Video format
What is a .mov file?
MOV is Apple’s video container, from QuickTime. iPhones record in it, and it’s common in editing because it carries professional codecs such as ProRes.
Its structure is the basis of MP4, but it plays in fewer places, so a MOV is usually converted to MP4 for sharing.
fileclay opens and writes MOV
MOV vs MP4 vs MKV
| MOV | MP4 | MKV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Apple | ISO | Matroska project |
| Codecs | Most, plus ProRes | Most modern ones | Almost any |
| Browsers | Limited | All | Limited |
| Best for | Editing on Apple | Sharing and the web | Films with many tracks |
When to use MOV
Good for
- Editing in Final Cut or Premiere
- Keeping iPhone video as recorded
- Masters in ProRes
Not a good fit
- Sharing with people outside Apple devices
- Publishing on a website: use MP4
- Saving space: ProRes files are huge
How to open .mov files
| Platform | App | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | QuickTime Player | Built in |
| iPhone, iPad | Photos, Files | Built in |
| Windows | Media Player | Depends on the codec |
| Any system | VLC | Plays nearly every codec |
Convert MOV files
From MOV
All 46 output formats: .mp4, .webm, .mkv, .avi, .gif, .m4v, .mpeg, .mpg, .ts, .m2ts, .mts, .m2v, .mxf, .ogv, .flv, .vob, .wmv, .asf, .divx, .3gp, .3g2, .ivf, .mp3, .wav, .m4a, .m4b, .ogg, .oga, .opus, .aac, .flac, .aiff, .aif, .wma, .ac3, .mka, .caf, .au, .tta, .wv, .mp2, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .webp, .bmp
Conversions run in your browser. Files aren’t uploaded.
How to identify a .mov file
MOV is built from boxes, like MP4. Modern files usually have “ftyp” from the fifth byte on; older ones can start with “moov” or “mdat”.
It’s read here, in your browser. Only the first bytes.
Your file
What comes after
Questions about MOV
Is MOV better quality than MP4?
Not by itself. Quality depends on the codec, and both can carry the same one.
Does converting MOV to MP4 lose quality?
Not if the tracks are only copied. It does if the video is encoded again.
Why are MOV files so large?
Usually because of high-bitrate codecs such as ProRes.
Can Windows play MOV?
Many files, yes. Those with ProRes usually need VLC.