How to Make a MOV File Smaller – 3 Free Methods

Developed by Apple, MOV (QuickTime File Format) is a multimedia container file that contains multiple tracks of video, audio, or text, and it is a common video format used for storing movies, TV shows, or short videos. MOV is supported by many media players, video editing applications, and devices.

A large MOV file will take up storage space and is not easy to share. You might need to compress a MOV file for different reasons. How to make a MOV file smaller? Here are 3 MOV compressors for you.

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How to Make a MOV File Smaller on Windows

MiniTool Video Converter is a free MOV compressor for Windows. This application allows you to reduce the file size of a MOV file by changing the video format, resolution, frame rate, encoder, and bitrate.

The resolution of a video is the main factor that determines the size in height and width. Therefore, the direct way to make a MOV file smaller is to decrease the resolution like 4K to 1080P, 1080P to 720P, etc. Changing the video format is also an effective way to reduce the file size of a MOV file. Currently, it’s widely accepted that MP4 using H.264 codec is the smallest video format with the best compatibility.

Here’s how to reduce MOV file size with MiniTool Video Converter.

MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1. Download, install, and then open MiniTool Video Converter on your PC.

Step 2. Click on the Add or Drag files here to start conversion area to upload your MOV video file. Then, you can see the original file size in the Source tab. Click the diagonal arrow in the Target tab to choose another format.

Step 3. Go to the Video and you’ll many formats on the left. If you still want to save the video as MOV, just click MOV and then choose a lower resolution. Alternatively, you can choose a lower-resolution MP4 profile.

Step 4. Check the current file size of the MOV file. If you’re happy with it, choose a destination folder to save it and click Convert to start conversion.

MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

How to Make a MOV File Smaller on Mac

On a Mac, you can use QuickTime Player and iMovie to reduce the file size of your MOV file.

Option 1: QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is the default video player on Mac and it also has some other features like trimming, splitting, screen recording, and more. Also, it can help you compress a MOV file by changing the resolution. Here’s how to reduce the file size of a MOV file with QuickTime.

Step 1. Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.

Step 2. Click File on the top menu bar to open your MOV file.

Step 3. Click File again and select Export As from the drop-down list. Then, you can see 45 options, 4K, 1080P, 720P, 480P, and Audio Only, and choose a lower resolution.

Step 4. In the export window, give this video a name, choose the folder where you want to save it, and click Save.

Option 2: iMovie

iMovie is a free video editor for Mac that allows you to trim, split, speed up, or slow down videos, apply filters, add effects, and do more edits. Also, it allows you to compress videos. Now, let’s see how to make a MOV file smaller using iMovie.

Step 1. Open iMovie on your Mac, click the Create New button, select the Movie, and click the Import Media button to add your MOV file.

Step 2. Drag your video to the timeline. You can edit it as you like.

Step 3. Click File on the top menu bar and select Share > File.

Step 4. From the next window, make sure Video and Audio is set to Format, expand the Resolution menu, and choose a lower one like 1080p, 720p, or 540p. Also, you can adjust the video quality and compression speed. The video’s file size will be displayed below its thumbnail. If you’re satisfied, click Next.

Step 5. Give the video a name, choose the output location, and click Save to start compression. Finally, you’ll get an MP4 file.

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Conclusion

This post gives you 3 free ways to reduce the file size of a MOV file. You can follow these steps to make a MOV file smaller for saving storage, easy sharing, and smooth playback.