video.mov

What is MOV?

QuickTime Movie

Apple's native video format — from iPhone to Final Cut Pro

Container: QuickTime File Format
Typical video codec: H.264, HEVC, ProRes
Typical audio codec: AAC, PCM
File extension: .mov, .qt

Overview

MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format, introduced in 1991. It supports H.264, HEVC (H.265), and ProRes codecs, making it the native format for iPhone recordings, GoPro cameras, and professional Apple editing workflows. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and QuickTime Player all handle MOV natively without any conversion or additional software.

While MOV and MP4 share much of their technical underpinning (both are based on the ISO Base Media File Format), MOV has limited support outside the Apple ecosystem. Windows does not play MOV files natively, most Android apps cannot handle them, and many social media platforms prefer MP4. For distribution, MOV recordings are typically converted to MP4; for editing on a Mac, MOV is the native, lossless option.

Technical Specifications

Container	QuickTime File Format
Typical video codec	H.264, HEVC, ProRes
Typical audio codec	AAC, PCM
File extension	.mov, .qt
MIME type	video/quicktime
ProRes support	Yes — broadcast-quality intermediate codec
Platform origin	Apple (1991)

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages

✓ Native format for iPhone, GoPro, and many DSLR cameras
✓ Supports ProRes — broadcast-quality with minimal generation loss
✓ Handles natively in Final Cut Pro, QuickTime, and DaVinci Resolve
✓ Supports HEVC (H.265) recordings from newer iPhones
✓ High quality output from Apple hardware
✓ Compatible with virtually all Mac software

Limitations

✕ Not natively supported on Windows (requires codec installation)
✕ Android devices cannot play MOV without a third-party app
✕ Social media platforms prefer MP4 for uploads
✕ ProRes files are very large — unsuitable for sharing

Common Use Cases

iPhone and GoPro camera recordings
Final Cut Pro editing workflows
ProRes intermediate files for colour grading
DSLR and mirrorless camera output
Mac-to-Mac video sharing and storage
DaVinci Resolve colour grading

Compatible Software & Platforms

MOV is natively supported by:

iPhone / iPad / MacFinal Cut ProQuickTime PlayerDaVinci ResolvePremiere ProGoPro camerasDSLR cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony)

Convert MOV Files — Free Online Tools

Convert from MOV

MOV to MP4 → MOV to WEBM → MOV to MKV → MOV to AVI → MOV to FLV → MOV to WMV →

Convert to MOV

MP4 to MOV → WEBM to MOV → MKV to MOV → AVI to MOV → FLV to MOV → WMV to MOV →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MOV file?

A MOV file is a video file using the QuickTime Movie format. MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format, introduced in 1991.

What programs open MOV files?

MOV files are supported by: iPhone / iPad / Mac, Final Cut Pro, QuickTime Player, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and most modern media players and editors.

What are MOV files used for?

Common uses include: iPhone and GoPro camera recordings; Final Cut Pro editing workflows; ProRes intermediate files for colour grading.

MOV vs MP4: what is the difference?

MOV is native to Apple hardware and editors; MP4 is better for cross-platform sharing. MOV is typically chosen for iphone and gopro camera recordings, while MP4 is preferred for uploading to youtube, tiktok, instagram, and vimeo.

How do I convert a MOV file?

Convert MOV files online for free at MediaFormatter. Upload your file, choose a target format, and download the result — no installation or sign-up needed.