Published on Jul 18, 2025 5 min read

Convert MP4 to AVI for Free on Mac: Top Tools & Methods

Need to convert an MP4 file to AVI on your Mac? Whether for a creative project, software compatibility, or better performance, file conversion is essential. The good news? You don’t need pricey software to get it done. This blog highlights the best free tools to convert MP4 to AVI on Mac, comparing features and usability to help you find the perfect solution.

Why Convert MP4 to AVI?

Both MP4 and AVI formats are commonly used for video files, but they serve different purposes:

• Compatibility: MP4 is popular for online streaming and universal playback, whereas AVI is often required for older or specific devices and media players.
• Quality: AVI files tend to preserve better video quality compared to MP4, which often uses higher compression.
• Custom Editing: Certain video editing software may process AVI files more efficiently, especially for professional editing or archiving needs.

If these factors matter to you, it’s worth exploring free tools that make this conversion easy!

1. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is more than just a video player—it’s a powerful, versatile tool that doubles as a file converter, making it easy to handle multiple formats effortlessly and expand your media capabilities.

Key Features

• Completely free and open-source
• Supports a wide range of file formats, including MP4 and AVI
• Customizable conversion settings, such as selecting codecs and resolution

How to Convert MP4 to AVI with VLC on Mac

1. Download and install VLC Media Player from the official website.
2. Open VLC and go to File > Convert/Stream.
3. Drag and drop your MP4 file into the interface.
4. Under the Profile dropdown menu, choose a format that matches AVI (e.g., AVI with specific codecs).
5. Save your file by choosing a destination folder and clicking Save.

2. HandBrake

HandBrake is a widely used, open-source video conversion tool that’s perfect for Mac users. It offers powerful features, user-friendly functionality, and compatibility across formats, making it an essential choice for effortless video conversions.

Key Features

• Free and open-source with no hidden costs
• Batch processing for multiple file conversions
• Adjustable compression settings to optimize file size and quality

How to Convert MP4 to AVI with HandBrake on Mac

1. Download and install HandBrake on your Mac.
2. Open HandBrake and click on the “Source” button in the top left corner to select the MP4 file you want to convert.
3. Select “AVI File” as your output format from the dropdown menu under “Output Settings”.
4. Adjust video settings such as codec, frame rate, and quality according to your preferences.
5. Click “Start” to begin the conversion process.
6. Once finished, a notification will pop up indicating that the conversion is complete.

3. CloudConvert

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to convert videos without installing software, CloudConvert is a fantastic free online tool. It’s easy to use, efficient, and perfect for quick video conversions.

Key Features

• Platform-independent; works directly in your browser
• Supports multiple file formats, including MP4 and AVI
• Converts files quickly with adjustable settings

How to Convert MP4 to AVI with CloudConvert

1. Go to the CloudConvert website.
2. Click on “Select Files” and choose the MP4 file you want to convert.
3. Select “AVI” as the output format from the dropdown menu.
4. Adjust any additional settings, such as video quality or size, if desired.
5. Click on “Start Conversion.”
6. Once finished, click on “Download” to save your converted AVI file to your computer.

4. Movavi Video Converter (Trial Version)

Movavi Video Converter isn’t completely free but offers a free trial with useful features to convert MP4 to AVI. It’s a great option to explore before committing to the full version.

Key Features

• High-speed conversion with minimal quality loss
• Simple drag-and-drop interface
• Preset options for novice users

How to Convert MP4 to AVI with Movavi on Mac

1. Download and install the Movavi Video Converter trial version on your Mac.
2. Open the program and click Add Media to import your MP4 file.
3. In the bottom toolbar, click Video, then select AVI from the dropdown menu.
4. If necessary, adjust output settings such as resolution or bitrate by clicking the Settings button next to the AVI option.
5. Choose a destination folder for your converted file by clicking the Save to button at the bottom of the window.
6. Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.
7. Once done, you can find your converted AVI file in the selected destination.

5. FFmpeg

For those familiar with command-line interfaces, FFmpeg is an incredibly powerful and versatile free tool. It offers robust capabilities for video and audio processing, making it a go-to solution for developers and tech enthusiasts.

Key Features

• Advanced customization for video conversion needs
• Lightweight and resource-efficient
• Completely free and open-source

How to Convert MP4 to AVI with FFmpeg on Mac

Step 1: Install FFmpeg

• Open Terminal and type brew install ffmpeg
• Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete

Step 2: Convert MP4 to AVI

• In Terminal, navigate to the location of your MP4 file using cd command
• Type ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.avi where “input” is the name of your MP4 file and “output” will be the name of your converted AVI file. You can also specify a specific path for the output file if needed.
• Press Enter and wait for the process to complete

Key Considerations When Choosing a Tool

• Check the compatibility of the tool with your operating system. Some tools may not work on Mac or Linux systems.
• Look for a user-friendly interface if you are new to conversion tools. A complicated interface can be challenging to navigate and use efficiently, leading to errors in the output file.
• Consider the speed of conversion. If you have a large number of files to convert, choose a tool that can handle batch conversions quickly.

Conclusion

There are many conversion tools available for various file formats, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. It is essential to understand what you need from a tool and consider factors such as compatibility, ease of use, and speed before making a decision. With the right conversion tool, you can save time and effort in converting files while ensuring accurate and high-quality outputs.

For more detailed guides and tips on video conversion, explore our resources or contact us for personalized advice.