If you want to convert the format of your videos, you need a video format converter software. As you start to look for one you’ll very quickly realize that there are really lots of options out there – and it can be difficult to figure out which one is ‘best’.
To be honest the ‘best’ option to choose will depend on how you intend to use the converter and what you want to do with it. That is why it helps to look at several factors when before you make a decision.
Supported Formats
One of the main factors to consider are the formats that are supported by the software. It should be noted that many converters support a different range of input formats and output formats.
Having a video converter that supports more formats is generally better because it will be more versatile. It will let you convert to and from more formats, and you’ll be less likely to encounter a video that you have trouble converting.
In most cases you should prioritize the range of input formats that are supported, however, to ensure that you can load any video that you want to convert. The range of output formats is important as well – but you could get by even if it just encompasses the more common video formats that are in use.
Ease of Use
It goes without saying that it is best to try to look for a video converter that you find easy to use. In some cases, you may be able to gauge that based on the user interface, and how simple or complicated it appears.
However, if you really want to decide how user-friendly software is, your best bet is to check if there is a free trial available. Many converters nowadays have one, and by taking advantage of it you can try out the software, put it through its paces, and see firsthand whether or not you find it easy enough to use on a regular basis.
Presets for Devices and Platforms
While not a strict requirement, presets can help to make converting videos significantly easier. If the converter you choose has presets for the devices or platforms that you use, you won’t need to look up the best format or settings to use and set them up manually.
Aside from specific presets that you may want to look for, features that let you save presets of your own can help. That way if you need to convert videos in a specific way on a regular basis, you only need to set it up once.
Adjustable Video Bitrate
Adjusting the video bitrate is a useful way to compress the file size of your videos – which makes it a feature that is worth looking for in video converters.
Some video converters may go the extra mile and let you set the rough file size that you want your video to have – and adjust the video bitrate automatically based on that. Others may even provide you with the option to compress a small sample of the video to check on its quality before you compress the entire file.
Resize and Resampling Options
Many video converters will give you the option to adjust the resolution of the video and effectively resize it. However, some will provide you with more options than others.
The resampling options will let you adjust the resolution while maintaining the quality of your videos. On the other hand, the resizing options may include tools to let you alter the aspect ratio in different ways.
As you can imagine having more options is generally better on both fronts, especially if you are converting videos for different screen sizes or social media platforms.
Editing Tools
Although it is not required to convert video formats, many converters have several editing tools that are built-in. It is up to you to determine exactly what tools you may find useful, but having some basic options that can help you to prepare videos can’t hurt. For example, you may want to crop your videos to reframe them or trim videos to cut out certain parts or extract short clips.
Final Words
Based on the factors above you should be able to choose the best video format converter software for your needs. One of the video converters for Mac that you may want to try is Movavi Video Converter for Mac. It is an easy-to-use converter that supports a wide range of formats and can convert audio and image files, extract audio tracks, create animated GIFs, or edit and prepare videos in various ways.
Regardless of the converter that you’re looking at, be sure to take all the factors into account before you decide whether or not it is what you need.