Check whether your MOV delivery really requires QT
MOV and QT belong to the QuickTime container family. A MOV file is often already suitable when a client asks for a QuickTime movie. Use MOV to QT when the receiving tool specifically requires the .qt extension and you have confirmed which video and audio settings it accepts.
MOV and QT: two extensions from Apple’s QuickTime format
MOV is the common filename extension for Apple’s QuickTime container. It can hold video, audio and other tracks, and appears in phone recordings as well as editing exports. Its flexibility is useful for production, but a MOV can be either a compact recording or a very large master depending on its codecs.
QT is another extension associated with that same QuickTime container family, not a separate compression method. It may be requested by an older application or delivery specification. Choosing .qt does not inherently improve quality, reduce size or make the file more compatible.
First confirm whether the recipient needs a literal .qt filename or simply a QuickTime movie. A MOV may already meet the latter requirement. FastConvert produces a newly encoded QT copy, so keep the original and check the requested codecs before converting.
Separate the filename from the delivery requirement
| Requirement | Action |
|---|---|
| QuickTime movie, no fixed extension | Try the original MOV with the recipient before creating another copy. |
| Specifically .qt | Convert here and choose the codec the receiving application supports. |
| Browser or phone playback | An H.264 MP4 may be more appropriate than either QuickTime extension.MOV to MP4 |
Protect the MOV editing master
Clarify the filename requirement
Ask whether the destination needs a QuickTime container, a particular codec, or literally a .qt file. These are different requirements, and converting solely because the request says QuickTime can introduce unnecessary encoding.
Preserve the editing source
Camera and editing MOV files can contain high-quality media. Keep that original as your master because a new QT export with different settings may change quality, file size, or the available tracks.
Use MP4 for a modern delivery when appropriate
If the goal is browser playback or simple client review, check whether the recipient accepts MP4. That may be a more convenient delivery choice than a legacy filename requirement.
How to convert MOV to QT online
Convert a representative MOV using the agreed codec and quality settings, then open the result in the receiving application. This workflow encodes an output file. Do not assume it is a byte-for-byte copy or a filename-only operation.
The free allowance is 2 files per batch, up to 100 MB each, and 20 conversions per 24 hours. No account or watermark. Files are uploaded for server-side processing, then scheduled for deletion after 24 hours on the Free plan.
Keep one recipe per delivery specification
Save a QT recipe for each recipient’s codec, resolution and quality requirements. Store the MOV master separately so future deliveries can start from the original.
A free account includes 1 saved conversion recipe. Paid plans add larger batches, more recipes and delivery to Google Drive or Dropbox after you start each batch.