apps like VLC or Compressor for trickier formats. Or, simply convert your files online!
With these tools, you’ll handle any video format like a pro!