Published on Jul 30, 2025 4 min read

Simple Video Conversion on Mac: The Easiest Methods That Work

Converting videos on a Mac is a task many users encounter, whether it’s to play a file received from a friend, reduce a large video’s size, or change formats for easier uploading. Fortunately, the macOS ecosystem and some third-party apps offer simple solutions for this. Let’s explore the easiest methods to convert video on Mac without requiring professional editing skills.

Simple Methods to Change Video Formats on a Mac

QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is not just for playback—it’s also a handy tool for basic video conversion. To use it, open your video in QuickTime, navigate to the File menu, and select Export As. Choose from resolution options like 4K, 1080p, 720p, or 480p. Although it primarily converts .mov to .mp4, it’s a reliable choice for reducing file sizes, using a tool already available on your Mac.

iMovie

iMovie, available on most Macs and from the App Store, is primarily for editing but works well for quick conversions. Drag your video into iMovie, add it to a project, and use the Share button to export it in a different resolution or format, like .mp4. iMovie is particularly useful for trimming or adjusting clips before conversion.

HandBrake

HandBrake is a versatile and free tool beloved by Mac users. Download it from the official website, open your video, select a preset like “Fast 1080p30,” and click Start. HandBrake converts to .mp4 or .mkv, and is excellent for compressing files without significant quality loss.

VLC Media Player

VLC is known for playing nearly any video file, but it can also convert videos. Open VLC, go to the File menu, and select Convert/Stream. Drop in your file, choose a profile (such as H.264 MP4), and save it. VLC is free and supports a wide range of formats, making it a practical choice for frequent users.

Permute

Permute offers a clean interface for easy video conversions. Simply drag your video onto the app, select the output format, and click Convert. It supports numerous video and audio formats, allowing adjustments before exporting. Although it’s a paid app, its simplicity and efficiency might justify the cost.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a browser-based tool that requires no installation. Visit their site, upload your video, choose the output format, and start the conversion. Ideal for small to medium videos, it’s convenient if you have a reliable internet connection, though larger files may take longer to process.

Any Video Converter

Any Video Converter (AVC) caters to users seeking a straightforward conversion experience. The free version provides ample format options and a user-friendly interface. Load your video, pick an output format, and convert. The paid version offers faster speeds, but the free version suffices for most needs.

FFmpeg

For command-line enthusiasts, FFmpeg is a powerful open-source tool. Install it via Homebrew or another package manager, and use simple Terminal commands for conversion. For example, convert a .mov to .mp4 with:

ffmpeg -i input.mov output.mp4

While it requires some technical know-how, FFmpeg is fast and offers comprehensive control.

Preview

Though primarily for images and PDFs, Preview can handle certain video formats on some macOS versions, like animated GIFs or short clips. Open your video in Preview, go to File > Export, and select a new format. Ideal for limited formats and brief videos, Preview is a quick option without needing a larger app.

Photos App

The Photos app is useful for exporting videos captured on an iPhone, including Live Photos or short clips. Import your video into Photos, use File > Export, and select format, quality, and resolution. While not as customizable as dedicated converters, it’s a straightforward solution for common formats like .mp4.

Conclusion

Converting video on a Mac is straightforward with tools like QuickTime, iMovie, HandBrake, VLC, and Permute. For online users, CloudConvert is convenient, while FFmpeg offers advanced control for tech-savvy individuals. Experiment with these tools to discover which fits your needs best, ensuring video conversion becomes a seamless part of your workflow.