MOV files.
MOV files are one of the most common types of video production files. Whether you realize 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.
What is a MOV file?
MOV files are videos saved in the QuickTime File Format. Though designed for the Apple QuickTime Movies, MOV is also compatible on Windows, works well on Facebook, and is a common choice for YouTube and movie streaming.
It’s one of the most common video files used by content creators, alongside 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.
History of the MOV file.
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.
How to use MOV files.
MOV files are popular for a reason — namely, their great functionality and versatility. Audio, video, and even text stores 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.
Pros and cons of MOV files.
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.
Pros.
- Versatility across media types. As an all-rounder, MOV files are incredibly useful for video editors and post-production artists. They store excellent quality video, audio, text, and special effects in a single container file. You can also enhance audio, picture quality, and picture resolution separately, which makes editing a breeze.
- High-quality. MOV files also provide very high-quality playback. This means they’re a great choice to capture the nuance needed for engaging footage. If you’re editing in a professional setting – say for the film or media industries – then you can rely on MOV for a great result.
- Compatibility. Though designed for Apple QuickTime, MOV files are also compatible on Windows, as well as major video streaming websites, like Facebook and YouTube.
Cons.
- Lossy compression. MOV files use lossy compression, which means they can shed extra data when they’re saved, transferred or stored. This means their quality can deteriorate over time.
- Large file size. MOV can carry high-quality multimedia, but this can come at a cost. They also have substantial file sizes, meaning they take up a lot of storage space and potentially increasing transfer time if moving files.
- Can be difficult to open. As MOV is a container file, it can be difficult to open with some software. You may need to convert it to MP4 first.
Find out which container file types are supported by Adobe Premiere Pro
How to open a MOV file.
MOV files work best with Apple programs like iTunes and QuickTime.
To open your file in QuickTime:
- Choose File>Open file, then choose your MOV file from your desktop, downloads or folders.
- QuickTime will open your file automatically and provide playback options.
To open in iTunes:
- Open iTunes on your laptop or desktop.
- Click File>Add to library and add your MOV file. Or you can drag your file directly into the player.
- Click View>Select movies and choose your MOV file.
To open in Windows:
- Install QuickTime Player for Windows.
- Right-click your MOV file and select “Open with.”
- Choose QuickTime Player.
You can also upload your MOV file to Google Drive, so anyone can stream your file easily on any device.
How to create and edit a MOV file.
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 Pro, follow these simple steps:
- Launch Premiere Pro on your device.
- Create a New Project, by selecting File > Import From Media Browser.
- Choose your MOV file and click Import.
- After importing MOV file into Premiere Pro, you can simply drag it into a Timeline to start editing.
It can be difficult to import MOV files into Premiere Pro 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.
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What devices can play MOV files?
Are MOV files better than MP4?
Can you convert MOV files to MP4?
Why can’t you play a MOV file?
Does YouTube accept MOV files?
Learn more about similar container file types.
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