8 Best Ways to Convert MXF to MP4 on Mac & Windows

You may have seen or even used the MXF file format, one of the less commonly used file types. If you’re unfamiliar with this format, you may be asking, “What is an MXF file?” MXF (.mxf), a file extension that stands for Material Exchange Format, is typically generated by video cameras and recorders, including filming equipment from brands like Canon and Sony. The downside to this file format is that it’s not easy to open on most computers or mobile devices without a compatible media player. If you can’t play an MXF file on Mac/Windows systems, you will need to convert MXF to MP4 or another popular file format such as AVI, WMV, or MOV with a video converter.

If you’re wondering how to convert MXF to MP4, there are plenty of solutions to help you convert MXF to MP4 online or with downloadable software, depending on the type of MXF file converter you prefer.

OS: Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.13 or higher

For software that’s fast and easy to navigate, consider Movavi Video Converter. This software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can also enable you to convert videos for mobile devices. Using Movavi Video Converter, you can convert your video, audio, and images to more than 180 different file formats. The app provides additional features such as editing and upscaling. You can use the compression feature to reduce the size of your HD or 4K videos and watch them on a mobile device.

Here’s how to use Movavi Video Converter:

1. Open the app and hit Add Media > Add video to import your files.
2. On the Video tab, click MP4 and pick the desired preset.
3. Hit Convert. 

To read a detailed step-by-step guide, click the link below.

Read the instructions

OS: all Windows versions, macOS 10.7.5 and higher, Ubuntu 16.04. and 18.04

While this media player-converter combo is exceptionally convenient, it’s not for everyone. Some may not like its considerably outdated design, and people have experienced specific issues when trying to play DVDs or other media using VLC. If you’re looking for additional editing features that can help optimize conversions, VLC is also limited in this regard as a free conversion software.

Here’s how to use this free MXF-to-MP4 converter:

1. Run the app and click Media.
2. From the drop-down list, select Convert / Save.
3. Click Add and pick your file for conversion, then hit Convert / Save.
4. Open the Profile list and choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
5. Click Browse and set the location for export. Make sure the filename ends with .mp4.
6. Hit Start.

OS: Windows 10 and higher, macOS 10.13. or higher, Linux

HandBrake is a free MXF converter that can work with multiple video formats. The app has many device presets as well, so you can convert your video to a format compatible with a certain device. HandBrake offers a few filters you can apply to your videos. The program is open-source and is available for free. 

To convert files with HandBrake, follow these steps:

1. Open HandBrake and import your video to the program. You can simply drag and drop your video or use the File button.
2. Select the option you need from the Format list. 
3. Click Start Encode.

OS: any (web-based)

One of the most popular options to convert MXF for free online is Online Video Converter, enabling you to convert an MXF file to MP4 and complete other conversions right from their website. Their conversion page is easy to use and navigate, keeping the conversion process simple and straightforward. Online Video Converter facilitates free file conversion, allowing users to change the video format of their video files, or you can use it to convert audio. You never need to download or install any software to use the program; simply use your internet browser and upload your file to the online MXF-to-MP4 converter for free. You can also choose from over 40 file formats, including MXF and other rare formats.

Conversion is safe and secure, as your files are immediately deleted from their server after you’ve downloaded the converted file. You also have the option to convert files from your Dropbox and Google Drive. If you want to edit your videos before converting, you can also adjust audio volume and video resolution. Keep in mind that, like other free online converters, you will need to pay for a paid version or their desktop application to access additional features you won’t get with the free version.

Converting with this online tool is simple:

1. Open the website, click Add Your Media, and choose the file you want to convert.
2. From the list of formats, pick the desired options. 
3. Hit Convert. 

OS: any (web-based)

If you’re looking for a reliable MXF converter for online use, you can also use CloudConvert. This platform is another safe and dependable website that you can use to upload MXF files and convert them to MP4 or many other formats. It’s easy to use, and its design is similar to that of Online Video Converter and other online converters. Upload your file and select the output format, and choose different options to optimize the video before converting. In addition to converting, you can modify the conversion by editing the video codec, Constant Rate Factor (CRF), preset, profile, width, height, and other aspects depending on your preferences. Like other reliable online converters, it’s safe to use and keeps your data secure. Conversions are also of consistently high quality with every use due to CloudConvert’s partnership with multiple reputable software vendors.

One of the disadvantages of using CloudConvert is that, like nearly any other online MXF converter, free use of the program is limited. If you want to upload files of any size and convert as many files as you want concurrently, you will need to purchase a package or subscription for their services. The paid version also gives users access to other benefits such as customer support, high priority, and a maximum of 5 hours of processing time for conversions.

This is how to convert files with CloudConvert:

1. On the CloudConvert website, click Select File and pick your MXF video. 
2. Set the output format next to Convert to.
3. Click Convert.

OS: any (web-based)

For another free online MXF-to-MP4 converter, you can try FreeFileConvert, which uses a simple three-step process and a simple interface to help you convert your videos. Visiting the FreeFileConvert website, all you need to do is upload the file from your computer, select an output format, and convert. In addition to uploading files from your computer, you can upload files from your Dropbox or Google Drive account. You can choose from many file formats to convert files to, including video, audio, archive, vector, and image formats.

Some disadvantages to this software include the fact that you can only convert up to five files simultaneously, and you can only upload files up to 300 MB, which can be a problem with MXF files that are often larger. Once converted, users can only download the converted file up to five times. There is also a distinct lack of additional features that you would find with other online converters, such as video editing features and the ability to optimize conversions with various specs. Unlike other converters, there isn't a paid version that gives you access to such features, either. However, if you're looking for a bare-bones tool to convert your MXF files, FreeFileConvert is a decent and quick solution.

Follow these simple steps to convert MXF to MP4:

1. Go to FreeFileConvert and upload your video. Choose the corresponding tab – File, URL, or Cloud – depending on your video source.
2. Select the desired option in the Output format section. 
3. Click Convert. 

OS: any (web-based)

Like other online converters, Convertio is straightforward in its design and makes it easy to upload files for a simple conversion process. On the Convertio website, you can choose the file format you would like to convert from and to, and upload files directly from your computer. You also have the option of uploading files via Google Drive, Dropbox, or a URL. You can also drag and drop files into the converter. In addition to converting, you can also access other options to optimize your files. You can modify the MXF codec, profile, level, and advanced features let you resize the file, change the frame rate, rotate, and flip your videos, or you can edit audio. The converter supports many file formats beyond MXF and MP4, depending on your needs.

Unfortunately, like other online video converters, the free version of Convertio is limited. While you can access certain editing features to optimize the conversion, you're limited to a 100 MB file upload size. This is inconvenient for MXF, as these files tend to be larger. However, the free version does still enable you to convert multiple files with batch conversion. Plans for the paid version of the Convertio platform start at $9.99.

To change MXF to MP4 with Convertio, follow these steps:

1. Open Convertio, click Choose Files, and upload your video. 
2. Set the output format and adjust other settings if needed.
3. Hit the Convert button.

Pros

• A majority of online video converters are entirely free to convert all types of video files, with basic features available for free users.
• Online converters are also usually easy to use and don’t require any installations, which can otherwise be more time-consuming. This means bypassing most instruction guides and tutorials.
• They’re also easy to share directly with friends, co-workers, or others via email, social media, or messaging apps.
• Online converters are also powerful and support a wide range of file formats, allowing you to select the best format and video quality for your converted file.

Cons

• All online converters require an internet connection to function. You will be unable to use them if you don’t have a connection or if your connection isn’t reliable enough to facilitate the conversion.
• Unlike software, you won’t be able to store converted files for very long on conversion websites. This is usually for the user’s protection as the server deletes the file as soon as possible after conversion to prevent any compromise in data. However, it can be inconvenient if you forget to download the file and need to restart the conversion process.
• Online converters tend to be slower than software, especially if your internet connection is weak.
• You won’t likely see as many features for online converters as you would with downloadable programs, but there are some exceptions out there.
• The file size limit for online converters also tends to be smaller, even for registered users. Otherwise, you may need to sign up for paid plans and subscriptions to access unlimited storage and other benefits.

Pros

• Unlike online converters, you won't need an internet connection to use downloadable converters, with the ability to use them offline at any time.
• Desktop converters also tend to have more features than online converters and support a wide range of file formats.
• They can also process large files, whereas you're likely to see more limitations when uploading to servers on a website.
• Software options also tend to give you access to more adjustment capabilities, allowing you to adjust bitrate, frame rate, and other video and audio aspects to optimize the conversion fully.

Cons

• You will often need to pay the price for a premium version of the software if you want access to more features.
• Some software is less accessible and user-friendly than others, requiring some time to become familiar with it or even read detailed instructions.
• Suppose you’re not using a powerful computer system. In that case, weaker hardware could lead to issues when running specific software, which often requires high-performance systems to perform high-quality conversions and work with large video files.

If you're looking for the easiest way to convert MXF to MP4, try our reliable MXF converter to see if Movavi Video Converter meets your needs. Download Movavi Video Converter today and install it to find out if it's right for you. Using this software, you can:

• Convert audio, video, images, and DVDs

• Experience quick conversion rates without any loss of quality

• Optimize quality, audio, or trim and join files before starting the conversion

• Save video and audio files for use on mobile devices