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Convert Video to MP4 on Mac: 3 Methods

Convert video to MP4 on Mac with GetCompress, QuickTime, or FFmpeg. Get H.264 MP4 for uploads, editing, and sharing from MOV, MKV, and more.

By Petr Samokhin

Upload forms, editors, and teammates often expect MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. Your source may arrive as MOV, MKV, WMV, FLV, AVI, WebM, or MTS. Converting locally fixes compatibility without re-shooting and keeps sensitive footage off random upload sites.

Why convert to MP4

MP4 is a container, not a single codec. Most “convert to MP4” jobs mean: put H.264 (or sometimes HEVC) video and AAC audio inside a .mp4 file that web tools recognize.

SourceTypical issueMP4 outcome
MOV, M4VExtension filtered by a formSame codecs, familiar extension
MKV, WebMEditor or portal rejects containerH.264 + AAC in MP4
WMV, FLV, AVILegacy codecs or containersModern H.264 profile
MTS (AVCHD)Nested card foldersFlat MP4 files

Dedicated paths: MOV to MP4 , MKV to MP4 , WMV to MP4 , FLV to MP4 . When the blocker is megabytes, not extension, see how to compress video on Mac .

Method 1: GetCompress

Best for: One file or mixed formats and batches: and “make it open and upload” jobs where you also care about size.

GetCompress main window with videos queued and format, resolution, and quality settings open
  1. Drop one file or a folder into GetCompress .
  2. Choose MP4 as the output format.
  3. Trim in preview if only part of the clip matters.
  4. Set a quality level (Original, High, Medium, Balanced, or Low) or resolution, or use target file size when the portal lists a megabyte cap.
  5. Export and drag the result into the upload field.

Processing stays on your Mac. Save a preset such as “1080p client review” so you can reuse it next time.

Method 2: Export in QuickTime

Best for: One or two files QuickTime already opens.

  1. Open the video in QuickTime Player.
  2. Edit → Trim (⌘T) if needed.
  3. File → Export As → 1080p (or 720p for chat and email).

That re-encodes to H.264 in an MP4-friendly file. QuickTime cannot open every legacy format (many FLV, WMV, and MKV files). When open fails, use Method 3.

Limitation: No batch for a mixed downloads folder. No typed megabyte target.

Method 3: Convert with FFmpeg

Best for: Formats QuickTime cannot open, remux when possible, and folder scripts.

brew install ffmpeg

Universal re-encode:

ffmpeg -i input.any -c:v libx264 -crf 22 -preset medium \
 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart output.mp4

Try remux first when the source is already H.264 + AAC:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c copy -movflags +faststart output.mp4

If remux fails, fall back to the re-encode command. Batch common extensions:

mkdir mp4-out
for f in *.{mov,mkv,wmv,flv,avi,webm,m4v,mts}; do
 [ -f "$f" ] || continue
 ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:v libx264 -crf 22 -preset medium \
 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart \
 "mp4-out/${f%.*}.mp4"
done
FlagPlain meaning
-crf 22Quality (lower = better, bigger; try 20 to 26)
-preset mediumSpeed versus compression tradeoff
-movflags +faststartWeb-friendly metadata placement

For HEVC to H.264 specifically, see convert HEVC to H.264 on Mac .

Limitation: You own the commands and error messages.

Which method should you use

SituationStart here
Mixed folder, recurring convert, or a size capGetCompress
One file QuickTime opensQuickTime
Legacy format or automationFFmpeg

Remux when codecs already fit the destination. Re-encode when the player rejects the codec, when you change resolution, or when you need a smaller file.

When QuickTime alone is enough

If QuickTime opens the clip and one export produces a working MP4 under the size limit, you are done.

GetCompress also helps when sources change every project, when you batch a whole folder, or when conversion and compression belong in the same step. It does not replace FFmpeg for obscure formats or broadcast packaging. After conversion, if the MP4 is still too large, adjust quality or resolution in the same window rather than starting over.

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