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Format guide

MOV format, codecs and MP4 conversion

Understand QuickTime MOV containers and when their video and audio tracks can be copied to MP4.

MOV is a container

MOV can contain several codecs. The file extension alone does not show whether a browser or MP4 output supports the tracks inside.

When fast conversion works

H.264 video and AAC audio can commonly be copied to MP4. H.265 and professional camera codecs depend on engine and destination support.

When re-encoding is needed

  • The video or audio codec is invalid in MP4.
  • The source has unusual track layouts.
  • Metadata is damaged.
  • The playback device cannot decode the copied codec.