It was in the early 1990s that the MOV file type first made its appearance. This was the same time when Apple started using the QuickTime player. With time, the simple media player has evolved and grown more complex with high-end features. But the file type has remained simple and offers great benefits over other media formats.
However, there’s one drawback. The MOV format is compatible with Mac and does not work with Windows. Windows users must install a MOV player to open the file, such as QuickTime. Therefore, if you run into issues with sharing or uploading MOV files, consider converting the files to MP4. The MP4 video format that is universally compatible and can store video, audio, text, subtitles, and still images. It is also possible to convert MP4 files to MOV on your Mac using QuickTime or online converters. Learn how to convert by clicking https://setapp.com/how-to/convert-mp4-to-mov.
Continue scrolling to learn more about the MOV format and its benefits.
What is the MOV Format?
MOV format has been around for a long time, as mentioned above. If you are a Mac user, you might already be using this format without noticing and knowing what the format is.
The multimedia format is capable of storing different types of data on various tracks, and this might include video, audio, and even text.
The MOV multimedia format is developed by Apple, and that’s why macOS natively supports the format. However, this does not mean the format isn’t compatible with other platforms or devices. For example, the format can be used on Windows, but the OS doesn’t support the format natively. Therefore, you must download a media player like QuickTime player to play MOV files on Windows. Furthermore, you can use the format with DVD and Sony as well.
The MOV media format is the same as the MPEG-4 format and is even considered the basis for the latter.
MOV Format Advantages
- MOV files can be edited and dissected without rewriting the code
MOV files consist of different tracks that comprise a lot of information. These files are much like professional audio recording tapes and can be edited or dissected without rewriting the code. For other multimedia formats, you may have to rewrite the code when editing and dissecting the files.
The video and audio components of each file are stored separately. Therefore, you can manipulate them for content and time. The effects are also housed on individual tracks, and sound editors can make various transitions or add extras without touching the video track. Therefore, you can make all the changes you want to the audio tracks while leaving the video tracks untouched.
Similarly, editors can insert subtitles and credits in the video files without changing the entire file.
Therefore, the MOV format is ideal for editing and is the basis for several editing programs.
- It Contains a Large Amount of Information and is Easily Played by QuickTime
The QuickTime or .mov format has been used for a long time, much longer than other file types. This is why the format enjoys a large amount of popularity.
You will find thousands of MOV files, and they all contain animation, video, or a combination of the two. Also, the files can be played easily using the QuickTime player, and this is a program available for free.
- Can Get Fluidly Embedded Within Programs
One of the significant advantages of the MOV format is its capability to embed itself fluidly within programs. For instance, you can use this format with PowerPoint presentations. In this program, the video will appear along with the text on-screen.
Moreover, the format is typically found on sites with videos automatically playing when scrolling through them. It is the simplicity of the format that allows novice site builders to have a professional-looking multimedia presentation.
Are there any drawbacks to the MOV format?
There are not many drawbacks to this format, but it is essential to know the few ones to have a better idea.
MOV has lossy compressions of the video tracks, and the overall quality of the tracks might be damaged during compression. Each track of this multimedia format file is encoded with a particular codec. Apps that recognize and support the encoded codec are the only ones that can smoothly play MOV files. If not, you will need to convert the file.
Conclusion
Thanks to the MOV file format being around for several years, the format has gained several advantages over its competitors. First, the format is different from the rest because of its easy editing, simple design, and ability to mesh with other media easily. This is the reason why several editors and multimedia lovers use the format. Also, the format is used widely and is ideal for editing purposes.