What is MOV?
MOV is commonly used for files based on Apple's QuickTime File Format. It is a flexible track-based container used for acquisition, editing, interchange and delivery.
How MOV is structured
QuickTime files use a hierarchy of atoms that describe the movie, tracks, media, timing, metadata and sample data. Each track has its own media type, timing and properties.
What MOV can represent
- Multiple video and audio tracks, including alternative language/mix versions.
- Alternate groups so a player can choose one of several equivalent audio or subtitle tracks.
- Subtitle, caption and metadata tracks in addition to ordinary media.
- Timecode and production metadata, which is one reason MOV remains common in editing workflows.
- High-end mezzanine codecs such as ProRes as well as delivery codecs such as H.264/HEVC.
- HDR and modern camera metadata in current Apple/media workflows.
- Spatial transforms/layers and rich track relationships inherited from the QuickTime movie model.
Codecs commonly found in MOV
| Use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Camera / delivery | H.264, HEVC |
| Post-production | Apple ProRes, uncompressed and other mezzanine codecs |
| Audio | PCM, AAC and other supported audio formats |
| Other | Timecode, subtitles/captions, metadata and alternate tracks |
The codec is a property of a track, not of MOV itself.
MOV vs MP4
QuickTime File Format was an important basis for ISO Base Media File Format and MP4. Their structures are closely related, but they are distinct containers with different registrations and usage conventions. Compatible streams can sometimes be remuxed between them without re-encoding.
Common confusion
“MOV quality” is not a fixed thing. A ProRes MOV can be enormous and editing-friendly while an H.264 MOV can be comparatively small. The extension alone does not tell you the compression method.