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Convert Video Format with the Built-in avconvert Tool

avconvert is a preinstalled macOS command-line front end to AVFoundation that transcodes video using named presets.

macOSvideoconvertavconvertLow risk
Run `avconvert --preset PresetAppleM4V480pSD --source in.mov --output out.mp4` to transcode with a preset.

01Command

Command
$ avconvert --preset Preset640x480 --source movie.mov --output movie.mp4

02What it does

avconvert has shipped with macOS for years and is almost always forgotten because people reach for ffmpeg first. It only takes named presets — run `avconvert --listpresets` to see them, covering M4V SD/HD and HEVC profiles. It is far lighter than ffmpeg and requires zero installation, but offers no custom bitrate or filter control. Use --progress to watch the transcode move.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • avconvert(1) — macOS man page
    Xcode Man Pages (mirror) · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents avconvert --preset --source --output usage and lists available presets such as Preset640x480, PresetAppleM4V480pSD, PresetHEVC1920x1080.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Media