In iMovie, is it better to use .mov or .mp4 files?

In iMovie, is it better to use .mov or .mp4 files? I have both and was told that .mov files are better quality but .mp4 files are easier to work with.

[Re-Titled By Moderator]

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.6

Posted on Jul 6, 2024 6:23 AM

Similar questions

What file format does iMovie use for imported videos? If I import a video from a mini DV tape to iMovie, will the resulting file in iMovie be a .mov file? Or something different, like a .mp4 file? I'm using: iMovie version 10.4.1 Somona 14.5 Mac mini 2023 (Apple M2 and 24 GB) [Re-Titled by Moderator]
2404 4
Convert .mov to .mp4 by changing suffix? I am capturing Video8 files to my 2012 Mac mini via a DV converter and FireWire. iMovie has the disadvantage of taking ages to process the video once captured. So I intend to use QT Player but it creates .mov files which I need to convert to .mp4 It appears this can be done easily by changing the suffix. Is this a safe procedure and are there any disadvantages?
1533 11
Convert old MOV files to MP4 I found a couple of MOV files that I created nearly 20 years ago. I've not had any luck trying to convert them to MP4s with VLC (error message: cannot process dvau), iMovie (see image with greyed-out MOV files), or QuickTime 10 (Catalina). I believe they were originally viewable in QuickTime 7, but that's a thing of the past. BTW, I can still see all of the media clips separately in the MEDIA folder; I need to find a way of integrating them into a viewable video. Any suggestions on how to convert? [Edited by Moderator]
431 2

1 reply

Jul 6, 2024 10:36 AM in response to infinitum911

Exactly what do you mean . . . in editing or exporting?

If you are exporting using "Best Quality" STOP!

It is only for specialised use

Normally you should export using "High" quality to give you the best quality .mp4s

.mp4s are the most universally playable format.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

In iMovie, is it better to use .mov or .mp4 files?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up