Video conversion
Convert MOV to MPEG
Updated Jul 2026
MOV is the video format Mac and iPhone cameras record in, while MPEG is the older format DVD authoring tools and broadcast equipment expect. To convert MOV to MPEG, open the file in a converter and export it as MPEG. Doing this on your own computer means the footage never has to be uploaded anywhere to make the switch.
- Extension
- .mov
- Type
- Video
- Typically
- iPhone / Mac recordings
- Compression
- Lossy
- Extension
- .mpeg
- Type
- Video
- Typically
- Broadcast, DVD
- Compression
- Lossy
Convert MOV to MPEG on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
How to convert MOV to MPEG
- Open Morphjet and drag in the MOV file, or a whole folder of clips at once.
- Choose MPEG as the output format.
- Convert. The MPEG file is written right next to your original, and nothing leaves your machine.
MOV vs MPEG: what actually changes
| MOV | MPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | iPhone and Mac screen and camera recordings | DVD authoring tools and broadcast systems |
| File size | Smaller, modern compression | Larger for the same quality, older compression |
| Quality | High, but lossy | Lossy, with an extra generation of loss from re-encoding |
| Compatibility | Best on Apple devices and modern software | Broad support on DVD players and older broadcast hardware |
| Editing support | Native to modern video editors | Standard for legacy broadcast and disc workflows |
| Metadata | Can carry date, location, and device details | Minimal, most of that is dropped |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert MOV to MPEG when you need footage in a format a DVD authoring tool, older broadcast system, or legacy player expects and MOV isn't accepted.
Keep the MOV original if you're editing, archiving, or sharing on modern devices, since MOV holds up better and re-encoding to MPEG adds another round of quality loss you can't undo.
Why not just use an online converter?
Video files are large, and personal ones too, home movies, screen recordings, footage you'd rather not hand to a third party. An online converter means uploading that whole file to a stranger's server and waiting for it to come back. Converting on your own computer keeps the footage on your machine the entire time, and you can even do it with the wifi off.
Questions
Does converting MOV to MPEG lose quality?
Yes, a bit more than usual. MOV footage is already compressed, and re-encoding it into MPEG's older format adds a second round of lossy compression on top. It's fine for compatibility purposes but not something to repeat back and forth.
Why would I need MPEG instead of MOV?
Mostly for older hardware, DVD authoring software, or broadcast systems that were built around MPEG and don't recognize MOV. If you're just sharing a clip with someone on a phone or computer, MOV usually works fine as is.
Will the MPEG file keep the recording's date and location?
Mostly no. MPEG is an older, simpler container that wasn't built to carry the kind of metadata a modern MOV file can hold, so details like GPS location and device info are typically dropped.
Can I convert MOV to MPEG without uploading the video?
Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts the file on your own computer, so it never has to travel over the internet to get turned into MPEG.
Will the MPEG file be bigger than the MOV?
Often, yes, for the same visual quality. MPEG's compression is older and less efficient than what MOV typically uses, so you may end up with a larger file for a similar look.
Morphjet converts MOV, MPEG, and 1,800+ other formats, all on your machine. Launching this July.