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How to convert M4V to MOV

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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M4V is a file format that shares certain similarities with MP4. M4V files are used when users download video files such as movies, TV shows, and music videos via the iTunes Store. Depending on the specific file, M4V files may come with DRM copyright protection from the file format's developer, Apple. While it's a convenient format for people with iTunes on their devices, whether Mac or Windows computers, it's not compatible with other media players and devices without iTunes. This means that if you want to be able to play M4V files using programs other than iTunes, you'll be required to convert M4V to MOV.

Depending on what you're looking for, there are plenty of converters out there for you to try. The following is a comprehensive guide on how to convert M4V to MOV, regardless of whether you prefer software or web-based solutions.

How to convert M4V to MOV with Movavi

For high-quality conversion software that's easy to use for converting M4V to MOV and other file conversions, use Movavi Video Converter. This encoder can not only convert your files for use on any device, but it can also:

  • Shrink the size of your files

  • Convert multiple files with batch processing

  • Prevent quality loss while maintaining efficient conversion

  • Convert recordings from multiple devices into a single format

  • Edit your files by adjusting sound, improving video quality, trimming files, or joining files before converting them

This software also features a simple, user-friendly interface that takes no time to pick up and navigate.

To help you use Movavi Video Converter, here are some steps to take to convert M4V to MOV on your Mac or PC.

Step 1. Install Movavi Video Converter on your Mac or Windows device

The first step is to download the converter, open the program, and follow the included installation guide to get the program up and running.

Step 2. Add M4V videos to the converter

Open the converter and add your files by clicking Add Media, which is located in the upper left-hand corner of the window. From there, click Add video and select the files you wish to convert to MOV or other file formats. You can also drag and drop your files into the program to add them to the conversion queue.

Step 3. Edit the M4V file before conversion (optional)

If you want to edit your M4V file before converting, click the Edit button. You can adjust the volume or quality of your videos, or you can trim or join files using basic and advanced editing features.

Step 4. Select the output format for the converted files

After you've modified your files, you can convert M4V to MOV by selecting MOV as the output format. Next, open the Video tab at the bottom of the window, click MOV, and select the MOV preset you wish to use.

Step 5. Convert M4V to MOV

The final step is to convert, but before doing so, double-check to make sure you've chosen the right output folder by clicking Save to. After choosing the correct folder, select Convert at the bottom right-hand corner of the window and wait for the program to complete the conversion.

In addition to converting M4V to MOV, you can also use the software to convert MOV to M4V or other formats on your Mac or Windows device.

5 best M4V to MOV converters – free & online tools

If you're trying to find another solution to convert M4V to MOV, there are various web-based options along with software. The following are some popular options that many people use for file conversions.

1. Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is your go-to app for changing video formats in seconds. With its support of 180+ formats, you can forget about format incompatibility issues. In addition to lightning-fast conversion, the app lets you compress large videos with no loss of quality to save space on your hard drive. Plus, you can easily add subtitles for your favorite movies and upscale the resolution of your videos with AI to enjoy them on bigger screens.

Read the guide below to learn how to convert M4V to MOV with Movavi Video Converter.

Step 1. Install Movavi Video Converter on your computer

Download and install the app on your computer. Once the installation is complete, launch the converter. 

Step 2. Import files to the program

Go to Add Media, then click Add video and select the files you wish to convert.

Step 3. Select the output format

Open the Video tab, click MOV, and select the MOV preset you wish to use. 

Step 4. Convert your files

Hit the Convert button to start the conversion.

You can also read a more detailed step-by-step guide:

See the full guide

Cons of using Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter offers everything you need to quickly convert files to any format. The downside of using the app is that it doesn’t let you import files from cloud storage services, like Google Drive or Dropbox – you can only upload files from your computer.

Pros:

  • Support for all popular media formats

  • Lightning-fast conversion 

  • Batch conversion 

  • Simple editing tools

  • Ready-made device presets

Cons:

  • Can’t import files using a URL

2. Convertio

Convertio is web-based and free to use for basic file conversions. You can use it to convert files of many formats, and it's very easy to use for a quick conversion of smaller M4V files. To make it even more convenient, you can also download a browser extension for instant access to the converter from any website. In addition to a video converter, Convertio also includes other capabilities on its website, allowing you to cut MP3s and resize, adjust, cut, compress, crop, rotate, filter, and create videos.

To use Convertio to convert your M4V files and others, follow this brief guide.

Step 1. Visit the Convertio website

To start converting, simply visit the Convertio website to access their free online converter.

Go to the Convertio website

Step 2. Upload your video

Click on the red Choose Files box located at the top of the page, or drag and drop files from a folder on your computer or smartphone into the gray grid box around it. You can also choose files from your Dropbox or Google Drive account.

Step 3. Convert your file

After uploading the file to the converter, begin the conversion process. If you need to, select the output format to MOV or any of the other 37 supported video formats. You can then upload additional video files to start batch conversion.

Step 4. Make adjustments to your video

You also have the option of adjusting your video before saving it. Feel free to customize quality, resolution, aspect ratio, and other aspects by selecting the gear icon. You can also apply the edits to every video file and click the Convert button to process the edits.

Step 5. Save your converted video

After the conversion and editing process is completed, you can save all converted videos to your PC, Mac computer, or another device. You also have the option of saving to your Google Drive or Dropbox.

Cons of using Convertio

While the free version of Convertio is easy to use, the file size of uploaded videos is very limited. Using the free version, you can only upload up to 100 MB, and you're also limited to the number of files you can convert concurrently. For higher file size limits and other features, you need to sign up for one of their paid plans starting at $9.99.

Pros:

  • Simple conversion process

  • Can upload files from Dropbox and Google Drive

Cons:

  • Limited file size and lack of features in the free version

3. VLC

Looking for a free M4V-to-MOV converter that's easy to use on any device? VLC is a convenient choice. Also called VideoLAN Client, VLC was developed by non-profit organization VideoLAN. This software is easy to use and is compatible with nearly any device. VLC also plays nearly every file format, with efficient hardware decoding capabilities. The nice thing about VLC is that it's entirely free and incredibly user-friendly. The software doesn't come with any spyware, user tracking, or ads, which may otherwise concern you in the absence of a price tag.

To use VLC to convert M4V to MOV, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and install VLC on your device

First, download the software from the VLC website and install it on your device. VLC is compatible with Windows and Mac computers.

Download VLC

Step 2. Add the M4V files to the conversion lList

Once you've opened VLC, choose the File menu and select Convert / Save (on Windows) or Convert / Stream (on Mac). Another window will load containing a Drop media here section at the top. From there, you can either drag and drop files from a folder into the program, or you can click Open media to select the files on your device.

Step 3. Select the conversion format

After adding the M4V files to the conversion queue, select the format you would like to convert them to, which you can select in the Choose Profile tab. To convert to MOV, choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Keep in mind that MOV files will use the same general formatting as the MP4 option.

Step 4. Pick a location to save your converted files

After selecting the format, select Save as File, which you'll find in the Choose Destination tab. Add ".mov" to the end of the file name to save the MP4 as a .mov file. After this step, all you need to do is wait for the conversion to finish, and you can play or save your MOV file on any compatible device or platform.

Cons of using VLC

VLC is a helpful converter that's entirely free, safe to use, and very user-friendly, but it isn't without its drawbacks. Some users may not like its outdated design, while others have reported issues when using it to play DVDs.

Pros:

  • Free without limitations 

  • Supports a wide range of formats

  • Feature-rich app

Cons:

  • Outdated design

  • Not particularly high conversion speed

4. HandBrake

For another downloadable software like VLC that can convert M4V to MOV, HandBrake is another potential option that's free to download and use. Keep in mind that it doesn't directly allow you to convert M4V files to MOV. However, you can use it to convert to MP4, which you can then translate to MOV by changing the file name. It's also very easy to pick up and use as soon as it's installed. Other features you can use in HandBrake include Title, chapter, and range selection, chapter markers, Batch Scan, support for both CFR and VFR, subtitles, and more, giving you a lot without the need to pay.

To use HandBrake to convert M4V to MOV, simply follow these easy steps:

Step 1. Download and install HandBrake

Begin by simply downloading HandBrake from their website and install it on your Mac or PC.

Download HandBrake

Step 2. Choose the files to convert

Within the HandBrake Source window, select the files you would like to convert and click Open.

Step 3. Select a save destination for the file

Click the Browse button, which is located at the upper-right side of the window, and choose a folder in which to save the converted file. You can also customize the name of the file. Here, add ".mov" at the end of the file name after customizing the rest.

Step 4. Choose the output format

The next step is to select the Output Setting or Format you would like to use. You can choose either MKV or MP4 – select MP4 if you wish to convert the file to MOV. The extension added in the file name will automatically convert the file container from MP4 to MOV format once saved.

Step 5. Begin the conversion process

Next, click Start or Start encode to initiate the conversion process and wait for it to complete. Afterward, you can access the file on your device.

Cons of using HandBrake

While converting is easy using HandBrake, it's severely limited in terms of output file container formats, with only MP4 and MKV available for videos.

Pros:

  • Simple interface

  • Built-in device presets

  • Tools for editing DVDs

Cons:

  • Few output formats

5. Online Video Converter by Movavi

If you would prefer to avoid downloading any software and want to stick to a web-based converter, Online Video Converter by Movavi is a reliable option. Both Windows and Mac users can convert M4V to MOV and use it for many other conversions. Some of the many formats this platform supports include FLV, MKV, 3G2, OGV, WMV, and AVI. You can also choose from various audio formats. All conversions take place from their conversion page, which is incredibly easy to navigate on any computer.

To convert M4V files to MOV using Online Video Converter by Movavi, take the following steps.

Step 1. Visit Movavi’s Online Video Converter

Simply visit the Online Video Converter webpage to get started with your conversion.

Go to Online Video Converter by Movavi

Step 2. Select the media files you want to convert

The first step in the conversion process is to click on Add Your Media in the box on the right at the top of the page. To upload files from Dropbox, click on the downward arrow beside the button.

Step 3. Choose the output format for your files

Under the Convert to drop-down menu, you can select MOV or another file format.

Step 4. Start the conversion process and choose a save location for the completed file

After selecting the output format, click Convert to start converting the file. Once the process is completed, save the file to a designated location on your device.

Cons of using Online Video Converter by Movavi 

Online Video Converter by Movavi is free to use, but it has some limitations. The tool can’t process large files and can only convert one file at a time.

Pros:

  • Supports multiple formats

  • Offers to change the video resolution

  • Can trim a video

Cons:

  • Limited file size

  • Doesn’t support batch conversion

M4V vs. MOV: Comparison

To better understand the difference between both file formats, the following is a comparison of M4V vs. MOV.

Comparison parameter

M4V

MOV

Developer

Apple

Apple

File extension

.m4v

.mov

Application compatibility

iTunes

QuickTime

Video codecs supported

H.264

H.264 + others

Audio codecs supported

AAC/Dolby Digital

AAC/Dolby Digital + others

Device compatibility

All devices with iTunes

Mac and Windows computers; can be too demanding for portable devices

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  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.

  • When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

Frequently asked questions

What is an M4V file?

The M4V file type is a video container format used to encode movies, videos, music videos, and other media. It was developed by Apple, which means it's compatible with Apple devices such as Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and other Apple devices, but it can also work on other devices depending on the application. The default program that works with these files is iTunes, so most devices will require this application to play M4V. Many M4V files also come with DRM copyright protection from Apple to prevent piracy and illegal copying. While files with the .m4v extensions are often limiting in their use, it is possible to convert them to MOV and other file formats for universal use.

How do I convert M4V to MOV on a Mac?

Wondering how to convert M4V to MOV on Mac systems? You can easily convert M4V to MOV on Mac computers with Movavi Video Converter for Mac.

To help you use this software for quick and simple conversion, follow these steps:

  1. Download the converter from our website, open the installation file, and follow the included instructions.

  2. After opening the program, select Add Media, which you'll be able to see in the top left corner. From there, click Add Video and select the files you want to convert to MOV. You also have the option to simply drag and drop files from the Mac Finder into the program.

  3. Choose MOV as the output file format by opening the Video tab and selecting MOV. You can also choose the MOV preset based on your preferences.

  4. Immediately before you begin converting the file, choose the folder you would like to save the file to by clicking the Save to button. To start converting M4V files to MOV on a Mac, click Convert and wait for the program to finish the conversion process.

How do I convert MOV to M4V?

If you want to know how to convert MOV to M4V on any device, Movavi Video Converter is a great tool to help you convert your favorite videos.

The following steps will help you use this software to convert MOV to M4V or other formats.

  1. Start by downloading and installing Movavi Video Converter on your device.

  2. Choose the MOV files you want to convert by clicking Add Media in the top left corner of the window. Next, click Add Video and choose the files you wish to convert. You can also drag and drop media into the program from your device.

  3. To convert the MOV to M4V, choose M4V as the output format by opening the Video tab and clicking M4V, along with the presets that meet your needs.

  4. Once you've chosen the output format you want and made any edits to the video, you can start converting the video by clicking Save to and selecting a save destination. Finally, click Convert at the bottom right corner of the window, which will begin the conversion process. Wait for it to complete and freely move or view the completed file.

Is M4V the same as MOV?

M4V and MOV are both file containers used for certain video files. MOV vs. M4V: so what are the differences? While both are from the same developer, Apple, they differ in their compatibility with specific devices and applications. While MOV files are intended for use with QuickTime, making that the default application to play them, M4V files are designed for use with iTunes. M4V also strictly uses the MP4 format, with H.264 video codecs and AAC/Dolby Digital audio codecs. Meanwhile, MOV supports both MP4 codecs along with many others.

There are many tools available to help you convert M4V to MOV and complete myriad other file conversions. Whether you're looking for a downloadable software or web-based converter to complete conversions, each of these options discussed can give you the results you want. One of the best tools to use for file conversions and more is Movavi Video Converter, which is both reliable and very easy to use. If you want to easily convert M4V files to MOV or any other format, try Movavi Video Converter today.

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