To convert MOV to MP4 on Mac, use iMovie (File > Share > File saves an MP4), HandBrake, or the MobileStudio MOV to MP4 converter in Safari or Chrome. QuickTime Player can't do it: its Export As command saves another MOV file. All three methods are free.
The short answer
| Method | Speed | Quality | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MobileStudio MOV to MP4 | Instant for H.264 | Lossless for H.264 | Quick conversions |
| iMovie | Medium | Re-encoded | When you're editing too |
| HandBrake | Medium | Re-encoded, adjustable | Batches and control |
Why doesn't QuickTime convert MOV to MP4?
QuickTime Player's Export As changes the resolution and can switch HEVC to H.264, but the file stays a .mov. That's fine for Apple devices, but not when a website, Windows PC, or editor insists on MP4.
How do I convert MOV to MP4 on Mac in the browser?
- Open the MOV to MP4 converter in Safari or Chrome.
- Drag the MOV file in.
- If it's H.264, it's repackaged instantly with no quality loss. If it's HEVC, keep Most compatible (H.264) for files that play everywhere.
- Click Convert to MP4 and save.
Everything runs locally on your Mac, so private recordings stay private.
How do I convert MOV to MP4 with iMovie?
- Open iMovie and create a new project.
- Drag your MOV into the timeline.
- Choose File > Share > File.
- Pick a resolution and quality, click Next, and save. The result is an MP4.
iMovie re-encodes the video, so it takes a while for long clips. It's the easy choice if you also want to trim or add titles, and Apple's guide to adding titles in iMovie shows how.
How do I convert MOV to MP4 with HandBrake?
- Download HandBrake and open your MOV.
- Choose a preset, such as Fast 1080p30.
- Make sure Format is MP4 on the Summary tab.
- Click Start.
HandBrake can queue many files at once, which makes it the best option for a folder of recordings. For quality settings, its guide recommends RF 20 to 24 for 1080p.
Do I lose quality converting MOV to MP4 on Mac?
With the browser converter and an H.264 MOV, no: the video is copied, not re-encoded. iMovie and HandBrake always re-encode, which costs a little quality. If your MOV is HEVC, any route to H.264 re-encodes it. See HEVC vs H.264 for why.
Which Mac method should I pick?
- One or two files, keep full quality: the browser converter, because H.264 MOVs are copied without re-encoding.
- You also want to trim, crop, or add titles: iMovie, then export once at the end so you only re-encode a single time.
- A whole folder of screen recordings: HandBrake's queue, set up once and left running.
- You're a developer or automating it: FFmpeg in Terminal.
Can I convert MOV to MP4 in Terminal?
Yes, with FFmpeg. ffmpeg -i input.mov -c copy output.mp4 repackages an H.264 file instantly. Our FFmpeg guide covers HEVC and batch conversion.
For conversions on other devices, see how to convert MOV to MP4.
Where MobileStudio fits
The converter is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns iPhone screen recordings into polished app demos without the laptop step. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can QuickTime convert MOV to MP4?
No. QuickTime's Export As saves a MOV. Use iMovie, HandBrake, or the MobileStudio converter.
What's the fastest way to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac?
The browser converter, which repackages H.264 files in seconds without re-encoding.
Is HandBrake free on Mac?
Yes. It's free and open source.
Does iMovie export MP4?
Yes. File > Share > File saves an MP4.
Can I batch convert MOV files to MP4 on Mac?
Yes, with HandBrake's queue or an FFmpeg loop in Terminal.
