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M4V MOV
File conversion

Convert M4V to MOV

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 19, 2026
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Is it possible to convert M4V to MOV?
Yes - M4V converts to MOV.

You can do it right here with our free converter - no sign-up, and your file is deleted right after.

M4V and MOV share the same ISO Base Media File Format container, so a non-DRM M4V can be rewrapped to MOV in seconds without re-encoding. The result is bit-for-bit identical to the source. If your file came from a purchased or rented Apple TV title, FairPlay DRM will block any conversion.

Also to MOV: MXF · R3D · MPEG4

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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Why convert M4V to MOV?

MOV is QuickTime's native container, required by some older Apple workflows, Final Cut Pro templates, and hardware that accepts MOV but not M4V. Rewrapping is lossless - H.264 or HEVC video, AAC audio, chapter marks, and cover art all transfer intact. For general sharing, .MP4 is a lighter alternative to MOV.

How to convert M4V to MOV

QuickTime Player BUILT-IN

Open your non-DRM M4V in QuickTime Player and use File > Export As to save a .mov file - note this re-encodes the video.

Freemake Video Converter FREE

Add your M4V, choose MOV as the output format, and click Convert - free for Windows users.

Command line - FFmpeg CLI

Run ffmpeg -i input.m4v -c copy output.mov to remux with zero quality loss in seconds.

Programs that convert M4V

Aimersoft DRM Media Converter for Windows
Aimersoft iTransfer for Windows
Apple TV Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter Personal
SUPER
Aimersoft DVD Ripper for Mac
Aimersoft iTransfer for Mac

About these formats

.M4V iTunes Video File

An M4V file is an iTunes/Apple TV video - movies, TV shows, and music videos sold or rented through Apple's store. Non-DRM M4V files open in VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime.…

Open .M4V 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

  • Stream-copy remuxing with FFmpeg -c copy produces a bit-for-bit identical file - no quality loss and file size stays the same.
  • DRM-protected M4V files from the Apple TV Store are encrypted; no standard tool can convert them.
  • Renaming .m4v to .mov sometimes works in QuickTime on macOS, but proper remuxing with FFmpeg is more reliable across all software.

Frequently asked questions

Does converting M4V to MOV reduce quality?
Not with a stream-copy remux - FFmpeg's -c copy transfers video and audio data unchanged. Re-encoding via QuickTime Player will introduce a small quality change.
Can I convert a DRM-protected M4V to MOV?
No. FairPlay DRM-protected files from Apple TV or iTunes are encrypted and cannot be processed by any standard converter.
How long does M4V to MOV conversion take?
A stream-copy remux is limited by disk speed - a 4 GB movie typically finishes in under 30 seconds. Re-encoding takes several minutes depending on file size and CPU.
Are chapters and metadata preserved?
Yes - with FFmpeg -c copy, iTunes chapter marks, embedded subtitles, and cover art transfer to the MOV file intact.