Published on Jul 17, 2025 6 min read

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting MPG to MOV on Mac for Free

Converting MPG files to MOV on a Mac doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. If you’re looking for smoother playback or easier editing in apps like iMovie or Final Cut Pro, there are free tools that can get the job done efficiently. In this guide, we explore the top free MPG to MOV converters for Mac, discussing their features, benefits, and any potential drawbacks.

Why Convert MPG to MOV?

Let’s explore why you might need to convert MPG files to MOV:

1. Enhanced Compatibility: While MPG is a widely used video format, it may not always be compatible with Mac’s native applications, like QuickTime. MOV, on the other hand, is Apple’s proprietary format, ensuring seamless playback and editing across Apple platforms.

2. Retain Quality: MOV supports high-quality video compression, making it ideal for professional and personal projects where maintaining video quality is essential.

3. Editing Capabilities: Popular Mac editing software like iMovie and Final Cut Pro works best with MOV files, so converting is often a necessity if you plan to edit your MPG videos.

Top Free Tools for Converting MPG to MOV on Mac

1. HandBrake

The free, open-source HandBrake video transcoder can handle numerous formats, including MPG to MOV conversion. It features a user-friendly interface and effective settings, making it a favorite among video enthusiasts.

Steps to Use HandBrake for MPG to MOV Conversion

1. Download and Install HandBrake: Visit the official HandBrake website, download the software compatible with your Mac, and install it.
2. Open HandBrake and Import Your File: Launch HandBrake and click on the “File” option to import your MPG video file into the program.
3. Select Output Format: Under the “Summary” tab, choose “MOV” as the output format.
4. Choose Save Location: Select the destination folder where your converted file will be saved.
5. Start the Conversion: Click on the “Start” button to begin the conversion process. Once completed, your MOV file will be ready to use.

2. VLC Media Player

VLC isn’t just a media player—it’s a versatile tool for video conversion. Perfect for quick and straightforward MPG to MOV conversions, this often-overlooked software is a powerful, user-friendly solution for your video format needs.

Steps to Use VLC Media Player for Conversion

1. Launch VLC: Open VLC Media Player on your device to begin.
2. Access Conversion Options: Go to the “Media” tab in the menu bar and select “Convert/Save” from the dropdown menu.
3. Add the MPG File: Go to the File tab and click “Add” to choose the MPG file you want to convert.
4. Choose Format: Click on the “Convert/Save” button, then choose the desired output format (MOV) from the profile dropdown list.
5. Set Destination: Specify the destination folder and file name for the converted video.
6. Start Conversion: Click “Start” to initiate the conversion process. Wait for the progress bar to finish, and your MOV file will be ready.

3. Any Video Converter Free (AVC)

Any Video Converter Free offers a perfect balance of simplicity and powerful features, making it an excellent choice for Mac users seeking fast, efficient MPG to MOV conversions without compromising quality or ease of use.

Steps to Use Any Video Converter Free

1. Download and Install: Download Any Video Converter Free from its official website and install it on your Mac.
2. Open the Application: Launch the software after completing the installation.
3. Add MPG Files: Click on the “Add Video(s)” button to import the MPG files you want to convert.
4. Choose Output Format: Select MOV as the output format from the dropdown menu.
5. Set the Destination Folder: Specify where you want the converted file to be saved.
6. Start Conversion: Press the “Convert Now” button to begin the conversion process. The software will process the file and save it in the designated folder.

4. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful, command-line tool for tech-savvy users, offering unmatched flexibility in media format conversion. It supports nearly any format, making it an essential solution for advanced audio and video processing tasks.

Steps to Use FFmpeg for Converting MPG to MOV

1. Download and Install FFmpeg: Visit the official FFmpeg website and download the latest version compatible with your operating system. Follow the installation instructions to set it up.

2. Open the Command Line Interface: Launch your terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows).

3. Navigate to the File Location: Use the cd command to change the directory to the folder where your MPG file is located.

4. Enter the Conversion Command: Type the following command to convert your file:

   ffmpeg -i input.mpg output.mov
   

   Replace input.mpg with the name of your source file and output.mov with your desired output name.

5. Run and Wait: Press Enter to execute the command. FFmpeg will process the file and generate the MOV output in the specified location.

These steps provide a straightforward approach for leveraging FFmpeg’s robust functionality to complete your conversion tasks efficiently.

5. CloudConvert

If you’d prefer not to download software, CloudConvert allows you to perform MPG to MOV conversions online. With a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, it’s perfect for low-effort conversions.

Steps to Use CloudConvert

1. Visit the Website: Go to the CloudConvert website in your browser.
2. Upload Your File: Click on the “Select File” option and upload your MPG file from your device.
3. Choose Output Format: Select MOV as the desired output format from the list of options.
4. Start Conversion: Click on the “Convert” button to begin the process.
5. Download the Converted File: Once the conversion is complete, download your new MOV file to your device.

These simple steps make CloudConvert an accessible and user-friendly tool for quick file conversions.

Tips for Achieving the Best Conversion Results

1. Choose the Right Codec: For MOV files, H.264 or H.265 codecs offer the best balance between quality and compression.
2. Avoid Over-Compression: Adjust settings to avoid heavy compression, as it can reduce video quality significantly.
3. Test Before Committing: Convert a test file first to ensure the settings and output files meet your expectations.
4. Check Software Updates: Ensure your conversion tool is up to date for the latest features and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Converting MPG to MOV on a Mac is easier and free with tools like HandBrake, VLC Media Player, and CloudConvert. These options cater to both beginners and pros, offering features like batch conversion, simplicity, and advanced customization. Explore each tool to find the best fit for your needs. With no cost involved, you can effortlessly try them out and streamline your video conversion process without hassle.

For further reading, you may want to check out our guides on MP4 to MOV conversion or best video editing software for Mac.