Want to Convert M4V to MOV (QuickTime)?

M4V is a file format that shares certain similarities with MP4. M4V files are used when users download video files such as movies, TV shows, and music videos via the iTunes Store. Depending on the specific file, M4V files may come with DRM copyright protection from the file format's developer, Apple. While it's a convenient format for people with iTunes on their devices, whether Mac or Windows computers, it's not compatible with other media players and devices without iTunes. This means that if you want to be able to play M4V files using programs other than iTunes, you'll be required to convert M4V to MOV.

Depending on what you're looking for, there are plenty of converters out there for you to try. The following is a comprehensive guide on how to convert M4V to MOV, regardless of whether you prefer software or web-based solutions.

For high-quality conversion software that's easy to use for converting M4V to MOV and other file conversions, use Movavi Video Converter. This encoder can not only convert your files for use on any device, but it can also:

• Shrink the size of your files

• Convert multiple files with batch processing

• Prevent quality loss while maintaining efficient conversion

• Convert recordings from multiple devices into a single format

• Edit your files by adjusting sound, improving video quality, trimming files, or joining files before converting them

This software also features a simple, user-friendly interface that takes no time to pick up and navigate.

To help you use Movavi Video Converter, here are some steps to take to convert M4V to MOV on your Mac or PC.

If you would prefer to avoid downloading any software and want to stick to a web-based converter, Online Video Converter is a reliable option. Both Windows and Mac users can convert M4V to MOV and use it for many other conversions. Some of the many formats this platform supports include FLV, MKV, 3G2, OGV, WMV, and AVI. You can also choose from various audio formats. All conversions take place from their conversion page, which is incredibly easy to navigate on any computer.

To convert M4V files to MOV using Online Video Converter, take the following steps.

Step 1. Visit Online Video Converter's conversion page

Simply visit the homepage on the Online Video Converter website to get started with your conversion.

Go to the Online Video Converter website

Step 2. Select the media files you want to convert

The first step in the conversion process is to click on Add Your Media in the box on the right at the top of the page. To upload files from Google Drive or Dropbox, click on the downward arrow beside the button.

Step 3. Choose the output format for your files

Under the Convert to drop-down menu, you can select MOV or another file format.

Step 4. Start the conversion process and choose a save location for the completed file

After selecting the output format, click Convert to start converting the file. Once the process is completed, save the file to a designated location on your device.

Cons of using Online Video Converter

Online Video Converter is free to use on the website, but the free version comes with certain limitations. You will need to purchase a subscription or download the paid desktop version if you want access to other benefits, including online storage, large file sizes, more input and output formats, and batch conversion that allows for multiple files.

Like Online Video Converter, Convertio is web-based and free to use for basic file conversions. You can use it to convert files of many formats, and it's very easy to use for a quick conversion of smaller M4V files. To make it even more convenient, you can also download a browser extension for instant access to the converter from any website. In addition to a video converter, Convertio also includes other capabilities on its website, allowing you to cut MP3s and resize, adjust, cut, compress, crop, rotate, filter, and create videos.

To use Convertio to convert your M4V files and others, follow this brief guide.

Step 1. Visit the Convertio website

To start converting, simply visit the Convertio website to access their free online converter.

Go to the Convertio website

Step 2. Upload your video

Click on the red Choose Files box located at the top of the page, or drag and drop files from a folder on your computer or smartphone into the gray grid box around it. You can also choose files from your Dropbox or Google Drive account.

Step 3. Convert your file

After uploading the file to the converter, begin the conversion process. If you need to, select the output format to MOV or any of the other 37 supported video formats. You can then upload additional video files to start batch conversion.

Step 4. Make adjustments to your video

You also have the option of adjusting your video before saving it. Feel free to customize quality, resolution, aspect ratio, and other aspects by selecting the gear icon. You can also apply the edits to every video file and click the Convert button to process the edits.

Step 5. Save your converted video

After the conversion and editing process is completed, you can save all converted videos to your PC, Mac computer, or another device. You also have the option of saving to your Google Drive or Dropbox.

Cons of using Convertio

While the free version of Convertio is easy to use, the file size of uploaded videos is very limited. Using the free version, you can only upload up to 100 MB, and you're also limited to the number of files you can convert concurrently. For higher file size limits and other features, you need to sign up for one of their paid plans starting at $9.99.

Looking for a free M4V-to-MOV converter that's easy to use on any device? VLC is a convenient choice. Also called VideoLAN Client, VLC was developed by non-profit organization VideoLAN. This software is easy to use and is compatible with nearly any device. VLC also plays nearly every file format, with efficient hardware decoding capabilities. The nice thing about VLC is that it's entirely free and incredibly user-friendly. The software doesn't come with any spyware, user tracking, or ads, which may otherwise concern you in the absence of a price tag.

To use VLC to convert M4V to MOV, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and install VLC on your device

First, download the software from the VLC website and install it on your device. VLC is compatible with Windows and Mac computers.

Download VLC

Step 2. Add the M4V files to the conversion lList

Once you've opened VLC, choose the File menu and select Convert / Save (on Windows) or Convert / Stream (on Mac). Another window will load containing a Drop media here section at the top. From there, you can either drag and drop files from a folder into the program, or you can click Open media to select the files on your device.

Step 3. Select the conversion format

After adding the M4V files to the conversion queue, select the format you would like to convert them to, which you can select in the Choose Profile tab. To convert to MOV, choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Keep in mind that MOV files will use the same general formatting as the MP4 option.

Step 4. Pick a location to save your converted files

After selecting the format, select Save as File, which you'll find in the Choose Destination tab. Add ".mov" to the end of the file name to save the MP4 as a .mov file. After this step, all you need to do is wait for the conversion to finish, and you can play or save your MOV file on any compatible device or platform.

Cons of using VLC

VLC is a helpful converter that's entirely free, safe to use, and very user-friendly, but it isn't without its drawbacks. Some users may not like its outdated design, while others have reported issues when using it to play DVDs.

For another downloadable software like VLC that can convert M4V to MOV, HandBrake is another potential option that's free to download and use. Keep in mind that it doesn't directly allow you to convert M4V files to MOV. However, you can use it to convert to MP4, which you can then translate to MOV by changing the file name. It's also very easy to pick up and use as soon as it's installed. Other features you can use in HandBrake include Title, chapter, and range selection, chapter markers, Batch Scan, support for both CFR and VFR, subtitles, and more, giving you a lot without the need to pay.

To use HandBrake to convert M4V to MOV, simply follow these easy steps:

Step 1. Download and install HandBrake

Begin by simply downloading HandBrake from their website and install it on your Mac or PC.

Download HandBrake

Step 2. Choose the files to convert

Within the HandBrake Source window, select the files you would like to convert and click Open.

Step 3. Select a save destination for the file

Click the Browse button, which is located at the upper-right side of the window, and choose a folder in which to save the converted file. You can also customize the name of the file. Here, add ".mov" at the end of the file name after customizing the rest.

Step 4. Choose the output format

The next step is to select the Output Setting or Format you would like to use. You can choose either MKV or MP4 – select MP4 if you wish to convert the file to MOV. The extension added in the file name will automatically convert the file container from MP4 to MOV format once saved.

Step 5. Begin the conversion process

Next, click Start or Start encode to initiate the conversion process and wait for it to complete. Afterward, you can access the file on your device.

Cons of using HandBrake

While converting is easy using HandBrake, it's severely limited in terms of output file container formats, with only MP4 and MKV available for videos.

To better understand the difference between both file formats, the following is a comparison of M4V vs. MOV.