If in case you have a video file in MOV format, chances are you’ll want to convert the MOV video to MP4 format as an alternative. Whereas there are a number of strategies for changing MOV to MP4, the strategy we’re going to handle right here is through the use of the command line, with an excellent straightforward to make use of and free device known as ffmpeg.
Why would you wish to convert MOV to MP4?
Usually Mac customers would possibly wish to convert MOV to MP4 for sharing and basic compatibility causes, since MP4 is a extra extensively supported video format, notably if you’d like the video to be appropriate throughout varied platforms and video participant apps.
And sometimes, you may get higher compression out of an MP4 file, making for a smaller file dimension too.
Is changing a MOV file to MP4 format with ffmpeg troublesome?
No. However, as a result of ffmpeg is used on the command line, it’s barely extra superior than utilizing a GUI app.
If you happen to’re snug with the command line, all the course of will likely be acquainted and simple to you.
If you happen to’re new to the command line, however snug making an attempt, simply comply with alongside and also you’ll have your file transformed rapidly.
Find out how to Convert MOV to MP4 on Mac with ffmpeg
First, you should have Homebrew installed in your Mac, which makes it straightforward to obtain and set up command line packages and apps. If you happen to don’t have Homebrew but, install that first.
- Open the Terminal software
- From the command line, set up ffmpeg with the next brew command:
- Hit return and let ffmpeg set up on the Mac, which is able to seem like this because it proceeds:
- When completed putting in, you’re prepared to make use of ffmpeg to begin changing the MOV file to MP4 format, utilizing the next command format:
- Swap inputFile.mov and OutputFile.mp4 to your information and their paths, for instance for a file named “ConvertMe.mov” within the person Desktop folder, you could possibly use the next, which might convert the MOV enter to an MP4 file named “ConvertedFile.mp4” in the identical listing:
- After the mov file conversion has completed, your mp4 video file is able to use, share, stream, or no matter your plan is for it
brew set up ffmpeg
ffmpeg -i inputFile.mov OutputFile.mp4
ffmpeg -i ~/Desktop/ConvertMe.mov ~/Desktop/ConvertedFile.mp4
That’s it, your MOV video file is now an MP4 video file.
That’s about so simple as it will get, and it’s comparatively straightforward and simple, even for people who find themselves not consultants with the command line.
Can I transcode the MOV video to MP4 with a unique video/audio codec?
ffmpeg is a really highly effective device that may allow you to convert and transcode movies and their audio utilizing totally different codecs. You possibly can specify codec with the -c flag with ffmpeg, like so this instance which specifies a codec for each video and audio:
ffmpeg -i enter.mov -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4
That instance -c flag used right here is damaged down as follows:
- -c:v libx264 means encode video with the H.264 video codec
- -c:a aac means encode the audio with AAC codec
ffmpeg is extremely highly effective with assist for a lot of codecs, and different choices that could be useful or beneifical when changing video information from mov to mp4, or to and from another format for that matter.
If you wish to study extra about ffmpeg, refer to the ffmpeg documentation here.
Past the Mac, what about PC? Does ffmpeg work for changing MOV to MP4 on Home windows PC and Linux too?
Whereas we’re centered on the Mac right here, ffmpeg is out there not just for MacOS, but additionally for Linux, and Windows WSL, so technically you don’t must comply with this information on a Mac. You need to use the very same device for changing .mov to .mp4 from Home windows, Linux, MacOS, and even a lot older variations of Mac OS X, for those who’re doubtlessly operating on an antiquated system.
If you happen to’re on one other OS and utilizing ffmpeg, merely skip the Homebrew part and set up it via your technique of alternative, relying in your working system. You possibly can obtain ffmpeg as a prebuilt executable, binary, construct, or package deal from the project homepage at ffmpeg.org.
Neglect ffmpeg and the terminal, are there different methods to transform MOV to MP4 on a Mac?
If you need nothing to do with the command line and terminal, you may as well convert MOV to MP4 with GUI apps, together with iMovie, VLC, and varied third get together apps and instruments.
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What do you concentrate on utilizing ffmpeg for changing mov video information to mp4 format? Are you conversant in ffmpeg? Do you employ the command line for performing file conversions like this? Do you might have one other most popular app or technique for changing MOV to MP4 format on the Mac, or in any other case? Share with us your ideas within the feedback.