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CPI MOV
File conversion

Convert CPI to MOV

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 18, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert CPI to MOV?
Yes - CPI converts to MOV.

Find the .mts or .m2ts file in the AVCHD BDMV/STREAM folder and import the full AVCHD folder into Final Cut Pro, or use ffmpeg to remux to .mov without re-encoding. HandBrake and VLC have limited native MOV output.

Also to MOV: MXF · R3D · MPEG4

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert CPI to MOV?

A .cpi sidecar holds technical metadata - resolution, frame rate, seek points - but no video. MOV is the native QuickTime container and the preferred import format for Final Cut Pro and many macOS editing workflows, making AVCHD-to-MOV conversion common for Mac users working with camcorder footage.

How to convert CPI to MOV

Apple Final Cut Pro APP

Import the entire AVCHD folder via File > Import > Media; Final Cut reads the .cpi metadata automatically and presents clips for editing; export via File > Share > Master File as QuickTime Movie (.mov).

VLC FREE

Go to Media > Convert/Save, add the .mts file, and select a profile; note VLC has limited native MOV output - use ffmpeg for true .mov files.

HandBrake FREE

Open the .mts in HandBrake for MP4 or MKV output; HandBrake does not output MOV natively.

About these formats

.CPI AVCHD Clip Information File

A CPI file is an AVCHD Clip Information file - a small metadata sidecar that your camcorder writes next to each recorded video clip. It holds no video itself; the actual footage is in the…

Open .CPI details →
.MOV Apple QuickTime Movie (.mov)

A MOV file is an Apple QuickTime movie - the default format for video recorded on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. On a Mac, double-click it to play in QuickTime Player. On Windows 10/11, the…

Open .MOV details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Never open a .cpi file in a converter - it contains no video and will produce an empty or error result; always use the .mts from the STREAM folder.
  • Keep the AVCHD folder structure intact; Final Cut Pro and other editors import via the BDMV root and need the .cpi and .mpls files alongside the streams.
  • HandBrake and VLC have limited MOV output; ffmpeg provides full MOV support including ProRes remux for Final Cut Pro workflows.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert `.mts` to ProRes MOV for Final Cut Pro?
Yes - import the AVCHD folder into Final Cut Pro directly for the simplest workflow; ffmpeg can also produce ProRes MOV files from the .mts stream.
Why does HandBrake not output MOV?
HandBrake is designed around MP4 and MKV containers; use Final Cut Pro or ffmpeg when MOV output is required.
I only have the `.cpi` file - can I get the video from it?
No - the .cpi is a metadata index file; the video is in the .mts file in the STREAM folder, which must be present separately.