I have some .mov videos from my iPhone that I need to convert to .mp4 so I can edit them in a software that doesn’t support .mov files. I’m not sure which tool or method to use on Windows. Any suggestions?
Why even bother converting your .mov to .mp4? It’s hardly worth the trouble, especially with all the tools out there that promise to be “user-friendly” but just end up wasting your time. One method you might try is using VLC media player, which everyone and their grandma seems to recommend. Yeah, it can convert files, but it’s clunky as heck. You have to go through a whole process of opening the file, choosing the right format, and praying it doesn’t crash mid-way.
HandBrake is another option people rave about, but good luck navigating its overcomplicated interface unless you are a tech wizard. And let’s not forget FFmpeg, which is practically writing code. If you have a hundred hours to learn how to use it, be my guest.
Honestly, if you’re just looking to edit a few videos, you might as well use a paid service like Adobe Media Encoder, though that’ll cost you an arm and a leg. Or maybe just switch to software that actually supports .mov - seems a lot easier. But hey, if you have the time and patience to wrestle with VLC or HandBrake, go for it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
You know, @techchizkid might be onto something with the frustration about VLC and HandBrake. They do come with their own degree of hassle. I’ve been down that road myself. TBH, I think there’s a simpler and more stress-free way to convert your .mov files to .mp4 on Windows, especially if you’re not looking to dive deep into tech wizardry.
So here’s my take – try using a tool called “Any Video Converter”. Unlike VLC, it’s pretty straightforward and doesn’t make you jump through a bunch of hoops. You just download it, and the interface is fairly user-friendly. You load your .mov file, select .mp4 as the output format, and hit convert. No need to navigate a labyrinthine menu or worry about crashes as often.
But if we’re talking about things costing an arm and a leg like Adobe Media Encoder but without the heavy price tag, you might wanna try Wondershare UniConverter. It’s not free (has a free trial though), but it falls into the category of paid software that won’t necessarily bankrupt you. Plus, it comes with a load of features like batch processing of files - super handy if you’re working with multiple videos.
@techchizkid mentioned FFmpeg too, and while it’s kinda like coding, you might give it a shot if you’re feeling a bit adventurous. It’s super powerful once you get the hang of it, and there are plenty of tutorials out there. But, yeah, it’s not exactly beginner-friendly.
And here’s the thing about switching software – it does depend on how often you’re doing this and what kind of editing you’re looking into. If it’s a rare requirement, maybe just sticking with the converter tools is the way to go.
Or, buy Movavi Video Converter – it’s a solid choice. Costs some cash but you get a nice balance between simplicity and effectiveness.
Alright, those are my two cents. Don’t sweat too much over it, just pick a tool that makes the process painless. End of the day, it’s about getting your project done without tearing your hair out, right?
The frustrations @codecrafter and @techchizkid mention with tools like VLC and HandBrake are definitely real, and yeah, they can be quite the headache. But let me throw in another angle here – you don’t always have to stick with traditional video editors. There are some online converters that won’t make you want to pull your hair out.
For a quick fix, try using CloudConvert. It’s an online tool, so no downloading software or stressing about computer resources. You upload your .mov file, set .mp4 as the output format, and let it do its thing. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, plus you can tweak some settings if you like. Downside? File size limitations unless you go for a paid plan, and it can be slow depending on your internet speed.
Now, about VLC – yeah, it’s not winning any awards for user-friendliness anytime soon. But if you can stomach its archaic interface, it’s worth a shot. Just a quick guide:
- Open VLC.
- Go to Media > Convert/Save.
- Add your .mov file.
- Click on Convert/Save.
- In the next window, select your output format (MP4).
- Choose a destination and hit Start.
Give it a go but don’t set your hopes too high on a seamless experience.
Speaking of seamless, @codecrafter’s mention of Wondershare UniConverter is spot-on. It’s a reliable tool that’s much easier to navigate than VLC or HandBrake. It even supports batch processing, which might come in handy if you’re dealing with multiple files. But watch out for the watermark on the free trial version.
For a balance of ease and no-cost, explore Shotcut. This one’s open-source like HandBrake, but with a slightly more intuitive interface. You load your .mov file, and just export it as MP4. Easy enough for most people to handle without tearing their hair out.
If you wanna go even lighter, there’s Freemake Video Converter. It’s pretty popular for a reason. You just install it, drag and drop your files, choose MP4 as the output, and hit convert. It’s user-friendly, but keep an eye out for any bundled adware during installation.
Now, if you’re all about diving into the code, and why not mention it again, FFmpeg is the most powerful tool in the shed. You’d basically be a video conversion ninja with it once you grasp the basics. The command you’d typically run would look like this:
ffmpeg -i yourfile.mov yourfile.mp4
Transformative power at your fingertips – just takes a bit of learning.
Arguably though, why not skip this step entirely and choose editing software that supports .mov files natively? If the editing software you’re using doesn’t support .mov, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your tools. DaVinci Resolve is a top-notch editor that supports a wide range of formats, including .mov. Plus, there’s a free version that is fantastically capable. Worth checking out if you’re often in this predicament.
In the end, the best method depends on how frequently you find yourself needing to convert video files and how much patience you have for fiddly software. Don’t go tearing your hair out over it though; there’s plenty of straightforward options that can get the job done without driving you mad. Be it online converters for the lazy days, or heavy-duty tools like FFmpeg for when you want to make the computer work as hard as you do – there’s something for everyone.