What is a .mov file?
QuickTime Movie · Video · Apple · 1991
MOV is Apple's QuickTime video format and the default when you record on an iPhone or edit in Final Cut. It is closely related to MP4 and high in quality, but plays most smoothly on Apple devices and can need conversion elsewhere.
What is a .mov file used for?
MOV and MP4 share the same underlying structure, so they often hold identical H.264 video. The difference is heritage: MOV is Apple's QuickTime container and can carry Apple-specific features.
On Apple hardware MOV just works. On Windows and some web platforms you may need VLC or a conversion to MP4 for smooth playback.
It is a favourite of video editors because it can store high-quality, lightly compressed footage.
How to open a .mov file
The .mov format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .mov file.
Windows
- VLC
- Media Player (with codecs)
- QuickTime for Windows
macOS
- QuickTime
- Final Cut
- VLC
- Safari
Linux
- VLC
- mpv
Web
- Safari, other browsers may need MP4
How to convert a .mov file
You can convert a .mov file to MP4, WebM, GIF using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.mov file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .mov file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for MOV. For a full breakdown, see the MOV file signature page.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 66 74 79 70 71 74 20 20 | 4 | ftyp qt |
| 6D 6F 6F 76 | 4 | moov atom |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .mov file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime video format and the default when you record on an iPhone or edit in Final Cut. It is closely related to MP4 and high in quality, but plays most smoothly on Apple devices and can need conversion elsewhere.
How do I play a MOV on Windows?
Use VLC, which handles MOV out of the box. For the widest compatibility, convert it to MP4.