# What is an MOV (Apple QuickTime) file?

MOV is Apple QuickTime container format designed for storing multimedia tracks and metadata, commonly used in Apple workflows.

Canonical URL: https://www.subclip.app/faq/what-is-a-mov-file

Last modified: 2026-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

**Definition**
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format for packaging video, audio, timecode, and metadata tracks.

**Who made it and why**
Apple introduced QuickTime in 1991 and designed MOV for multimedia playback and editing workflows.

**Where MOV is strongest**
- Apple-centric playback/edit pipelines
- Post-production with track metadata
- Camera/edit exports in pro tooling

**Use it in Subclip**
Import MOV in [Subclip Home Player](https://subclip.app/home), edit in [AI Video Editor](/tools/ai-video-editor), and convert via [MOV to MP4](/tools/convert-video-format/mov-to-mp4) or [MOV to MP3](/tools/convert-video-format/mov-to-mp3).

**History and adoption**
MOV was heavily used in Mac and pro editing workflows through the 1990s and 2000s, and influenced later MPEG-4 container design.

**TL;DR**
MOV is a flexible editing-friendly container with strong Apple heritage.

**Related converters**
[MOV to MP4](/tools/convert-video-format/mov-to-mp4), [MOV to MP3](/tools/convert-video-format/mov-to-mp3), [MP4 to MOV](/tools/convert-video-format/mp4-to-mov).

**Related FAQs**
[How do I open an MOV file?](/faq/how-to-open-a-mov-file), [What is an MP4 file?](/faq/what-is-an-mp4-file), [How do I open an MP4 file?](/faq/how-to-open-an-mp4-file).

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