Previous versions of macOS made it easy to convert these files using QuickTime, but for current versions, you’ll need to use iMovie, or a dedicated conversion tool, like HandBrake. It’s not as straightforward, but it’s not difficult either.
How to convert a MOV file to mp4 on a Mac
To start, we’ll just open the MOV file as a new project in iMovie and then export it as an MP4. Here’s how it’s done.
- Type iMovie in the Spotlight search bar to find the iMovie app.
- Double click the app in the search results to open it.
- In iMovie, click the + sign to create a new project.
- Click Import Media to add the MOV file to the project.
- Browse and select the file.
- Click Import Selected to import the file in the project.
- Select the video that was opened.
- With the file selected, open the File menu to convert the file.
- In the File menu, click Share.
- In the sub-menu that opens, click File.
- In the File dialogue box, check the default settings and click Next.
- Click Save to save the file in the same location and the same name but with the mp4 extension.