How to convert MXF to MP4 on Mac/Windows?
If you started using the MXF format or have issues while trying to convert MXF to MP4 video files, you’ll want to know all about this innovative format.
Everything you need to know and more you’ll find right here. We give you three free ways to convert MXF to MP4 files whether you use Mac, Windows, or any other operating system. You can use VLC Media Player, Adobe Media Encoder, or free online tooConverter365 for this task.
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MXF vs. MP4 differences
MXF or Material Exchange Format and MP4 video format are not similar at all. Even though they are both video formats, they have many differences. First, let’s find out about each format’s features, and then you can compare the two in file size, compatibility, etc.
More about MXF file
MXF file is an open standard container format for professional digital video and audio. Its primary purpose is to provide universal video compatibility for television, commercial theaters, broadcasts, advertisements, etc. Since MXF is developed by the SMPTE standards and focuses on user experience, it provides effective workflows. It also contains metadata and time code. Because of these features, even Sony, Panasonic, Canon, etc. cameras offer support for this video format.
How to open MXF file?
As first intended, many programs can open MXF format such as Avid Pro Tools, QuickTime Player, VLC Media Player, Media Player Classic, etc. However, not many apps support MXF files compared to MP4, which provide almost universal compatibility on any operating system.
More about MP4 file
MP4 or MPEG-4 Part 12 is probably the most used digital video format that doesn’t need an introduction. With compact file size and quality ratio, MP4 is acceptable everywhere, on any device capable of video reproduction to web platforms for podcasts, streaming live, YouTube, social media sites, etc.
How to open an MP4 file?
The majority of media players will play MP4 files. Furthermore, on Windows and Mac OS, you can play MP4 video on native programs Windows Media Player and QuickTime without even installing a new app. Needless to say, many video editing apps, social media platforms, web, etc., support this video format.
Why convert MXF to MP4 video file format?
Even though MXF videos are of better quality, their file size is far greater than the MP4 file. Also, MXF files are convenient for storing, but MP4 is a much better format for transferring, sharing, web, etc.
How to convert MXF to MP4 file using Adobe Media Encoder?
Adobe Media Encoder is freeware, which means you can use it for a limited period to convert MXF to MP4 file format. If you don’t want to pay for this format conversion after the trial runs out, which is only seven days, you can check out how to convert MXF to MP4 online for free.
Nevertheless, you can use this tool for format conversions that you need for free for one week. To download this software, you’ll have to register with an account with your personal information. After reviewing this tool, you can decide for yourself it is worth all this trouble.
On the brighter side, Adobe Media Encoder supports a multitude of video formats for conversion. Some available digital video formats include AAC audio, AIFF, AVI, GIF, MP3, QuickTime, DNxHR / DNxHD MXF OP1a, H.264, H264 Blu-ray, and many more.
Follow these instructions, and you’ll be set for successful format conversion in no time. Instructions refer to Adobe Media Encoder 2020 for Windows 10.
Step 1
First, add your files to the Adobe Media Encoder workspace. Under section Queue, there is a plus button that serves to Add Source files for conversion. Pressing that button opens a dialog box for browsing for your files. Here you can see all supported formats for importing.
Step 2
Using right-click on the file’s name will give you a menu with an option for Export Settings.
Step 3
In Export Settings, you can choose Format (in our case H.264), Basic Video Settings, Metadata, etc.
Step 4
When you confirm Export Settings, you need to start queue or press Enter to begin encoding.
Step 5
In the Encoding section, you can see output preview and remaining time.
One of the problems that occur when using Adobe Media Converter for this conversion is that video in MP4 format gets grainy or pixelated in some places. Depending on the purpose of your video, speed, and other factors, you can change Export Settings to avoid this issue. However, it is not guaranteed that when you upload your video to some platform, for example, YouTube, you won’t get lousy quality video.
How to convert MXF to MP4 using VLC?
One of the most popular free media players that are available for Windows and Mac OS is VLC. Even though there are other players that support the MXF format, not all of them can convert it to an MP4 video file. VLC Media Player has the option to export to MP4 format and many other videos and audio formats.
If you want a completely free app you can use all the time for various format conversions, all you need to do is install VLC. Here we demonstrated MXF to MP4 conversion process on Mac OS.
Step 1
Add your MXF files to VLC Library Playlist and select the ones you need to convert to MP4 video.
In the VLC File menu, select option Convert / Stream or press Shift, Command and S, on the keyboard.
Step 2
In opened Convert and Stream dialog box, you can drop media for conversion, choose a destination for converted MP4 files, and most importantly, choose a profile.
To convert MXF to MP4 file, you need to select Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4) Profile.
Step 3
Now you can press the Save button on the bottom of the dialog box and wait for the conversion process to finish.
How to convert MXF to MP4 online?
Considering you want to convert few MXF files to MP4 files, the simplest solution would be to use a free online-based tool with support for large files. The best free online converter that offers unlimited daily conversions is Converter365.
You can avoid installing apps you would use few times or not at all with this online converter. Also, you don’t need to register with your e-mail to use all features of Converter365. That is an excellent opportunity to convert all files format that you need. Besides MXF to MP4 conversion, this online tool offers numerous format conversions in nine different categories: Video, Audio, Document, Image, Vector, Spreadsheet, Presentation, E-Book, and Archive, with the most popular formats in use.
There are more benefits of using the free online converter, which is a fast and simple conversion process. To figure out how to convert MXF to MP4, you need to follow these three steps. A modern user interface and an easy guide for the conversion process are all you need right now.
Step 1
Visit the Converter365 website and right away add your MXF files for conversion.
Step 2
Press the Start Conversion button to begin converting your MXF files to MP4 video.
Step 3
Access to converted files is directly on the Converter365 page, where you can download them in few moments.
Conclusion
Now you know more about the MXF format and why you should convert it to MP4 video. Even though MXF is an innovative video format, it is still not as supported as MP4 on various platforms and devices.
Because of that, we explained in detail how you could convert MXF to MP4 in three ways. If you use Adobe Media Encoder, VLC, or a free online converter such as Converter365, you can solve this issue quickly on Mac or Windows.
