How to convert MP4 to MOV? This article shows 3 effective video converters to handle this conversion, including MiniTool Video Converter, CloudConvert, and QuickTime Player. Simply import the MP4 video, set MOV as the output format, and start the conversion.
Part 1: How to Convert MP4 to MOV on Windows
How to convert MP4 to MOV (.mp4 to .mov) on Windows? The following 2 methods are worth a try.
- Use MiniTool Video Converter
- Use CloudConvert
Method 1: Use MiniTool Video Converter
MiniTool Video Converter is an excellent video converter that supports MOV to MP4 conversion with fast speed. Besides, it allows converting videos in batches. The following is a detailed guide on how to convert MOV to MP4 using MiniTool Video Converter.
Fast Track:
- Install MiniTool Video Converter
- Import MP4 video
- Set MOV as the converted format
- Start the conversion
- Check and locate the output format
Step 1: Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter
Download MiniTool Video Converter and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Launch MiniTool Video Converter.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2: Upload MP4 Video
In the default Convert Video tab, click on the Add Files icon to add the MP4 file.

Step 3: Set MOV as the Converted Format
After importing, this converter will go back to the main interface. Here, click on the Gear icon on this task to trigger the output format settings window. There, switch to the Video tab and choose MOV. Then, select a desired resolution option, like 4K Video.

Step 4: Start the Conversion
Before the conversion, expand the Output option to pick a storage folder for the converted video. Then, click on the Convert button to start the conversion.

Step 5: Check and Locate the Output Video
Once the conversion ends, this converted video will be taken to the Completed tab. There, click on the Play icon to check it. Or click on the Folder icon to locate this video on PC.

Using MiniTool Video Converter can easily convert MP4 to MOV to be compatible with the Apple ecosystem. It enables you to upload files without size limits.
Method 2: Use CloudConvert
Are there other choices for MP4 to MOV conversion? Of course, yes. A lot of converters are available for you to use for MP4 to MOV or MOV to MP4 conversion. Besides, you can use the free online converters directly to change the format of your video files. I use CloudConvert to give it a try.
Fast Track:
- Go to CloudConvert’s MP4 to MOV converter page
- Upload MP4 video
- Start the conversion process
- Download the converted video
Step 1. Navigate to the MP4 to MOV Conversion Page
Visit: https://cloudconvert.com/mp4-to-mov to go to CloudConvert’s MP4 to MOV conversion page.
Step 2. Import MP4 Video
Click on the Select File option to upload MP4 file.
Step 3. Begin the Conversion
Click on the Convert button to begin the MP4 to MOV conversion.
Step 4. Download the Converted Video
Click on the Download button and wait until the downloading process is completed

When using CloudConvert, it is easier to convert MP4 to MOV online. It allows importing files with various selections.
Part 2: How to Convert MP4 to MOV on Mac
QuickTime Player is the built-in media player for Macs, and it also supports converting MP4 files to MOV. Using QuickTime Player ensures proper re-encoding of videos and guarantees full compatibility with all Apple apps and editing software. Here's a quick conversion guide with QuickTime Player.
Fast track:
- Open QuickTime Player
- Export the MOV file
- Choose a desired resolution
- Specify a storage location
Step 1. Launch QuickTime Player
Right-click the target MP4 file in QuickTime Player and select Open with. Then, select QuickTime Player.
Step 2. Export Video as MOV
Click the File option in the top menu bar, and then select Export As.
Step 3. Customize Resolution
Choose your desired resolution.
Step 4. Specify a Save Location
Name the file, choose a save location, and then click Save.
QuickTime Player can convert MP4 to MOV efficiently and make the converted video truly play on Apple devices.
Part 3: MP4 vs MOV
MP4 and MOV are currently the 2 most popular video formats. While both can deliver high-definition quality, compatibility issues often arise when editing or playing them across platforms. Below are the simple introductions of them.
What Is MP4
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is a standard streaming media container format used to store video, audio, subtitles, and images. MP4 has now become an industry standard and enjoys widespread support across all major operating systems, media players, and gaming devices.

MP4 is developed based on the MOV file format (which will be talked about later); the video data in it is highly compressed without losing too much quality. That’s why the size of an MP4 file is smaller than that of other video file types. Besides, MP4 can be used as a base of other multimedia files, such as 3GP and Motion JPEG 2000.
What Is MOV
MOV (QuickTime file format or QTFF) is a multimedia container format developed by Apple. It is a proprietary format for Apple devices, the iOS and macOS ecosystem, natively supports QuickTime Player, and is widely used for professional video, movie, and multimedia files.

The concept of tracks was adopted in MOV to store data: a particular type of data is kept on a track. Many such tracks are present in the MOV container simultaneously to hold different types of data: video data, audio data, text data, etc. The lossy compression algorithm is used in MOV format to reduce the video size.
Main Similarities & Differences between MOV & MP4
MOV and MP4 are both popular and highly compressed container formats, both using similar MPEG-4 technology. MOV is primarily aimed at Apple devices, while MP4 is a smaller and more universal standard. MOV is best suited for professional editing and Mac environments, while MP4 is better suited for broader compatibility and streaming playback.
| MOV | MP4 | |
| Developer | Apple Inc. | ISO |
| Compatibility | Low | High |
| File Size | Large | Small |
| Video Quality | High | High/Medium |
Part 4: Wrap Things Up
How to convert MP4 to MOV? This page introduces MP4 and MOV in brief. It lists the main differences between them to help you decide which one to choose. After that, several useful ways to convert MP4 to MOV (and vice versa) are shown in detail.
If you have any questions or suggestions about MiniTool Video Converter. Feel free to contact MiniTool official via email at support@minitool.com for help.
MP4 to MOV FAQ
Update to the latest version of the player.
Use another player, such as VLC Media Player.
Convert the video format from MP4 to MOV, which is natively supported by Mac.
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