MOV files are one of the most common types of video production files. Whether you realise it or not, you probably use them most days, whether you’re uploading a YouTube video or watching a TV show.
Learn more about MOV files, including their pros and cons and how to use them.
MOV files are videos saved in the QuickTime File Format. Though designed for the Apple QuickTime Films, MOV is also compatible on Windows, works well on Facebook and is a common choice for YouTube and film streaming.
It’s one of the most common video files used by content creators, with formats such as MP4, WMV and AVI.
As a container file type, MOV can encompass different types of media tracks, including video, audio, text, 3D models and VR panoramas. It generally uses MPEG-4 encoding, which reduces the file size of a file, without affecting its quality. You can also save it with the QuickTime File Format extensions QTFF and QT.
Apple released the MOV as the proprietary QuickTime file format back in 1998. They designed it to facilitate easy multimedia transfers between different devices, operating systems and apps. Apple also created this handy file to support different media types under one roof.
In terms of history and functionality, MOV ties closely to the MP4, though its release came years earlier. As both files use MPEG-4 encoding, meaning quality remains when compressed, they’re interchangeable in the QuickTime environment.
Non-Apple operating systems, streaming sites and social media all widely support MOV files — although though not as widely as MP4.
MOV files are popular for a reason — namely, their great functionality and versatility. Audio, video and even text shops on a MOV file. Discover how to use them.
Video editing.
Separate multimedia tracks in MOV files make them a great choice for video editing. With a MOV file, you can store your footage, sound and subtitles in a single, easy to use file. This makes things a lot simpler when you reach the editing and post-production stage.
Streaming and social media.
MOV enjoys wide support and compatibility across social media and streaming sites. This makes it a go-to option for everyday video viewing.
Big screen quality.
MOV files are a large video format, that captures big-screen magic on streaming platforms. Unlike its more compressed cousin the MP4, MOV can handle the depth, detail, sharpness and picture quality that audiences expect.
MOV files are the go-to for the QuickTime format and their compatibility also extends to Windows systems too. This compatibility is a major plus point, but there are some downsides to the filetype too.
Find out which container file types are supported by Adobe Premiere
MOV files work best with Apple programmes like iTunes and QuickTime.
To open your file in QuickTime:
To open in iTunes:
To open in Windows:
You can also upload your MOV file to Google Drive, so anyone can stream your file easily on any device.
To create a MOV file, you can open your file with a compatible video editor and simply save it as .MOV.
To open your MOV file in Premiere, follow these simple steps:
It can be difficult to import MOV files into Premiere if your file has an unsupported codec (software that compresses and decompresses the video itself). In this case, it might be worth converting your codec to a ProRes, H264/AVC or even converting your file entirely to MP4.
Find out more about video editing software you can use in your own creative projects.
Get an overview of the different video files available.
We'll show you which container formats are available.
This is how the MP4 container format works.
Learn more about the AVI video format.
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