How To Convert A Mov File To Mp4 On Windows

Do you  know, there are numerous digital video formats out there such as mp4, MOV, WMV, AVI, AVCHD, FLV, F4V, SWF, and the list just goes on and on. Out of all these formats, the most commonly used is the mp4 format that can play media files on most devices, the details of which we shall discuss. Therefore, if you download a file that can’t be run simply because it isn’t in the right format such as in MOV format, you should simply learn how to convert a mov file to mp4 on windows.

In this article, we will go through:

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WHAT IS MP4 AND MOV FORMAT

The moving picture experts group-4 part 14, also called MPEG-4 part 14 or commonly known simply as mp4 format, is the most used and Apple preferred format for playing videos. this format is used also for storage of audio and video files but may also be used to store subtitles or still images. MP4 Format is an international standard that is viable for a large number of media files. It is a container format which basically means a file that contains a lot of compressed data.

A MOV format, also developed by Apple, is an MPEG 4 container file as well but principally works with the Apple’s Quick time Program. It can hold many different multimedia files on different tracks. The difference between MOV and mp4 is just that MOV is exclusively an Apple file for Quicktime while mp4 on the other hand is a worldwide standard.

In terms of file size, mp4 files are better compressed than MOV. However, MOV files, though larger in size, often offer better quality than mp4.

BEST APPS TO CONVERT A MOV FILE TO A MP4 ON WINDOWS:

Now, if you are facing a problem such as downloading a movie in mov format and not being able to play it, here is a list of few selected apps for you that’ll really smoothen the process of converting an mov file into an mp4 file:

1. HANDBRAKE: Handbrake is a wonderful application that can rip DVD or bluray files and can transcode video files between almost every codec. It is absolutely trustworthy and is an open source app, licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2, that is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
2. VIDEO SOLO VIDEO CONVERTER ULTIMATE: A simple user interface, flexible features and a fast convesion rate, Video solo video converter allows you to convert 1000+ types of formats into mp4, which includes MOV. It also allows the user to add subtitles, soundtracks, filters and other effects. The interface shows no ads and thus allows a smooth workflow with no hassles.
3. Leawo video converter: With an internal video editor, a conversion speed of 6X and an ability to retain the video quality entirely, it offer a  conversion of more than 180 different video formats into mp4.
4. MOVAVI VIDEO CONVERTER: Another great app for transcoding is Movavi video converter with a modern looking interface and easily accessible features. It is the fastest converter in this list and can also convert videos possessing 4K quality. It also offers other video editing options to customize the output as we like.
5. VLC media player: The commonly used media player, VLC, can also be used for this purpose. Continue to reading for further details.

BEST WEBSITES TO CONVERT MOV FILE INTO MP4:

Don’t wanna go through the trouble of downloading an app? Wanna know how to convert an MOV file into mp4 using our old friend, the internet? Well, here is a list of convenient web based tools that can convert MOV files to mp4 as well:

1. Cloudconvert: A web based app, compatible with both Windows and Mac, in which we need only add the file directly from our computer or upload it from our Dropbox or Google drive.
2. Flexclip: Another web based tool with an interface overflowing with vivacious colors, is Flexclip that basically takes the task from your hand. It also offers a ton of free video templates to add great variety to your video.
3. FREE CONVERT:  It is a great tool that can be used for converting MOV files into mp4. However, you can download the free version, it allows conversion of files only as large as 1GB. Larger files require the user to subscribe to a paid package.
4. Zamzar: Zamzar video converting tool is very simple to use and has a very fast conversion speed. However, a major con is that the free version allows the conversion of files only upto 50mbs in size. Even with paid packages, the tool only allows conversion of 2 GB large files.

HOW TO CONVERT A MOV FILE TO MP4 ON WINDOWS USING VLC:

As I mentioned before in another article, since VLC is a very commonly used media player, I tend to detail its uses separately so that its users can simply scroll down to this part if they want to.

To convert an MOV file into mp4 using VLC, follow these steps:

1. Launch VLC.
2. Under the “Media” menu, click on “Convert/Save”.
3. In the next windows that appears, click on “Add” and import the desired file.
4. Click on “Convret/Save” option.
5. In the next window, under the Profile dropdown menu, choose “Video H.264 + mp3 (mp4).
6. Specify the output folder.
7. Remember to add “.mp4” at the end of file name manually.
8. Click “Start”.

And there you have it! Now, you know all the best tools and apps for converting an MOV file into mp4 file. If you have any further queries, feel free to ask away in the comment section.

ChrisGiulyMarty

ChrisGiulyMarty: Visionary Writer Shaping the Future of Technology with Masterful Use of Artificial Intelligence. Each of his articles is the outcome of a symbiosis between his creativity and AI algorithms, creating a unique blend of human perspective and computational power. Explore the digital world with the innovative articles of ChrisGiulyMarty, where AI is the pen that charts the course towards the future.