Convert MOV to WAV on Mac
Select the MOV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose WAV and press Return. FileFlip saves each WAV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert MOV to WAV with FileFlip
Select the MOV 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 MOV. Type “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The MOV files stay as they are.
MOV and WAV
Screen recordings and iPhone videos are MOV files, which some websites, TVs and Windows apps handle less well than MP4. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- Only the soundtrack is kept; the picture is dropped.
- WAV is uncompressed, so expect roughly 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo.
| Property | MOV | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | QuickTime movie | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | Apple | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 1991 | 1991 |
| Compression | Container; usually H.264 or HEVC video | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Video on Apple devices and in editing apps | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Apple devices, QuickTime Player, most players and editors; some websites and Windows apps prefer MP4 | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .mov | .wav |
| 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.
Terminal
afconvert can read the soundtrack of a video and write it as WAV.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 clip.mov clip.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about MOV and WAV
What happens to the video?
The WAV file contains only the soundtrack. The MOV stays untouched next to it.
Can I convert many MOV files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose WAV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does WAV play?
Every audio app and operating system.
Where is the WAV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .wav extension. The MOV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to MOV?
No, FileFlip doesn’t convert WAV to MOV.
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