Why can't I share/export my project to an .MOV file? It defaults to .MP4 with iMovie 10.0.1.

Question

Why can't I share/export my project to an .MOV file? It defaults to .MP4 with iMovie 10.0.1.

When I recently upgraded to iMovie 10.0.1, I noticed that choosing the Share a File option for projects automatically transcodes them as .MP4s. Can one no longer share it as an .MOV? I'm sharing full 1080P files, so it's not a resolution issue. Also, there doesn't seem to be an export to QuickTime option anymore.

Do I need to upgrade to Final Cut Pro to have these options?

Thanks.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Dec 19, 2013 7:40 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 19, 2013 7:51 AM in response to Digital Designer

Correct. No export to QuickTime in iMovie version 10.

Why do you need the .mov container? The .mp4 file uses the exact same codecs as the older .mov container.

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Answer 2

Dec 19, 2013 8:33 AM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Thanks for the quick response, QuickTimeKirk. I was under the impression that .MOV was a higher quality container, but I guess that's incorrect. Did Apple make the switch because .MP4 is more versatile?

Thanks again.

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Answer 3

Goteamgo

Level 1

4 points

Nov 21, 2016 11:58 AM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Actually Kirk it's kind of a big deal. Mpg.4 file looks terrible on YouTube. YouTube recommends .mov files for best quality and seeing how 99% of iMovie users upload to YouTube its kind of a big deal. This software is now useless. Good job putting money a profit first again apple over users needs.

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