How to use the MOV to AVI converter
- Choose your MOV video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to AVI". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your AVI.
Why convert MOV to AVI?
Some older Windows programs and DVD players read AVI but not MOV. Converting MOV to AVI makes iPhone or Mac footage usable there.
- MOV: iPhone MOV files often use HEVC, which some Windows PCs and older Android phones cannot play.
- AVI: very widely supported on Windows.
- AVI: simple and well-understood format.
AVI uses older MPEG-4 Part 2 video, so the file will be larger than the MOV.
MOV vs AVI
| MOV | AVI | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | QuickTime File Format | Audio Video Interleave |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Apple (1991) | Microsoft (1992) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 or HEVC + AAC | MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX/XviD) + MP3 |
| Best for | iPhone and Mac recordings, video editing and camera footage | Older camera clips, legacy video archives and Windows software |
| Plays on | macOS, iPhone, iPad and QuickTime Player; most Windows players need a codec pack for HEVC MOV files | Windows Media Player, VLC and most desktop players; phones and browsers often refuse AVI |
Does converting MOV to AVI lose quality?
MOV (H.264 or HEVC) has to be re-encoded to AVI (MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX/XviD)). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
What is a MOV file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container. iPhones and Macs save videos as MOV, usually with HEVC (H.265) or H.264 video. It can also hold editing codecs such as ProRes, which is why Final Cut Pro and many cameras use it.
What is an AVI file?
AVI is one of the oldest video containers, introduced by Microsoft with Windows 3.1 in 1992. Older digital cameras, DVD rips and many 2000s downloads are AVI files, usually with DivX or XviD video and MP3 sound.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the MOV to AVI converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the AVI sound and look as good as the MOV?
MOV (H.264 or HEVC) has to be re-encoded to AVI (MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX/XviD)). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert AVI back to MOV?
Yes, use the AVI to MOV converter.
A MOV from an iPhone will not play on Windows. What should I do?
It is probably HEVC. Convert it to MP4 (H.264) and it will play anywhere.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.