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AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a popular video format that is widely used for video playback. However, many devices, such as iPhones and iPads, do not support this format. MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is a compatible format that can be played on most devices. Therefore, if you want to watch an AVI video on your iPhone or iPad, you will need to convert it to MP4. In this blog post, I will show you how to convert AVI to MP4 on Mac for free.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Converting AVI to MP4 on Mac for Free
There are many software programs that can help you convert AVI to MP4 on Mac. However, most of them are not free or have limited features in the free version. Therefore, finding a good free video converter for Mac can be challenging.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we begin, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. The AVI file you want to convert
2. A Mac computer with iMovie installed
3. Sufficient space on your hard drive to store the converted MP4 file
Method 1: Using iMovie
iMovie is a free video editing software that is pre-installed on all Mac computers. It can also be used as a video converter to convert AVI to MP4. Here’s how:
1. Open iMovie on your Mac
2. Click "File" in the menu bar and select "Import Media"
3. Select the AVI file you want to convert and click "Import Selected"
4. Drag the imported file from the "Event Library" to the "Project" area
5. Click "File" in the menu bar and select "Share"
6. Select "File" and choose "720p" as the quality
7. Select a destination folder to save the converted MP4 file and click "Save"
Pros:
– iMovie is a free video editing software that is pre-installed on all Mac computers
– iMovie can also be used to edit videos and add video effects
– iMovie has a simple and user-friendly interface
Cons:
– iMovie is not designed specifically for video conversion, so the process may take longer than using dedicated video conversion software
– The output quality may not be as good as other dedicated video conversion software
Method 2: Using VLC
VLC is a free and open-source media player that can also be used as a video converter. Here’s how to convert AVI to MP4 using VLC:
1. Download and install VLC on your Mac
2. Open VLC and click "File" in the menu bar
3. Select "Convert/Stream"
4. Click the "Add" button to select the AVI file you want to convert
5. Click the "Convert/Save" button at the bottom of the window
6. In the "Profile" dropdown menu, select "Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)"
7. Select a destination folder to save the converted MP4 file and click "Start"
Pros:
– VLC is a free and open-source media player that is available on many platforms, including Mac
– VLC can convert many different video formats, including AVI to MP4
– VLC has a simple and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
– VLC may not be as fast as other dedicated video conversion software
– VLC may not have as many features as other dedicated video conversion software
Method 3: Using HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source video converter that can convert AVI to MP4 on Mac. Here’s how:
1. Download and install HandBrake on your Mac
2. Open HandBrake and click "Source" to select the AVI file you want to convert
3. Click "Browse" to select a destination folder for the converted MP4 file
4. Select "MP4" as the output format in the "Output Settings" section
5. Adjust the settings as desired, such as video quality and codec
6. Click "Start" to begin the conversion process
Pros:
– HandBrake is a free and open-source video converter with many features
– HandBrake can convert many different video formats, including AVI to MP4
– HandBrake has a simple and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
– HandBrake may not be as fast as other dedicated video conversion software
– HandBrake may require some knowledge of video codecs and settings to get the best output quality
Why Can’t I Convert AVI to MP4 on Mac?
1. Unsupported codec: If the AVI file was encoded with a codec that is not supported by your video converter, you may not be able to convert it to MP4. You can try using a different video converter or codec.
2. File corruption: If the AVI file is corrupted or damaged, your video converter may not be able to read it correctly. You can try repairing the file or using a different AVI file.
3. Outdated software: If your video converter or media player is outdated, it may not support certain video codecs or formats. You can try updating to the latest version or using a different software.
Additional Tips
– Always make sure you have enough storage space before converting large video files
– Consider adjusting the video quality and codec settings to get the best output quality
– Always use a reputable video converter to avoid downloading malware or viruses
FAQs about Converting AVI to MP4 on Mac
Q: Can I convert multiple AVI files to MP4 at once?
A: Yes, some video converters, such as Handbrake, allow you to batch convert multiple AVI files to MP4 at once.
Q: Is it legal to convert AVI to MP4?
A: Yes, as long as you have the legal right to do so, such as owning the copyright or obtaining permission from the copyright holder.
Q: Do I need to pay for a video converter to convert AVI to MP4 on Mac?
A: No, there are many free video converters available for Mac, such as iMovie, VLC, and HandBrake.
Q: Can I convert MP4 back to AVI?
A: Yes, most video converters allow you to convert MP4 back to AVI.
In Conclusion
Converting AVI to MP4 on Mac can be challenging, but with the right software, it can be done easily and for free. iMovie, VLC, and HandBrake are all great options for converting AVI to MP4 on Mac. Remember to always choose a reputable video converter and follow the additional tips to ensure a successful conversion.