The thrid program to convert MKV to MP4 is VLC media player. As you already know, VLC is a free software that can play almost any video format, so how do I convert MKV to MP4 for free gets the third answer. Let's learn how to convert MKV to MP4 Mac with the free version of this software. How to convert MKV (The Matroska Multimedia Container) to M4V (The M4V file format is a video container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the. Part 1: Convert MKV to MP4 on Mac with Leawo Video Converter for Mac. Though there’re quite a few free video converters for Mac, including free online video converters, most of these free Mac video converters are hard to use or are limited in format supported.
'I was wondering if there was any way to convert an h.264 MKV file (with subtitles) into an MP4 file on Mac, for watching MKV on new iPhone without losing the quality. Any freeware or shareware suggestion would be greatly appreciated.'
This article will show you how to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac different ways. Supporting all common video and audio codecs, Matroska (or MKV) is a versatile multimedia container format and allows high flexibility. However, unlike its more popular counterparts such as MP4, MKV is not widely supported by devices and software. Having problems with MKV playback? Why not just convert it to MP4?
The best way to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac
You can use iFunia Free Video Converter for Mac to easily convert MKV to MP4 or other formats, and vice versa. It’s a video converter, audio converter, video downloader and DVD ripper/burner, all rolled into one.
- Convert videos and audios between 200+ formats
- Convert all MKV videos, including the 4K ones and large ones, without quality loss
- Download HD 720p, 1080p and higher quality videos from 1000+ sites including YouTube
- Support batch conversion and batch download
- Rip/burn DVD to/from various formats of videos
- Do basic video editing such as adding subtitles, cropping, etc.
Below is how to convert MKV files to MP4 on Mac without re-encoding in three easy steps.
Step 1. Download and install iFunia MKV to MP4 converter on your Mac. Launch it. Drag a MKV file into the app. To batch convert MKV to MP4, just add multiple videos.
Step 2. Click the RVC button, and the Output Format window will appear. In General video, select the format you need. In this case, we choose .mp4.
Step 3. Click the conversion icon in the lower right corner of the main interface.
Once the MKV to MP4 conversion is completed, you can click the tick icon to find the MP4 file. Now you can easily play your video in media players that don’t support for MKV, say iTunes. And you will find that the original quality is retained.
Pro tips
- Perform editing If needed, you can edit your MKV video before conversion. Just click the edit icon next to the RVC button. It provides seven editing functions including Trim, Crop, Effects, Rotate, Watermarks, Subtitles & Audio and 3D Effects.
- Customize settings In the Output Format window, click Advanced Settings and adjust frame rate and other things based on your need. It also enables you to re-encode your video.
Convert MKV to MP4 using VLC media player
Pros
- Able to convert MKV files including the large ones to various common formats
- The converted video will end up being much larger than the original MKV one
Cons
- Need to manually change the extension of converted video to .mp4
- Also provide other video related features that users may need
VLC is more than just a free, open-source media player. It also comes with an array of hidden features, and video conversion is one of them. It may not be that straightforward. If you have no idea where to get started, just follow the following guide to converting MKV container to MP4 on Mac with VLC.
Step 1. Download, install and open the app. In the menu bar at the top of your Mac screen, select File > Convert/Stream.
Step 2. In the Convert & Stream window, click Open media to import your MKV file. Alternatively, you can add file by dragging and dropping.
Step 3. In the Choose Profile section, click the dropdown list and select the desired output option. These options take the form of media type - video codec + audio codec (container format). Here we choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
Step 4. This step is optional and for advanced users only. If the default output options don’t meet your need, click Customize. Choose from the available video codecs and audio codecs. You can also manually adjust sample rate, bitrate, frame rate, etc.
Step 5. In the Choose Destination section, click Save as File. Click Browse and select a destination location. Click Save.
Note: If you choose MP4 as the output container format, VLC will convert your video to M4V (which is almost the same as the MP4 format). You can find the converted video and manually change its extension from .m4v to .mp4.
In the test, it took quite a while for the conversion process to complete. If you are looking for the fastest method, the first app is recommended.
Convert MKV to MP4 with HandBrake
Pros
- Can handle big MKV files
- Offer useful advanced features
Cons
- Slow conversion
- The default settings may automatically compress your video
Convert Mkv To Mp4 Windows 10
HandBrake is a free, open source video transcoder. If you are not sort of video format savvy, you may feel overwhelmed by HandBrake’s interface and the features it offers. The steps below will walk you through the process of changing MKV to MP4 on Mac.
Free Mkv File Converter
Step 1. Download HandBrake and get it installed on your Mac. Open the app.
Step 2. Click Open Source in the upper left corner. Select the MKV video you want to convert and click Open. Wait for the file to be fully loaded.
Step 3. Navigate to the Summary tab. Click the Format dropdown list and select MP4 File. Leave the default settings unchanged if your only purpose is to convert MKV to MP4 format.
Step 4. In the lower left corner of the interface, you can edit file name in the Save As field. Please leave the extension (.mp4) as it is. The default destination folder is Desktop. You can change it by clicking the Browse button.
Step 5. Click Start in the top toolbar. The app will start encoding your video.
Advanced users can set up Presets and configure options to get the desired conversion results. And the default settings should be enough for most basic video conversion tasks. However, when it comes to high-resolution videos such as 4K, you need to go to Presets > Web and click Video YouTube HQ 2160p60 4K. Otherwise, your video will be shrunk by default.
Convert MKV to MP4 on Mac online
Pros
- Easy to use and cross-platform
- Require no software installation
Cons
- Can’t convert large MKV files to MP4 due to size limit
- It will take a long time since you need to upload video first
Another common way to free convert video files is to use web-based tools. Such tools are compatible with not only macOS but also Windows. They are handy to use and don’t require installation. Here we will take Zamzar as an example and show you how to convert.
Step 1. Go to https://www.zamzar.com/convert/mkv-to-mp4/. This page is dedicated to MKV to MP4 conversion, so there is not need to choose the output format.
Step 2. Click Add Files and add a MKV video. Click Convert Now. It will start uploading your video to their server.
Step 3. Once it finishes uploading, click Convert. As soon as the conversion finishes, you will be redirect to the download page. Click Download to save the file to your Mac.
For free users, however, there are size limits. The size limit may vary depending on the online MKV to MP4 converter you use. For Zamzar, it’s 150 MB. Paid users can perform conversion without any restriction.
Conclusion
It’s also possible to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac in Terminal with FFmpeg installed, which is not covered in this article because it involves use of the command line. The easiest and fastest solution is to use the best MKV to MP4 converter. The MP4 format comes with way more support and is compatible with almost all players, devices and editing software. After the conversion, you can easily use your videos for playback, editing and other purposes.
Want to convert your MKV files to MP4 format for easier playback on mobile devices or whatever? Follow this article to learn how to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac.
MKV is incompatible with majority of the modern mobile devices and platforms, alongside with its comparatively large file size. So, when you trying to open a MKV file on your MacBook or iMac with the default player QuickTime, it ends up with an error message 'There is no application set to open mkv' or mkv no sound in QuickTime.
To make MKV playable on most devices and platforms, you need to convert them to MP4 format, as MP4 is compatible well with almost all the players, devices and platforms. In this tutorial, we will share 3 simple yet effective methods to do the job, including some professional MKV video converter that recommended by lots of Mac users.
Download BEST Free MKV Video Converter for Mac
MacX Video Converter features 370 video/audio codecs to convert MKV to MP4 (H264, MPEG-4 or HEVC), MOV, M4V, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iMovie, QT, etc. 420+ profiles with visually no quality degradation. 'Auto Copy' mode gives you 1:1 original quality to remux MKV to MP4 without codec conversion. 5X faster speed, NO input size limit & No watermark/logo!
Top 5 Mac Video Converters for MKV to MP4 Conversion
Name | Best for | Overall Rating | More Info |
---|---|---|---|
MacX Video Converter | Bulk free convert multi-track MKV to MP4, H264, HEVC, MOV, M4V, etc. 420+ output profiles, up to 4K/8K. Hi-def quality & fast speed! | ||
VLC | Free MKV video converter and MKV video player. | ||
HandBrake | Free open source video transcoder to change MKV to MP4 at Apple VideoToolBox HW encoding speed. | ||
Finder | Mac built-in video encoder to free re-encode MKV to MP4 up to 1080p on macOS. | ||
Freemake Video Converter | Free convert MKV video footages to MP4, alongside with basic video editing features. |
How to Convert MKV to MP4 on Mac with MacX Video Converter Pro
MacX Video Converter Prois your best mate, letting you freely decode and encode multi-track MKV videos to MP4, MOV, H.264, HEVC, and any other video and audio formats at the highest performance, no input size limit, no watermark/logo!
Convert Mkv To Mp4 Online
- Convert MKV videos to MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, M4V, H264, H265, iPhone iPad, iMovie, QT... up to 4K/8K resolution.
- Let you free choose subtitle track, video/audio track from multi-track MKV file before conversion.
- 'Auto Copy' mode ensures you 1:1 quality ratio after MKV to MP4 conversion without changing the underlying codec.
- Boost conversion speed to 5X faster than counterparts thanks to GPU acceleration (hardware decoding & encoding).
- Various editing features available for you to trim, cut, crop, rotate, add subtitles, add effects, and more.
GPU hardware decoding & encoding, lighting speed.
Support 4K/8K video.
Includes video recorder, downloader, and editor.
Unique 'Auto Copy' to produce 1:1 untouched quality.
Unable to convert audio files on Mac.
Now follow the steps below and learn how to encode MKV videos to MP4 on your Macbook or iMac.
Step 1: Import MKV file by clicking 'Add File'.
Free download the MKV to MP4 converter on Mac, or your Windows PCs ( MacX HD Video Converter Pro for Windows). Then click 'Add File' button to load the MKV files. You can load multiple MKV files for batch conversion. First, select the video track, audio and subtitle you want to keep in the output MP4 file by clicking the up and down arrow icon behind the source video. You can select multiple audio tracks and subtitle tracks at the same time.
Step 2: Choose the Output Video Format.
After the input MKV video importing, you can see video formats options at the bottom of the window. It allows to freely convert MOV to MP4, WMV/WebM to MP4, MKV to H.264, and even transcode MP4 to MP3, MOV, MKV, and more like a piece of cake. Select MP4 format in HEVC, H.264, MPEG4 as you like, or simply choose preset profiles of iPhone iPad Android.
How to change the MKV format to MP4 without decoding & re-encoding? Choose 'Auto Copy' mode. As its name implies, it will 1:1 copy MKV input video/audio, subtitle tracks to MP4 without re-encoding as long as the same codec is detected. Zero quality loss and 10X faster than transcoding!
Step 3: Edit MKV Video (Optional).
Meanwhile, you can also see some icons of editing like cut, crop, subtitle, effect, rotate below the video information. If you need to cut off certain parts from MKV video, free set up video Start Time and End Time, add fans made funny subtitled to MKV or rotate MKV video 90 or 180 degrees, you can click the corresponding icon to edit MKV video before conversion.
As for multi-track MKV footage, locate at the video info section on the home screen, where you can click the triangle icon to open the drop-down list of multiple subtitle tracks or audio tracks and opt for desired one out of them.
Step 4: Start to Convert MKV to MP4 Free on Mac.
Hit Folder button to select a destination folder. Followed by a click on 'RUN' button, which gives an order to this top video processing tool for Mac to begin to transcode MKV video to MP4 on macOS. Only seconds and you will get the output MP4 files with lossless quality (High Quality Engine tech built-in).
How to Change MKV Files to MP4 on Mac with VLC
VLC media player is the free cross-platform media player software that is available for Windows and Mac. It can help play most multimedia files as well as discs, devices, and network streaming protocols. Beyond that, it's also used to free transcode video in almost whatever video format. MKV is not an exception. Converting video footage from MKV to MP4 has never been a rocket science to this feature-filled media player.
Output formats are expansive.
Bitrate, resolution, frame rate are adjustable.
VLC Mac hardware decoding (VDA) is accessible.
Editing metadata isn't straightforward.
GPU hardware encoding not supported.
And below are the steps to change MKV files to MP4 on Mac via VLC:
- Step 1. Download and Install 'VLC media player' from its official website.
- Step 2. Run 'VLC media player' on your Mac.
- Step 3. Click on 'File' in the top left-hand corner then choose 'Convert/Stream' option.
- Step 4. Click on 'Open Media' to select and load MKV file.
- Step 5. In the 'Choose Profile' section, select 'Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)' as the format.
Note: to make MKV to MP4 conversion faster on MacBook/iMac, enable GPU hardware decoding on VLC for Mac. Find the Preferences option in VLC menu > locate to Input/Codecs tab > find Hardware-acceleration > select Automatic or Video Decoding Acceleration (VDA) based on your macOS computer configurations. Currently, only H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) is supported while HEVC (x265) codec is still in its infancy.
- Step 6. Tap 'Customize' button if you want to edit the selected MKV file.
- Step 7. Hit 'Save as File' button in the 'Choose Destination' section.
- Step 8. Click 'Browse' button and select a folder to save your MP4 file.
- Step 9. Finally, click on the 'Save' button to start the conversion process.
How to Convert MKV Files with Handbrake
Handbrake is a famous converter for both MKV and MP4. It supports macOS 10.7 and later. This free MKV converter remains popular mainly for its fast speed and good output quality in 2021. Plus, it has some advanced features to let users adjust the bit rate, resolutions, video codecs, quality, other video parameters, add subtitles etc. It will also convert videos to various ready presets for mobiles directly. Therefore, it's another good choice when you need to convert MKV videos computers.
A boatload of pre-programmed profiled offered.
Built-in settings to improve quality and conversion speed.
Cross-platform, with macOS, Windows & Linux supported.
The interface is non-intuitive and old-fashioned.
No video editing features.
HandBrake Mac only has hardware encoder, no HW decoder.
- Step 1. Download Handbrake from it's official site.
- Step 2. Launch it and click Source > Open File to load the MKV file.
- Step 3. Select MP4 in the Output Setting.
- Step 4. Then customize the video settings if necessary.
- Step 5. In the destination section, set an output folder.
- Step 6. Then click Start on the top bar to begin MKV conversion process.
Note:
1. If your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iMac supports Apple VideoToolBox, then handbrake for macOS will auto show up the hardware encoder under 'Video Encoder' section (shown on the above picture). Just choose H264 (VideoToolBox) or HEVC (VideoToolBox) to activate GPU hardware encoder for faster re-encoding on macOS.
2. Tap 'Subtitles' to select your desired subtitle track if your MKV has multiple subtitle tracks.
See Also: Encounter Errors While Converting MKV with Handbrake? Here's How to Fix It >>
How to Use Finder to Free Convert MKV Video to MP4
Finder is no doubt the most simple way for you to convert MKV video footage to MP4 format. Unlike the afore-mentioned professional video converters, video conversion is just a minor function of Finder. But it does good and does in a manner that is most simple and painless.
Simple, fast, no other plugins needed.
A wide range of input formats are accepted.
No advanced settings adjustment.
Output format is limited.
Needless to download or install anything on macOS, just follow the below instructions to re-format MKV to MP4:
- Step 1. Launch Finder and right click on a video file inside of Finder.
- Step 2. Choose 'Encode Selected Video Files'.
- Step 3. Select the output video settings, resolution, greater compatibility or higher quality.
- Step 4. Tap 'Continue' to convert the MKV file you choose.
Note: Finder's limitation on output resolution is up to 1080p. If you wanna keep 4K 2160p Ultra HD resolution for your MKV video, Finder is not your ultimate solution. The other MKV video transcoders mentioned in this post can address your need.
How to Transcode Video MKV to MP4 with Freemake
Freemake video converter acquits itself brilliantly in video conversion world. Google almost any keyword related video and you'll be greeted with freemake webpage on SERP. Thus, majority of users won't feel unfamiliar with this product. Free convert MKV to MP4, H264, HEVC, MOV, FLV, AVI, as well as gadgets like Apple iPhone, iPad, Google Android, Sony PSP, Xbox, Samsung, Nokia, Huawei. That's where its major duty lies. Moreover, it also provides you with additional nice touches, including basic video editing, slideshow maker, etc. Get closer to freemake and find more surprises yourself!
Input and output formats are a page long.
Basic editing features (join, cut, rotate) are available.
No advanced GPU hardware decoder & encoder.
Freemake logo on output video for free version.
Recently involved in DMCA complaints.
Let's dive right in:
- Step 1. Fire up Freemake video converter and tap Video to load your MKV file.
- Step 2. Choose MP4 from the bottom output format banner on the main interface.
- Step 3. Choose a location folder for your converted MP4 files. You can save MP4 to any folder on your computer or a cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Step 4. Hit Convert button to begin converting MKV to MP4 on Mac. Please noted that the free version of freemake will place freemake logo on your videos. To remove the unwanted logo and enjoy more advanced features like 4X faster speed, subtitle editor, etc., you need to pay for its Mega pack.
Part 5: FAQ on MKV to MP4 Conversion on Mac
Q1:I want to convert a mkv file to mp4 format without re-encoding to keep the same file size and video quality. I need a program that allows me to just drag my 720P MKV video file onto, set it to mp4 and get the file with no quality loss.
A1: In MacX Video Converter Pro, tick on the box of Auto Copy. It convert MKV to MP4 without changing the underlying codec. Also, it can copy a large high-definite MKV few hundred times faster than re-encoding.
Q2:I have a MKV file with subtitle muxed, now i want to convert it to mp4 without losing the subtitle. I already tried the other softwares like Handbrake, rebox.NET and VLC to convert it but the subtitles didn't carry over.
A2: It will depend on the type of subtitles. If the subtitle is in XSUB, SAMI, MPSub, SubRip or others, you can't pass-through the subtitle into MP4. To keep the subtitles, you can either extract MKv subtitles and convert them to SRT or burn subtitle to the video permanently.
Q3:I'm trying to convert an MKV container to MP4/M4V with the existing video and audio codecs (HEVC x265 and AAC audio). I used the 'Convert/Stream' function and selected the 'keep original video track' and 'keep original audio track' checkboxes. But the M4V output file contains only the audio track; the video is missing.
A3: The highest possible reason why you fail to convert .mkv to .mp4 on Mac with HEVC x265 is that x264 works fine in MP4 file container while x265 is not supported in an MP4 container, at least not in VLC.
Q4: I have a lot of HD MKV files that I wish to convert for iTunes. I want a converter, but need to keep the same good quality!! (the videos/movies are 720 and 1080p) Any suggestions please?
A4: iTunes supports video formats including MP4, MOV, M4V, limited types. You can change MKV format to MP4 iTunes acceptable format or directly convert MKV codec to iTunes profile. In case you are a layman and don't know much about iTunes suitable video parameter settings, you'd better resort to the MKV to iTunes conversion with most ideal profile offered.
Q5: Hi anyone know who is best .mkv to .mp4 video converter with high quality video and audio and low Mb size so if its possible. Now I'm using Handbake to convert a 4K MKV file but it takes much mb size (10 mins for 1.5GB). Which will give me the smallest output size with best possible quality?
A5: First of all, file size = bitrate * running time, and bit rate will influence the video quality. If you don't nitpick the video quality, lower the bitrate and resolution to one level below will result in smaller size with acceptable quality. Beyond that, editing features like cropping and trimming will also help. Put aside the objective factors, software design will lead to difference in output size.
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