Convert M4V to MOV on Mac
Select the M4V files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose MOV and press Return. FileFlip saves each MOV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert M4V to MOV with FileFlip
Select the M4V files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from M4V. Type “MOV” to jump to it.
Choose MOV and press Return
The MOV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The M4V files stay as they are.
M4V and MOV
Apple’s variant of MP4, used by the Apple TV app and older iTunes downloads. Without copy protection it plays like an MP4. MOV is the native video format on Mac and iPhone and works well in Apple’s apps.
What changes when you convert
- M4V and MOV are both containers for the same kinds of video, so this is mostly about where the file has to play.
| Property | M4V | MOV |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple | Apple |
| Compression | Container; usually H.264 video | Container; usually H.264 or HEVC video |
| Best for | Video for Apple TV and Apple’s apps | Video on Apple devices and in editing apps |
| Opens in | Apple’s apps and most players that open MP4 | Apple devices, QuickTime Player, most players and editors; some websites and Windows apps prefer MP4 |
| File extension | .m4v | .mov |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
QuickTime Player
Open the video in QuickTime Player, choose File → Export As and pick a resolution. QuickTime saves a .mov file.
Good for one video at a time.
Terminal
macOS includes avconvert, which picks the file type from the extension you give the output.
avconvert --source clip.m4v \
--preset PresetHighestQuality --output clip.movBuilt into macOS. Run avconvert --help for other presets.
Questions about M4V and MOV
Can I convert many M4V files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose MOV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the MOV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .mov extension. The M4V file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert MOV back to M4V?
Yes, FileFlip converts MOV to M4V as well.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert all your videos at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac