Video conversion
Convert MP4 to M4V
MP4 is the video format that plays almost everywhere, while M4V is Apple's version used by its video and media library apps. To convert, open the MP4 in a converter and export it as M4V, no re-encoding needed. Doing this on your own computer means the file never leaves your machine.
All 2,748 conversions verified on macOS, Windows, and Linux against the shipping release, this one included. Every conversion runs entirely on your own computer.
- Extension
- .mp4
- Type
- Video
- Typically
- The universal video format
- Compression
- Lossy
- Extension
- .m4v
- Type
- Video
- Typically
- iTunes / Apple video
- Compression
- Lossy
Convert MP4 to M4V on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
One-time purchase, no subscription. 14 days to change your mind.
How to convert MP4 to M4V
- Open Morphjet and drag in the MP4 file you want to convert, or a whole folder of them.
- Choose M4V as the output format.
- Convert. The M4V is written next to your original, and nothing leaves your machine.
MP4 vs M4V: what actually changes
| MP4 | M4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Opens everywhere | Yes, plays in browsers, on Android, Windows, and smart TVs | Mostly, though some non-Apple software looks specifically for the .mp4 extension |
| File size | Same | Same, converting is a container change, not a re-encode |
| Quality | Unchanged | Unchanged, no re-compression involved |
| Recognized by Apple's video and media apps | Not always | Yes, natively |
| Chapter markers | Not standard | Supported |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert MP4 to M4V when you want a video recognized by Apple's video and media apps, added to an Apple-style media library, or when you need chapter markers to show up correctly.
Keep the MP4 if the video just needs to play on a website, an Android phone, or a Windows PC, since MP4 is read by more players than M4V.
Why not just use an online converter?
If you upload a video to convert MP4 to M4V for your Apple library, it lands on a server you don't control, even if just briefly. Since the conversion itself needs no real re-encoding, it's a task well suited to your own computer. Morphjet does it locally, so the video never has to travel over the internet.
Questions
Does converting MP4 to M4V lose quality?
No, generally. M4V uses the same underlying video and audio compression as MP4, so converting between them is mostly a container and extension change, not a re-encode.
Will an M4V file play on Windows or Android?
Often, yes, since most players that handle MP4 can handle M4V too. But some software specifically looks for the .mp4 extension and won't open an M4V without renaming it.
What's actually different between MP4 and M4V?
Mostly the file extension and how Apple's software treats it. M4V is recognized by Apple's video and media apps and supports chapter markers, while a plain MP4 sometimes isn't picked up the same way.
Does my converted M4V have Apple DRM on it?
No. DRM is only added by Apple to videos purchased through its own store. A file you convert yourself carries no copy protection.
Can I convert MP4 to M4V without uploading the file anywhere?
Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts it on your own computer, so the video never leaves your machine.
Morphjet runs this conversion and 2,747 others, all on your machine. Available now.
One-time purchase, no subscription. 14 days to change your mind.