How to Convert iMovie to MP4

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iMovie is a wonderful macOS video editor, but its export type, .mov, isn’t always the most universal. The best option is MP4 because it is very cross-platform and combines well with compression. If you want to upload your video to a website or social media, MP4 is the default format.

How to Convert iMovie to MP4

In this article, we will take a deep dive on how to how to Convert iMovie to MP4 with many different methods!

Understanding File Formats

What is iMovie’s Default Export Format?

iMovie defaults to .mov, Apple’s own QuickTime format. Though .mov produces fantastic video, it’s sometimes not quite as compatible with non-Apple hardware and software.

Why MP4 is The Best Format?

MP4, or MPEG-4 Part 14, is a common video format that works on just about any platform and device.

Its advantages include:

  • Compatible with Smartphones, Tablets, Gaming Consoles and PCs
  • Compression: Smaller files, but not at a significant cost of quality
  • Streaming Optimization: Perfect for the web like YouTube and Instagram

Tutorial on How to Convert iMovie to MP4

Option 1: Export Out of iMovie – Easy way

  1. Open Your Project:
    • Open iMovie and open the project you want to convert
  2. Access the Export Menu:
    • Tap File from the top menu
    • Select Share > File
  3. Adjust Export Settings:
    • Choose a Resolution to your quality (i.e., 1080p or 4K)
    • Make sure the File Format is “MP4” or “H.264”
    • Confirm audio settings for compatibility
  4. Save the File:
    • Select a destination directory and press Save
    • iMovie will save your video as an MP4

Option 2: Use Terminal and FFmpeg to Convert

If you are more comfortable working from the command line, you can take your iMovie export and convert it to MP4 using FFmpeg, a video processing powerhouse.

Step 1: Install FFmpeg

  1. Open Terminal on your Mac
  2. Run this to install Homebrew, a macOS package manager:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
  1. Install FFmpeg with Homebrew:
brew install ffmpeg

Step 2: Export Your iMovie Project

  1. Go to your iMovie project and select File > Share > File
  2. Export as .mov to a convenient location (like Desktop)

Step 3: FFmpeg Convert to MP4

  1. Start Terminal and go to the folder of the file. For example:
cd ~/Desktop
  1. Translate into FFmpeg using the code:
ffmpeg -i input.mov -vcodec H264 -acodec MP3 output.mp4

Replace input.mov with the file name and output.mp4 with your output name.

Step 4: Verify the Output

Look for the converted MP4 in the folder and run it through a media player to verify.

Method 3: Using QuickTime Player

  1. Save your project as .mov file
  2. Open the file in QuickTime Player
  3. Click File > Export As and pick MP4 for the format
  4. Copy the file where you want it to go

Optimizing MP4 File Settings

Adjusting Resolution and Quality

While you are converting, you can set the resolution and bitrate:

  • Higher Resolution: For business videos, try 4K or 1080p
  • Lower Resolutions: If your file is smaller, 720p will do

Balancing File Size with Quality

If you want to compress your files without the loss of quality, this is what FFmpeg does:

ffmpeg -i input.mov -preset fast -crf 23 output.mp4

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Export Errors in iMovie

  • Low Disk Space: Check available disk space
  • Software Issues: Make sure iMovie and macOS are updated

Quality Loss After Conversion

To preserve quality:

  • Use a higher bitrate
  • Don’t use low-quality presets in converter tools

Tips for Efficient Video Conversion

  • Batch Conversion: Convert multiple files at once with FFmpeg
  • Test Videos: Export a few minute’s worth of video to test the settings before importing the whole video
  • Use Dependable Software: Stick to good-old HandBrake, FFmpeg, or QuickTime for the best results

Conclusion

iMovie projects need to be converted to MP4 to make them universally compatible and shareable. Exporting straight out of iMovie, through FFmpeg via Terminal, or using QuickTime Player will all work. With this tutorial, you will have no problem making professional MP4 files for any device.

If this article offered you value make sure you check out how to Play a MP3 File in JavaScript.

FAQs

Can I Import MP4 from iMovie?

You can export directly to MP4 if you go into the export menu of iMovie and make the right choices.

What if I don’t need Terminal?

Convert .mov files to MP4 with QuickTime Player or free software like HandBrake.

Is FFmpeg free?

Yes, FFmpeg is a pure free, and open-source program.

What resolution should I use?

For the majority of tasks, 1080p will do. For professional projects, consider 4K.

What is the conversion time?

It takes time based on the length of the video and your CPU speed. In the case of short videos, they can be completed in just minutes.

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