What happens when you convert MPEG to MOV
| Inside a typical MPEG | MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio |
|---|---|
| Copy without re-encoding | Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded |
| When re-encoded | H.264 video with AAC audio |
| Opens in | Apple devices, QuickTime and video editors; Windows plays it in most cases |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
MPEG MPEG-1/2 Video
MPEG files hold MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, the codecs used by VCDs, DVDs and older camcorders.
MPEG converterMOV QuickTime Movie
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container and the format iPhones and many cameras record to. It often holds HEVC or ProRes video, which keeps quality high but files large.
MOV converterHow to use the MPEG to MOV Converter
- 1
Choose a MPEG file or drop it onto the page.
- 2
Review the video options. The defaults suit most files.
- 3
Click Convert and download your MOV when processing finishes.
Why convert MPEG to MOV?
MPEG files come from DVD rips, old camcorders and TV capture cards. Compression is inefficient compared with H.264 so files are large. Choose MOV to edit in iMovie or Final Cut, or to keep an Apple-based workflow consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Will the MOV lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting re-encodes the data once more. Using a high quality setting keeps the generational loss very small. Avoid converting the same file back and forth repeatedly.
Does converting MPEG to MOV re-encode the video?
Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded. A typical MPEG contains MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio. Otherwise the result is H.264 with AAC audio.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.