What is .mov?

.mov (QuickTime Movie) is a multimedia container format developed by Apple for storing high-quality video, audio, and effects. It is widely used in professional video production, especially on macOS, for editing and mastering footage before export to delivery formats like MP4.

This quick guide explains when to use .mov files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .mov files

You are editing video professionally in tools like Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro.
You need high-quality masters using codecs like ProRes with minimal compression.
You are working primarily in the Apple ecosystem (macOS, iOS).
You plan to export a final delivery copy later as MP4 for distribution.

How to open .mov files

MOV files open natively in QuickTime Player on macOS and iOS, and are supported by most professional editors (Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro). On Windows, you can use players like VLC or install additional codecs. You can also upload .mov files to FileXhost to play them directly in the browser (codec support permitting) or convert and redistribute them.

Algorithm details

MOV is a container format based on the QuickTime File Format (QTFF), which in turn influenced the ISO Base Media File Format used by MP4. It stores media in tracks and atoms that describe timing, codecs, and metadata. MOV commonly carries Apple ProRes or other intraframe codecs that preserve high quality and are optimized for editing rather than small file size.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Safari has the best native support. Other browsers may require compatible codecs (like H.264/AAC) or will fall back to download behavior.
Mobile: iOS plays MOV natively. Android support depends on the device and installed codecs.
OS: Fully supported on macOS and iOS, partially supported on Windows and Linux via third-party players like VLC.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Use Case	Ideal as an intermediate or master format for editing, not always for final web delivery.
Quality	Often higher quality than typical MP4 files when using intraframe codecs like ProRes.
Compatibility	Less universally compatible than MP4; best in Apple and pro-video environments.
File Size	Can be significantly larger than MP4 when using lightly compressed or lossless codecs.

How to create mov files

Professional NLEs: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve.
Screen Capture: QuickTime Player screen recording on macOS.
Cameras: Some cameras and recorders can capture directly to MOV using ProRes or similar codecs.
Converters: Exporting to MOV from editing or transcoding tools for post-production workflows.

How to convert mov files

FileXhost: Upload MOV to host and optionally convert using your local tools for broader delivery formats.
Desktop: HandBrake, VLC, Shutter Encoder (MOV to MP4 or other formats).
CLI: FFmpeg (ffmpeg -i input.mov output.mp4).

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Excellent support for high-quality professional codecs like ProRes
Well-suited for editing workflows with smooth scrubbing and frame-accurate cuts
Rich metadata and track support

Disadvantages

Less universally compatible than MP4 on non-Apple devices
Larger file sizes compared to delivery-focused formats
Some MOV files will not play in browsers without transcoding

Tools & software

Players

QuickTime Player, VLC, IINA, KMPlayer

Editors

Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer

Converters

HandBrake, FFmpeg, Shutter Encoder

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MOV and MP4?

MOV and MP4 are closely related containers, but MOV is more common in professional Apple workflows and often uses high-quality intraframe codecs like ProRes. MP4 is more focused on distribution and streaming with highly compressed codecs like H.264, making it smaller and more universally compatible.

Why won't my MOV file play on Windows?

The MOV file may use a codec (like ProRes or an uncommon audio codec) that isn't installed on your system. Installing a player like VLC or transcoding the file to H.264/AAC in an MP4 container usually solves the problem.

Should I upload MOV or MP4 to the web?

For broad web playback, MP4 (H.264/AAC) is usually the best choice. MOV is better as a source/master file that you keep for editing, then convert to MP4 for streaming or sharing.

Can I convert MOV to MP4 without losing quality?

If the MOV already uses a compatible codec (like H.264), you can sometimes re-mux (copy streams into an MP4 container) without re-encoding. Otherwise, re-encoding to MP4 will introduce some compression, but you can choose a high bitrate to minimize quality loss.

Technical specs

File type: Video
Extension: .mov
MIME type: video/quicktime
Compression: Lossy
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .mov file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

Upload .mov file