Apple apps such as QuickTime Player, Photos, and Keynote work with many kinds of audio and video formats. Some apps prefer specific formats, but QuickTime movie files (.mov), most MPEG files (.mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mpg), some AVI and WAV files, and many other formats usually work in most apps without additional software.
IMovie is a Mac OS X or iOS based video editing software application created by Apple Inc. IMovie imports video footage to the Mac using either the FireWire interface on most MiniDV format digital video cameras or the computer’s USB port. It can also import video and photo files from a hard drive. IMovie supports multiple video formats. But even an omnipotent media player will have to be yield to video/audio format incompatibility, and the veteran QuickTime is no exception. For a flawless video playback, knowing the best video and audio format supported plays a decisive role. So what video files can Mac's default QuickTime can play? Read the guide below and find the best answer. Zip a Single File or Folder. Compress and decompress files and folders using the Archive Utility built. The best free video editing software online. WeVideo is the best cloud-based online video editors for businesses, educators, students, and everyday consumers. You can access it from anywhere that has internet: home, work, school, etc. All files are stored in a secure cloud where you can edit, view, and share videos in minutes. Then you can upload the video file and share the generated link by e-mail with your colleague or friend. Share a video link without uploading. Parallels Access has a feature, “Share a file” which allows you to share large video files in just a few clicks, without needing a cloud service or uploading the file to your Mac or PC.
Older or specialized media formats might not work in your app, because the format requires software designed to support it. If that happens, your app won't open the file or won't play back its audio or video.
How to search for an app that works with your file
You might already have an app that supports the format of your file. If you don't know which of your installed apps to try, your Mac might be able to suggest one:
- Control-click (or right-click) the file in the Finder.
- From the shortcut menu that opens, choose Open With. You should see a submenu listing all of the other installed apps that your Mac thinks might be able to open the file.
If none of your installed apps can open the file, search the Internet or Mac App Store for apps that can play or convert the file:
- Include the name of the media format in your search. To find the format, select the file and press Command-I to open an Info window. The format might appear after the label Kind, such as ”Kind: Matroska Video File.”
- Include the filename extension in your search. The extension is the letters shown at the end of the file's name, such as .avi,.wmv, or .mkv.
Learn more
What Video Formats Work On Mac
- QuickTime Player (version 10.0 and later) in OS X Mavericks through macOS Mojave converts legacy media files that use certain older or third-party compression formats.
- Learn about incompatible media in Final Cut Pro and iMovie.