by Brian Fisher • Jul 25,2019 • Proven solutions
There are some situations when you would need to convert AVI files to MP4 on your Mac system. For example, you would play your AVI files on iPhone, iPad, and other devices, however, many times AVI is not compatible with Mac devices or mac editing and other programs, even though AVI is a widely used format as it keeps the files compressed while maintaining the quality. Aiseesoft Free Video Converter. Platform: Windows, Mac. Aiseesoft Free Video Converter is another.
If you are using Mac and need to sent several files which are in MOV format to your workmates, who are still use computers running Windows operating system, you need to change MOV files, because Windows computers cannot recognize MOV files. Second, if you've bought a new Android-based smartphone, BlackBerry or Nokia phone, these nice MOV files are not compatible with any of them. Watching MOV videos on them could be a problem. In cases like these, you need to convert MOV to AVI on Mac. Let's learn 3 methods to convert MOV flies to AVI on Mac easily.
Solution 1: [Best] How to Convert MOV to AVI on Macbook, iMac, iMac Pro/Air, etc
To convert MOV to AVI file on Mac, you need a professional video converting tool, like the UniConverter for Mac. The app introduced here is a user-friendly tool, which has won good fame from Mac users. It can convert MOV files to AVI format without lossing quality and it supports HD videos. Let' know more about it below:
Convert MOV to AVI on Mac with Zero Quality Loss:
- Easily convert MOV file to AVI with 3 simple steps. You can also convert among other 150+ video or audio format.
- Edit your MOV videos before converting to AVI files. You can trim, crop, rotate or add effects, watermark, etc. to your video at will.
- Download or capture online videos from 1,000+ online video sites like YouTube, Vevo, Vimeo, Hulu, Netflix and more.
- Transfer the converted or downloaded MOV/AVI video to your mobile devices easily with USB cable connected.
- Burn MOV or AVI videos to DVD with customized templates.
- Offer a series of interesting handy tools for your convenience such as GIF maker, VR converter, cast to TV, record screen, etc.
- Perfectly compatible with every Mac running macOS 10.15 Catalina, 10.14 Mojave, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.12 Sierra, 10.11 El Capitan, 10.10 Yosemite, 10.9 Mavericks, 10.8 Mountain Lion, 10.7 Lion, etc. (It also works on Windows PC)
Step-by-step Guide to Convert MOV to AVI on Mac (Including latest macOS 10.15 Catalina)
Step 1. Load MOV videos to the MOV to AVI converter Mac
Use the Add Files button on top left of the main interface to locate the MOV videos to be converted. Or you can directly drag and drop the MOV videos to this MOV to AVI converter for Mac.
Step 2. Select 'AVI' as the output format
When opened the format tray, you can click on the Video tab and select AVI as output format. Apart from this, you could also modify the configurations of the output AVI files by changing the resolution, frame rate, bit rate, quality, etc.
Step 3. Start MOV to AVI Mac conversion
Click the big Convert All button at the bottom right to start the conversion. This program is specifically designed for Mac OS operating system, including macOS 10.15 Catalina, 10.14 Mojave, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.12 Sierra, 10.11 El Capitan, 10.10 Yosemite, 10.9 Mavericks, 10.8 Mountain Lion, 10.7, 10.6, MacBook, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, etc. When the conversion is done, you can share the output AVI videos with your friends without limitations.
Part 2. How to Convert MOV to MP4 in Freemake on a Mac
Freemake as the name states is an open source video converter, i.e., you can download it for free. It helps you convert your MOV files into MP4 and many other formats. Although it’s not an online converter, it’s power-packed with lots of features and supported conversions. Despite that, the conversion process and simple and a few easy steps allow you to convert your MOV files into MP4 on Mac without any difficulty.
Step 1. Open the Freemake converter and click on the +Video button. Add the MOV video you want to convert.
Step 2. Now look at the presets in the bottom of the window and select “to MP4” to convert your video into MP4. If you don’t find it, use the arrows on the left and right to scroll through options.
Step 3. Now go to the Convert tab and choose the destination folder and name of the output file. After this click on ‘Convert’ and your MOV video will start converting into MP4.
Once done, you can find it in the destination folder you selected earlier.
Part 3. How to Convert MOV to MP4 in VLC on Mac
There’s hardly anyone who hasn’t used VLC media player. The VLC media player is not only used for playback but is also an easy way to convert video formats. In just five simple steps, you can convert your source files like MOV into any target format like MP4.
Step 1. In the VLC player, go to the MEDIA menu and select Convert/Save.
Step 2. In the Open Media window, under the File tab, click on Add and then add the MOV file that you want to convert. It should be located on your device. Now click on the Convert/Save button at the bottom.
Step 3. When you hit the convert button, it will direct you to the window containing Profile and Destination settings. In the Profile settings, select Video-H.264+ MP3 (Mp4) as your Output format.
Step 4. After saving the profile settings, go to the Destination section and name your output file as you like, with a .mp4 extension.
Step 5. Now just click Start and VLC will start converting your MOV file into MP4.
When do we need to convert MOV files to AVI?
MOV and AVI are multimedia container file formats, and you can use top MOV to AVI converters online to convert one into the other. Apple developed the MOV file format whereas Microsoft is the manufacturer of the AVI file format.
The features that distinguish MOV from AVI are that MOV files can store multiple tracks each having different media like audio, video, text or graphics, whereas AVI can store one track at a time. AVI, on the other hand, is one of the most compatible formats supported by almost every existing media player. MOV is mainly associated with QuickTime Player but is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. AVI as compared to MOV uses less compression, but despite that, most DVD players support AVI file format.
MOV is quite flexible as compared to AVI but not all players support this format, whereas simplicity of AVI makes it one of the most popular and compatible format. To smoothly run your favorite MOV files on different media players (not supporting MOV format), you have to convert them to AVI.
Part 1. Best AVI to MP4 Converter
Frankly speaking, Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is the best way to convert AVI to MP4 on both Windows and Mac. The following is a detailed guide on how to convert AVI to MP4 on Mac, note that the Windows version functions almost the same.
Wondershare UniConverter
- Convert AVI to MP4, MKV, MOV, and 1000+ formats.
- Convert video/audio in original quality.
- 30X faster conversion speed than any competitors.
- Trim, edit MP4 video before MP3 extraction.
- Versatile toolbox includes GIF maker, screen recorder, etc.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS 10.15, 14, 10.13, and more.
How to Convert AVI to MP4 on Mac and Windows
- Import AVI video to Wondershare AVI to MP4 converter
- Open Wondershare AVI to MP4 converter, click Add Files, and import the AVI video that you want to convert to MP4 format. You can also directly drag & drop them into the .avi to MP4 converter.
- Convert AVI to MP4 format on Mac
- Click the down arrow button beside Output Format:, then select the Video tab to choose MP4 in the left sidebar and select the video resolution from the right section.
- Start AVI to MP4 Mac conversion
- Click the Start All button when everything is set, and then the MP4 to AVI converter will initiate AVI to MP4 Mac conversion immediately.
Part 2. 5 Common AVI to MP4 Converters to Free Convert AVI to MP4 Online
2.1 Online UniConverter (originally Media.io)
Online UniConverter (originally Media.io) is a web-based service created for audio/video file conversion. It allows you to convert popular audio formats like M4A, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG, and AM4 to MP3; or convert MP3 to WAV, MP3 to WMA, and more on Windows or Mac without downloading software.
Step 1: Click + to add your AVI files.
Step 2: Select MP4 as the format to convert to.
Step 3: Click Convert to start converting your files.
Step 4: Download a converted MP4 file or save it to Dropbox.
2.2 Onlinevideoconverter
OnlineVideoConverter.com (OVC) is a free online media conversion web application that allows you to convert any video link or file to various formats without the need to install any software on your computer.
Step 1: Choose a .avi video or any other supported media file from your device or cloud storage.
Step 2: Select .mp4 as the conversion format from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Click the Start button to start converting your file.
Step 4: When the conversion is completed, click on the download link to get your converted MP4 file.
2.3 Online-Convert
Online-Convert.com is an online converter that has all in one website. It is totally free to use for the public users, does not have a convert limitation, it allows you to add online files and can make some manual adjustment with its Settings features such as cut your video, change bitrate, frame rate, among others.
Step 1: Click on Video Converter in the main window of the online AVI to MP4 converter.
Step 2: Click on Convert to WMV from the left list and then click the Browse button to add your MOV video or add its URL file.
Step 3: Click on the Convert file button to start converting AVI to MP4 online.
2.4 FileZigZag
FileZigZag is a complete online file formats converter that supports a wide variety of different file formats, including videos, documents, images, songs. It's effective, easy to use and totally free.
Step 1: Click the Select button to upload your AVI files.
Step 2: Set MP4 as your output format from the drop-down list.
Step 3: Enter your e-mail address to receive your converted .mp4 files.
2.5 Convert.Files
Convertfiles.com is an online tool for file conversion that enables you to convert your file from AVI to MP4 with the utmost convenience and ease. You have the option of sending it to your mail for downloading it immediately for use.
Step 1: Click Browse to upload the AVI file that you wish to convert.
Step 2: Click the drop-down icon beside Output format and select MP4 as the target file format.
Step 3: Click Convert and a link for downloading the converted file will appear in no time.
Part 3. 3 Common AVI to MP4 Converters to Free Convert AVI to MP4 Online
3.1 Wondershare Free Video Converter
The AVI to MP4 converter free enables you to free convert AVI to MP4 easily. It functions almost the same as the steps to convert AVI to MP4 with Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate). The main differences lie in the conversion speed and supported formats. You can freely download the freeware via the download button below and use it anytime.
Video Converter Free
- Free convert AVI to MP4, MOV, FLV, and 1000+ formats.
- Trim, crop, edit AVI video before MP4 conversion.
- 30X faster conversion speed than any competitors.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.14, 10.13 - 10.6.
How to Convert AVI to MP4 Free
- Add AVI Video Free
- Click Add Files button to import your target AVI videos to the free AVI to MP4 converter, or directly drag and drop them to the main interface.
- Choose MP4 as Output Format
- Hit the format icon in the upper-right corner to get the full list of output format, choose MP4 under the Video tab.
- Convert AVI to MP4 Free
- Click Convert All in the bottom right to free convert AVI to MP4 right away.
3.2 QuickTime
QuickTime is the built-in video player of the Mac system that multitasks and performs an array of other functions as well including video conversion. While using QuickTime there is no need of downloading any software or program as it comes bundled with the system. The process of video conversion is simple and quick using this free Mac video converter.
Pros:- Preinstalled with Mac and thus no need for any software download
- Simple interface with easy to use features
- Allows choosing for different resolutions
- No batch processing option
- Limited codec support
- Limited features as compared to other programs
3.3 HandBrake
Handbrake is another widely used free video converter Mac that supports an array of input formats. This cross-platform program is compatible with working with Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. Using the software you can convert your videos to MP4, M4V, MPG, MKV, and other popular formats. In addition to decent quality conversions, Handbrake also supports advanced features like adding subtitles, adding audio tracks, setting and customizing frame rate, changing video codec, adjusting chapters, and others. Presets for quick conversions are also available.
Pros:- A wide array of format support for converting almost all types of files
- Comes with advanced control features
- Presets for quick conversion
- Utilitarian design
- Working with settings need time
- Only the first four minutes are supported during the Live preview
Part 4. Comparison Among AVI to MP4 Converters
Best AVI to MP4 Converter | Online AVI to MP4 Converter | Free AVI to MP4 Converrer | |
---|---|---|---|
Convert home DVD | Yes, convert with watermark | ||
Convert Video to common formats | Almost all formats, over 1000 formats | Only common formats | Almost all formats, over 1000 formats |
Batch conversion of video files | |||
Maximum upload file size | Unlimited | 100MB | Unlimited |
Video Conversion speed | Fastest Video Conversion in the industry | Slow | Good |
Video conversion quality | Lossless quality | General | Good |
Convert any 2D videos to a 3D format at ultrafast speeds | |||
Convert HD Video including 4K H.265/HEVC | |||
Burn video or audio to DVD for personal | Yes, with watermark | ||
Download YouTube Video and the videos from other 10,000 video sharing sites | Only download video from YouTube | ||
Record Online Videos | Record 1 minute | ||
Editing functions: Clip, Split, Crop, Merge, Rotate and More | |||
Special Effects for video editing | |||
Add or Remove Text/Image Watermark | |||
Plug-in Subtitle | |||
Transfer videos to your Apple and Android devices | Only 5 files | ||
Streams your media files on a PC to a smart TV | |||
Perfect DLNA support built-in |
Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions for AVI Format
5.1 Why Does AVI Not Work on Mac
Generally, there're 2 major reasons causing AVI playback issues.
1. CODEC has not been ported to Mac OS XAVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a media container consists of both video and audio data compressed with CODECs (Compressor-Decomoressor), which are unavailable for QuickTime in Mac OS X.
2. DivX®-encoded files carry the .avi extensionQuickTime does not include native DivX support, even though QuickTime 6 and later support the ISO Standard MPEG-4 media compression format and DivX is based on the MPEG-4 standard.
5.2 How to Solve .avi File Not Playing Error
We collect 4 effective methods that help to play AVI files in QuickTime on Mac.
1. Install PerianPerian is an excellent, free, and open source QuickTime component.
2. Install the 3ivx® D4 CODECDownload and install the 3ivx MPEG-4 CODEC as the installation instructions require in the associated ReadMe file. This CODEC adds support for a variety of DivX and other formats which often carry the .avi extension.
3. Use VLC Media Player
The quickest and easiest way to play AVI and DivX files on Mac OS X is to download and install the free VLC Media Player for OS X, which has a wide support VLC is also often referred to by its original name, VideoLAN Client.
4. Convert AVIs to Mac-compatible FormatConvert Avi Movie For Mac
To thoroughly solve AVI not playing on Mac issues, you can take advantage of Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) to convert AVI to MOV, M4V or any other Mac supported formats
5.3 MP4 or AVI, Which is Better
Convert To Avi File Free
Handbrake is an open source and completely free command line tool for transcoding video files from one format to another. Although the interface looks complex, it's easy to use. Below we'll show you how to convert MP4 to MP3 with ease.
1. What is AVIAVI files contain both audio and video data in a file container that supports synchronous audio-with-video playback. However, AVI lacks some features that newer containers like MPEG or MP4 have cuz it was developed for Windows.
2. What is MP4MP4, specified as MPEG-4 Part 14, also has many other extensions such as .m4a and .m4p. It has good compatibility makes it playable on near all devices like iPhone iPad Android and it is highly-compressed while reserving high quality.
3. AVI vs. MP4AVI | MP4 | |
---|---|---|
Developer | Microsoft | MPEG (Motion Pictures Expert Group) |
Video Formats Supported | Almost anything through VFW (Video for Windows) | MPEG-2 Part 2, MPEG-4 ASP, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.263, VC-1, Dirac, others |
Audio Formats Supported | Almost anything through ACM (Audio Compression Manager) | MPEG-2/4 (HE)-AAC, MPEG-1/2 Layers I, II, III (MP3), AC-3, Apple Lossless (ALAC), ALS, SLS and others |
Supported Codecs | Often DivX, Xvid | MPEG-4, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, also MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV/VC-1, Real Video, Theora, VP8, VP9, MVC |
Supported Devices | Microsoft devices, Game consoles, but not compatible with Apple devices | PC, Mac, all kinds of mobile devices as iPhone iPad Android, etc. |
Supported Media Players | Windows Media Player or other Windows-based players | Almost all kinds of media players |