File Extension Database

Open MOV File

A file that has the MOV extension is an MPEG4 video container multimedia format developed by Apple for use with the QuickTime program, using Apple's proprietary compression algorithm and introduced in 1998.

MPEG-4 is a group of international standards for digital audio and visual data compression, multimedia systems, and file storage formats.

Currently, the MOV format has become one of the most common video files along with AVI, MP4 or WMV, and can be used not only on Apple systems but also on Windows and other multimedia devices capable of playing these files. .

Within a MOV file you can store both audio, video and text through different tracks.

These are saved in a QuickTime format (QTFF), which is a computer file format used natively by the QuickTime framework.

Due to the above, this MOV file format is somewhat less widespread than other better known ones.

In fact, if you are not very experienced users in these matters, you may be surprised to find yourself with a MOV that, for example, arrives by mail or we download from any website.

And even your Windows computer may not recognize the MOV extension as it may not have the codec installed.

Differences between MOV and MP4

Although the MP4 format is also based on the QTFF format used by MOV files, there are notable differences between them.

Both are lossy compression formats, which means that there are parts of the file that are trimmed to reduce the file size, such as resolution, FPS, colors or audio frequencies.

But there are notable differences between the two, since MOV files are usually of higher quality and size than MP4 files, although the former do not offer the same degree of compatibility as the latter.

The MP4 file is more common than the MOV, so it offers greater compatibility with a wide variety of devices, both software and hardware.

Due to these differences, each format can be better adapted to our needs.

If we want to save a video with higher quality regardless of the storage space, it is better to choose the MOV format, while if we prioritize compatibility, we should surely choose the MP4 format instead.

Opening a MOV file

As we have mentioned, the MOV file was created by Apple to open with QuickTime, but it is currently compatible with other players.

In Windows, it is possible to open MOV files with the help of one of these players that come with the appropriate codec.

In the case of Linux, depending on the distribution, they will be able to open a MOV file, even with the standard players.

Although it cannot be claimed that all current media players are capable of opening a MOV file, we should be able to do so with most.

In fact, some of the software solutions that we know more than enough and that we have at our fingertips, are perfectly capable of giving us this ability to open MOV files.

Software to open and play a MOV file

File Extension MOV

File extension MOV is most commonly associated with a QuickTime Video Clip, a multimedia container file format developed by Apple. MOV files use a proprietary compression algorithm, and are compatible on both Windows and Mac platforms. Though much less common, the MOV file extension is also used to denote an AutoCAD AutoFLIX animation movie.

QuickTime MOV files are capable of storing two or more tracks, which can be audio, video, text, graphics or effects, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including video editing. Each track comprises either of an encoded media stream or a reference to a media stream located in another file, which allows the embedding of existing media.

AutoFLIX MOV files are used to store animations and basic presentations, and are essentially a sequential list of commands that are run in the AutoCAD editor in order to display an animated sequence. AutoFLIX was developed to take advantage of the 3D functionality of AutoCAD Release 10, which was released in 1988. Full 3D rendering was also possible with the addition of AutoSHADE.

QuickTime Player can be used to open and play back existing QuickTime MOV files, whilst QuickTime Pro can be used to edit and export MOV files. QuickTime Pro also allows MOV files on the web to be saved locally, a feature not always available with the basic QuickTime Player. QuickTime Alternative is a codec pack developed by a third party which can open MOV files in other media playing software such as Media Player Classic. However, as this is not licensed by Apple, it is possible that not all of the features of MOV files are supported.

You can open AutoFLIX MOV files using either AutoFLIX and AutoCAD, or the AFEGA presentation program, both of which require a DOS platform or emulator to run on.

Typical MOV application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /play "%L"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /prefetch:6 /Play "%L"

Typical MOV mime types:

video/quicktime

Frequently used application names to open MOV files:

iTunes
QuickTime
Windows Media Player

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.mov
QuickTime.mov
WMP11.AssocFile.MOV

How Can I Open MOV File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MOV file is to find a MOV file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOV file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MOV file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MOV file opener then try to search online for "MOV viewer", "application to open MOV file" or "open MOV file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MOV file

How Can I Open MOV File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MOV file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOV file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MOV file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MOV file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MOV file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MOV file then try to search for "MOV viewer", "application to open MOV file" or "read MOV file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MOV file

How Can I Open MOV File on Android

If you downloaded a MOV file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MOV file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MOV".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MOV viewer", "MOV file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MOV File on iPhone or iPad

To open MOV File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MOV file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MOV". This way you can find apps which can open MOV files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MOV viewer" or "MOV file" online in your favorite search engine.

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