MOV to AVI Converter
Learn how to convert Apple MOV files to AVI using free tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, and VLC, with step-by-step command examples.
Video File Inspector
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Detected Metadata
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MOV vs. AVI — Format Comparison
Know what you are converting and why
| Feature | MOV | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Apple (QuickTime) | Microsoft (1992) |
| Common codecs | H.264, H.265, ProRes | MPEG-4, Xvid, DivX |
| Platform | macOS, iOS native | Windows legacy software |
| Container age | Modern (1991–present) | Legacy (1992, limited updates) |
| Streaming | Supported | Not supported |
FFmpeg (Recommended — full codec control)
Free, cross-platform, most flexible
FFmpeg re-encodes the video to MPEG-4 and the audio to MP3, which gives the widest AVI compatibility. The -b:v flag controls video bitrate; increase it for higher quality.
brew install ffmpeg
# Install on Windows via winget
winget install ffmpeg
# Basic MOV to AVI (MPEG-4 video, MP3 audio)
ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v mpeg4 -q:v 4 -c:a libmp3lame -q:a 4 output.avi
# Higher quality with explicit bitrate
ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v mpeg4 -b:v 8000k -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.avi
# Xvid codec (better quality at same bitrate)
ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v libxvid -b:v 6000k -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.avi
Use -q:v 2 for near-lossless quality (larger file) or -q:v 6 for smaller file with more compression.
HandBrake (GUI — quality-focused encoding)
Free, Windows / Mac / Linux
- Download and open HandBrake from handbrake.fr.
- Drag your MOV file onto the HandBrake window to load it as the source.
- In the Summary tab, set Format to MP4.
- Choose a preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30) and adjust quality with the RF slider.
- Click Start Encode to produce an MP4 file.
- Run ffmpeg -i output.mp4 -c:v mpeg4 -c:a libmp3lame final.avi to convert to AVI.
VLC Media Player (GUI — no command line)
Free, Windows / Mac / Linux
- Open VLC and go to Media → Convert / Save.
- Click Add, select your MOV file, then click Convert / Save.
- Click the Edit selected profile wrench icon next to the Profile drop-down.
- In the Encapsulation tab, select AVI.
- In the Video codec tab, choose MPEG-4 or H-263.
- Set the destination file with an .avi extension and click Start.
VLC re-encodes the video and writes the output AVI file to your chosen destination.
Summary
Learn how to convert Apple MOV files to AVI using free tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, and VLC, with step-by-step command examples.
How it works
- Click "Choose Video File" and select any video file from your computer.
- The tool reads basic metadata locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server.
- Review the detected file name, size, duration, resolution, and MIME type.
- Choose a desktop conversion method from the guides below (FFmpeg, VLC, or HandBrake).
- Run the provided command or follow the GUI steps to produce your AVI file.
- Drop the resulting AVI file back here to verify its metadata.
Use cases
- Convert iPhone or screen recording MOV files to AVI for legacy Windows software.
- Prepare MOV footage for use in older video editors that only accept AVI input.
- Convert QuickTime recordings to AVI for surveillance or security systems.
- Make Apple ProRes or H.264 MOV clips compatible with AVI-only media players.
- Batch-convert MOV recordings from Final Cut Pro to AVI for archival purposes.
- Inspect video metadata before converting to check resolution, codec, and duration.
- Verify that a converted AVI file has the correct codec and resolution.
- Convert MOV files to AVI with specific codec choices like MPEG-4 or Xvid.