Format at a glance
- Full name
- QuickTime File Format
- File extensions
- .mov
- MIME types
- video/quicktime
- Category
- Video
- Compression
- Depends on the contained codec
- Transparency
- Not applicable
- Animation
- Not applicable
- Properties
- Multiple media tracks, Chapters
Suitable tools
What is this format?
QuickTime File Format stores timed media as tracks inside an ISO Base Media-style structure. Video, audio, timecode and metadata can use different encodings within the same file.
MOV is closely related to MP4 but permits combinations and professional metadata that are common in editing workflows. A player still needs a decoder for each contained codec.
What is it used for?
- Camera and screen-recording output on Apple devices
- Professional editing masters using ProRes
- Motion graphics and post-production exchange
- H.264 or HEVC delivery files in Apple-centered workflows
Which programs can open it?
- QuickTime Player and Apple Photos
- Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
- VLC and mpv
- FFmpeg and compatible transcoding tools
Support across devices and browsers
VLC and editing applications open many MOV files; built-in playback depends on the codec.
QuickTime and professional Apple applications provide strong native support.
FFmpeg, VLC and mpv handle many MOV combinations when decoders are present.
Playback depends on the contained codecs and selected app.
Common H.264, HEVC and Apple-generated MOV files are natively supported.
H.264/AAC MOV may play in some browsers, but MOV is less predictable than MP4 for web delivery.
Advantages
- Strong fit for Apple and professional video workflows
- Supports high-quality editing codecs such as ProRes
- Can carry several timed tracks and metadata types
Disadvantages
- Files using editing codecs can be very large
- Playback support varies with the contained codec
- MOV is less reliable than MP4 as a universal web-delivery container
Comparison with alternatives
MP4 is usually preferred for broad delivery; MOV is common for capture, editing and Apple workflows.
MKV is open and highly flexible for subtitles and many tracks; MOV integrates better with Apple professional software.
WebM targets open web codecs; MOV supports professional codecs and Apple-oriented metadata.
LocalFileLab support
MOV is decoded through FFmpeg/WASM; exact input codecs are not enumerated in the repository.
H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4 Part 2, ProRes and DNxHD output paths are configured, with compatible audio choices.
Compression transcodes the primary media rather than only rewriting the container.
Playback uses the browser and system codecs and can fail even when conversion succeeds.
Basic metadata mapping can be enabled, but complete track, timecode and chapter preservation is not verified.
Container and codecs
The LocalFileLab statements below come from the FFmpeg/WASM and WebCodecs paths actually configured in the repository. Decoders or tracks not explicitly evidenced in code are marked unverified.
- Container
- QuickTime / MOV
- Typical video codecs
- H.264 / AVC, H.265 / HEVC, Apple ProRes, MPEG-4 Part 2
- Typical audio codecs
- AAC, ALAC, PCM, AC-3
| Codec | Type | Input | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 / AVC | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| H.265 / HEVC | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. Playback may require a matching browser or system codec. |
| Apple ProRes | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. Playback may require a matching browser or system codec. |
| MPEG-4 Part 2 | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| AAC | Audio | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| ALAC | Audio | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| PCM | Audio | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| AC-3 | Audio | Unverified | Not supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. This codec is not offered as an output for this container. |
| Text and subtitle tracks | Subtitle | Unverified | Not supported | This track is not mapped explicitly during export. |
Tracks and metadata
- Subtitle tracks
- Unverified
- Multiple audio tracks
- Not supported
- Chapters
- Unverified
- Metadata
- Configurable
Known combinations
A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository.
A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. Playback may require a matching browser or system codec.
A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. Playback may require a matching browser or system codec.
Related formats
Frequently asked questions
Is MOV the same as MP4?
They are related containers but not identical. MOV allows combinations and metadata common in QuickTime and editing workflows, while MP4 is more constrained for delivery.
Why is my MOV file so large?
It may contain ProRes, uncompressed audio or another editing-oriented codec designed for quality and speed rather than small size.
Does changing MOV to MP4 always require re-encoding?
Not always in general, but it depends on codec compatibility. LocalFileLab's current conversion path transcodes media instead of offering a dedicated stream-copy remux mode.