QuickTime Video (MIME: video/quicktime) is Apple's QuickTime video format, widely used in macOS and iOS ecosystems for video recording, editing, and professional filmmaking. It supports high-quality codecs including ProRes.
History and Development
MOV was developed by Apple as the native format for the QuickTime multimedia framework, first released in 1991. The format became the basis for the MPEG-4 and MP4 standards. MOV remains the preferred format for Apple's professional video workflow, supporting ProRes, which is industry-standard for video production.
Technical Specifications
- Container: QuickTime File Format
- Video codecs: H.264, H.265 (HEVC), ProRes, ProRes RAW
- Audio codecs: AAC, PCM, Apple Lossless (ALAC)
- Resolution: Up to 8K+ with ProRes
- Features: Chapters, timecode, multiple tracks
- Transparency: Yes (ProRes 4444)
Common Use Cases
MOV is the default format for iPhone video recordings, Final Cut Pro projects, and professional video production. It's used extensively in film and broadcast industries for its ProRes codec support.
MOV vs Similar Formats
- MOV vs MP4: Very similar technically. MOV has better Apple ecosystem integration; MP4 is more universally compatible.
- MOV vs MKV: MOV is Apple-centric with ProRes support; MKV is more flexible and open-source.
How to Open and Edit
MOV plays natively on macOS and iOS. Windows requires QuickTime Player (deprecated) or VLC. Edit with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows play MOV files?
Windows 10/11 can play many MOV files through the built-in media player if the codec is supported (H.264). For ProRes MOV, use VLC or install a codec pack.
Why are MOV files so large?
iPhone MOV recordings use H.265 (HEVC) which is efficient, but ProRes MOV files used in professional editing are intentionally large to preserve maximum quality for post-production.