Exporting MP4

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Level 1

8 points

Exporting MP4

Seems like there is no straight forward way to export an MP4. The only way I can do it is export it with Compressor using the "HTTP Live Streaming" preset but that seems like weird option for MP4. Otherwise I export it as a Quicktime MOV then need to re-compress in another app like Handbrake which diminishes the quality and take more time re-compressing the file twice.

What's the best way? BTW, reason I need MP4 is satisfy non Apple clients who don't want MOV.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Apr 2, 2021 9:04 AM

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Answer 1

Jetsmac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2021 9:35 AM in response to Meg The Dog

Yes, I'm exporting H.264. In Compressor it makes it appear Quicktime is a separate format. I just wanted to make sure my exports are compatible with non Apple people.

I didn't realize I could just change the extension. Thanks I'll give that a try.

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Answer 2

Apr 2, 2021 10:43 AM in response to Jetsmac

AFAIK the primary difference between mp4 and m4v is that the latter can contain DRM copy protection. So I guess for cross-platform use it might be best to output m4v from FCP's Apple Devices preset and change the suffix to mp4 (did FCP's Computer preset default to mp4 or mov?). So maybe mov differs even more from mp4 than m4v?

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,015 points

Apr 2, 2021 10:48 AM in response to Matti Haveri

The Master Export set to Computer defaults to .mp4.

I’m not clear on whether the OP is trying to preserve HDR. If not the whole process is different and has to be edited, converted using HDR Tools, and color corrected to keep something off the original color and luminance.

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Answer 4

Jetsmac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2021 12:59 PM in response to Matti Haveri

I used to export as m4v, but that format in Compressor doesn't give the same options as a normal video. It also seems to be targeted to Apple devices which can be picky what they will play. Had a client with an ipad presentation that wouldn't play, turned out it had to re-exported to m4v to work with Apple TV.

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Answer 5

Jetsmac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2021 1:04 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

This if for if you film an event and distribute it on a usb flash drive. You want the most compatible format that everyone can play.

I tried direct export as a Master File but it only saves in as a .mov and there are no setting controls for the bitrate. I always use Compressor because I have more control and can batch exports, go to bed and wake up the next day with multiple movies exported.

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Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,015 points

Apr 2, 2021 1:06 PM in response to Jetsmac

“I tried direct export as a Master File but it only saves in as a .mov”

This is not correct. If you change the Video and Audio menu pop to Computer you will get a high quality MPEG-4 file, not .mov nor .m4v.

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Answer 7

Jetsmac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2021 1:30 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

You're right. Missed that "Computer" setting. While that does export a MP4, for my purposes I need the ability to control the file size so that it fits on media or isn't too large to upload/download. Hopefully this thread will help others with similar questions because exporting isn't as straight forward as one would imagine.

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Answer 8

Alchroma

Level 7

23,827 points

Apr 2, 2021 4:02 PM in response to Jetsmac

FCP has various export options but are limited regards fine tuning the output.

Compressor does allow fine tuning, once you setup a Compressor option it can be available within the FCP Share options once added.

Al

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Answer 9

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,591 points

Apr 2, 2021 9:21 AM in response to Jetsmac

You are exporting an H.264 file?

In the finder, change the extension of the exported file from .MOV to .MP4.

MtD

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Answer 10

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,015 points

Apr 2, 2021 9:39 AM in response to Jetsmac

Lower left of the preset browser click + and select MPEG-4 to make a custom preset. Set the video codec to H.264 and the audio to AAC or PCM and use with data rate and audio sample rate you want.

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Answer 11

Jetsmac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2021 9:46 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks Tom that's even better! I never noticed that little + sign in Compressor. Great thanks for the help everyone, I've got some presets to make!

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Answer 12

Apr 2, 2021 10:58 AM in response to Jetsmac

If you want to export from FCP as an mp4 file in H264, export Master File and then in Settings choose Computer instead of Video and Audio.

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Exporting MP4

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