TL;DR
Follow these steps to compress a video on Mac:
- Open your video in QuickTime Player.
- Go to the File menu and select Export As.
- Choose a resolution, like 480p or 720p, to reduce the file size.
- Optionally, trim the video or make other adjustments.
- Export the video to save the compressed file.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Ever tried to send a video from your Mac and realized it’s way too big? It’s a common issue, but there’s an easy fix: compressing the video. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best methods to reduce your video file size without sacrificing quality.
What is Video Compression?
Video compression is the process of reducing the size of a video file. Videos can be large, taking up a lot of space on your device or being slow to upload and download. Compression makes the file smaller, so it’s easier to store, share, and stream. The goal is to shrink the file size while keeping the video quality as high as possible.
How Video Compression Works: Codecs and Bitrates Explained
Video compression works by using codecs and adjusting bitrates.
- Codecs are software tools that encode (compress) and decode (decompress) video files. They work by removing unnecessary data from the video file, which reduces the size. Popular codecs include H.264 and H.265.
- Bitrate refers to the amount of data processed per second in a video file. Higher bitrates mean better quality but larger file sizes. Lower bitrates reduce file size but may also reduce quality. By adjusting the bitrate, you can control the balance between file size and video quality.
Did You Know? Compressing a video using modern codecs like H.265 can reduce the file size by up to 50% more than older codecs like H.264, with only a slight difference in quality. This can save significant storage space while keeping your videos looking sharp.
Lossy vs. Lossless Compression: What’s the Difference?
- Lossy Compression reduces the file size by permanently removing some of the data. This makes the video file smaller but can also slightly reduce the video quality. Most online videos use lossy compression because it provides a good balance between size and quality.
- Lossless Compression reduces the file size without losing any data. The video quality remains exactly the same as the original, but the file size reduction is less compared to lossy compression. Lossless is often used when you need the highest quality, like for professional video editing.
Video Quality vs. File Size: Finding the Right Balance
When compressing a video, you need to balance quality and file size. A higher quality video will have a larger file size, which may be harder to store or share. A smaller file size is easier to manage but might reduce the video’s quality.
The key is to find a middle ground where the video looks good and the file isn’t too large. This balance depends on how you plan to use the video – whether for streaming, storage, or sharing online.
I don’t recommend going below 1080p, but if your audience has 4K screens, you can consider using a resolution of 3840×2160, but not higher.
How to Compress a Video on Mac
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To compress a video on Mac, you can use built-in tools like QuickTime Player or iMovie, or opt for third-party software like HandBrake. Simply open your video, choose the export or save options, adjust the resolution or quality settings, and save the compressed version to reduce its file size.
Here are the detailed steps for each method to compress a video on Mac:
Method 1: Using Mac’s Built-in Compression Tools
When it comes to compressing videos on Mac, why look any further than the tools already at your fingertips? Your Mac comes equipped with built-in tools that allow you to compress videos without third-party software.
Let’s look at two popular options: QuickTime Player and iMovie.
1. Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a household name for video playback on Mac. But did you know this versatile media player can also work wonders when it comes to video compression? With its intuitive interface and straightforward functionality, QuickTime Player allows you to effortlessly reduce the size of your videos without compromising quality.
Here’s how to use QuickTime Player to compress your videos on Mac:
- Launch QuickTime Player on your Mac and open the video you want to compress.
- Go to the File menu and select Export As.
- Choose a suitable format for your compressed video, such as 480p or 720p.
- You can also trim the video and make additional adjustments before exporting.
When using QuickTime, exporting at 720p is a good middle ground for quality and file size, especially if your original video is in 1080p.
2. Using iMovie
iMovie is a comprehensive video editing software and a powerhouse in the world of video editing. Known for its robust features and user-friendly interface, iMovie is not just for creating cinematic masterpieces but also for reducing video sizes without compromising their quality.
Requires macOS 10.14.6 or later. Supports a wide range of video formats, including .mov and .mp4.
Here’s how to use iMovie to compress a video on Mac:
- Launch iMovie on your Mac and create a new project.
- Import the video you want to compress into your project.
- Drag the video clip to the timeline.
- Go to the File menu and select Share > File.
- Choose a suitable resolution or quality option, such as 480p or 720p.
- Click Next and follow the prompts to save the compressed video.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Software
If you require more advanced video compression features or additional control over the compression process, third-party software can be an excellent option.
Let’s explore two popular choices: HandBrake and Adobe Media Encoder.
Disclaimer: Using third-party software for compression might alter the original quality of your video. Always keep a backup of your original file before applying any compression.
1. HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source video compression software that offers extensive customization options. With HandBrake’s extensive array of customizable settings and advanced compression algorithms, you can effortlessly reduce the size of your videos while maintaining exceptional visual quality.
Here’s how to use HandBrake to compress a video on Mac:
- Download and install HandBrake from the official website.
- Launch HandBrake and click Open Source to select the video you want to compress.
- Choose an output format and adjust settings such as bitrate and resolution to reduce the file size.
- Optionally, apply filters or make other advanced adjustments.
- Click Start to initiate the compression process, and wait for the compressed video to generate.
2. Adobe Media Encoder
Adobe Media Encoder is a professional-grade software that allows for efficient video compression with an extensive range of format options. Designed for content creators and video professionals, Adobe Media Encoder provides a comprehensive suite of tools to compress your videos on Mac with utmost precision and efficiency.
From choosing the optimal codec and adjusting bitrate to customizing output settings, Adobe Media Encoder puts you in complete control. Here’s how you can use Adobe Media Encoder to compress videos on Mac:
- Download and install Adobe Media Encoder on your Mac.
- Launch Adobe Media Encoder and import the video file you want to compress.
- Choose an output format or preset suitable for your needs.
- Adjust settings such as bitrate and resolution to achieve the desired file size.
- Optionally, explore additional features like video filters and watermarking.
- Click Encode to start the compression process, and patiently wait for the software to generate the compressed video.
Method 3: Online Video Compression Tools
If you prefer a convenient, web-based solution, there are several online video compression tools available. Let’s explore two popular options: WeCompress and CloudConvert.
1. WeCompress
WeCompress is a user-friendly online platform that enables you to compress videos without software installation. With just a few clicks, you can upload your videos to WeCompress and let its powerful compression algorithms work their magic.
Follow these steps to compress a video on Mac using WeCompress:
- Visit the WeCompress website in your web browser.
- Drag and drop the video file you want to compress onto the upload area or click the + button to browse for the file.
- WeCompress will automatically start compressing your video.
- After compression, you can download the compressed video to your Mac.
2. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a versatile online file conversion platform that also offers video compression capabilities. With CloudConvert, you can harness the power of the cloud to reduce the size of your videos effortlessly.
Follow these steps to compress your videos using CloudConvert:
- Visit the CloudConvert website in your web browser.
- Click Select Files to upload the video you want to compress.
- Choose the desired output format and customize compression settings like bitrate and resolution.
- Start the compression process by clicking Start Conversion.
- Once the compression is complete, you can download the compressed video to your Mac.
Warning: ⚠️ Over-compressing videos can lead to a noticeable loss in quality, including blurriness and pixelation. Always preview your video after compression to ensure it meets your quality standards.
How to Avoid Over-compression
When compressing videos, keeping the quality intact while reducing the file size can be tricky. Over-compression can lead to poor video quality, with issues like blurriness or choppy playback. Here are five tips to help you avoid over-compressing your videos:
- 🔍 Preview the video after compression: Always watch your video after compressing it to check for any signs of over-compression, such as blurriness or audio sync issues. If the quality isn’t good enough, consider re-compressing with slightly adjusted settings to maintain better visual and audio integrity.
- 🎛️ Monitor bitrate settings carefully: A low bitrate can make your video look pixelated or blurry. Adjust the bitrate to a level that balances quality and file size. Experiment with different bitrates and find the sweet spot where the video remains clear and the file size is reduced.
- 🖥️ Choose the right resolution: Lowering the resolution too much can significantly impact video quality. Keep the resolution close to the original if possible. For example, avoid dropping a 1080p video down to 480p unless absolutely necessary, as this will likely result in noticeable quality loss.
- 🎥 Use high-quality codecs: Opt for modern codecs like H.264 or H.265, which offer efficient compression without sacrificing much quality. These codecs can compress your video files effectively while maintaining a higher quality level compared to older or less efficient codecs.
- 🔄 Compress in stages: Instead of applying heavy compression all at once, try compressing the video in smaller increments. This allows you to monitor the quality after each step and stop when the file size is small enough but the quality remains acceptable.
How to Check Display Resolution on Mac?
On a Mac, you can check your display resolution by following these steps:
- Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and select About This Mac.
- Click More Info.
- Then, navigate to Displays.
Compress Videos on Your Mac Like a Pro
Compressing videos on your Mac is an essential skill that allows you to save storage space and optimize video sharing across various platforms. Here are some more tips to get the most out of your MacBook:
- Find out what software comes with a MacBook Pro or Air to know what you’ll get.
- If you’re into audio recording, learn how to record audio on Mac.
- Learn how to delete duplicate files on your Mac to free up space.
