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Convert MOV to AVI

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 4, 2026
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Is it possible to convert MOV to AVI?
Yes - MOV converts to AVI.

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

Upload your MOV using the free converter above and download the AVI - files are deleted after conversion. The main trade-off is slight quality loss and a larger file, because AVI relies on older codecs that are less efficient than those used inside modern MOV files.

Also to AVI: MPEG4 · WLMP · MXF

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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MOV → AVI converterFREE

Why convert MOV to AVI?

The most common reason is compatibility with a legacy Windows video editor, an old DVD player, or a car stereo that reads .AVI but not MOV. Some early-2000s Windows software also imported AVI more reliably than QuickTime formats. Outside those specific cases, MP4 is a more practical target for broad device compatibility.

How to convert MOV to AVI

VLC Media Player FREE

Open VLC, go to Media > Convert/Save, add your MOV, select an AVI profile, and save.

HandBrake - MP4 alternative FREE

HandBrake cannot output AVI; use it when MP4 is acceptable - it gives better quality and a smaller file than AVI.

Command line - FFmpeg CLI

Run ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v libxvid -q:v 3 -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.avi to re-encode with Xvid video and MP3 audio.

Programs that convert MOV

Miro Video Converter
Nero Multimedia Suite
MyVideoConverter
Aimersoft DRM Media Converter for Windows
Aimersoft iTransfer for Windows
ConvertXtoDVD
DVD Ripper+Video Converter Ultimate
iPhone Video Converter

About these formats

.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 →
.AVI Audio Video Interleave

An AVI file is a video container created by Microsoft in 1992. To open one, use VLC media player - it includes the DivX/Xvid codecs old AVIs need and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android…

Open .AVI details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Re-encoding is mandatory: AVI does not support H.264 or HEVC, so the video must be decoded and re-encoded to Xvid or MPEG-4, which always causes some quality loss.
  • Output files are usually larger than the source because Xvid is less efficient than H.264 at the same visual quality level.
  • Audio is re-encoded too: AAC from MOV is converted to MP3 inside AVI, adding a second quality step.

Frequently asked questions

Does converting MOV to AVI lose quality?
Yes - there is no lossless path from MOV to AVI for H.264 or HEVC video. Using a high quality setting such as -q:v 3 in FFmpeg keeps the loss minimal for typical footage.
Why is the AVI file larger than my original MOV?
Xvid is less efficient than H.264 at the same perceived quality, so a larger output is expected. Lowering the quality setting is the only way to reduce size.
Does this work with iPhone MOV files?
Yes. Both H.264 and HEVC iPhone footage can be converted, though HEVC sources from iPhone 7 and later take longer to process.
Is there a 4 GB size limit for AVI files?
The original AVI spec caps files at 4 GB; modern encoders use the OpenDML extension to go beyond this, but some older players may reject files over that limit.