Why a desktop video converter for Mac beats online tools
Online video converters require you to upload your files to a remote server. This means slow upload times for large files, privacy concerns with personal footage, and file size limits (typically 100 MB to 1 GB). Many are also filled with aggressive ads and misleading download buttons.
Star Video Downloader includes a built-in video converter powered by ffmpeg that runs entirely on your Mac. No uploading, no file size limits, no waiting for server processing, and no privacy risks. Your files never leave your computer.
Supported Formats
Video output formats
Audio output formats
How to Convert Videos on Mac — Step by Step
Download Star Video Downloader
Get the free app from starvideoapp.com. The converter is a Pro feature — upgrade for a one-time $5 payment.
Open the Convert tab
Launch the app and click the "Convert" tab in the sidebar. You'll see a clean drop zone ready for your files.
Add your video files
Drag and drop one or more video files into the converter, or click the file picker button to browse. You can queue multiple files for batch conversion.
Choose your output format and settings
Select the target format from the dropdown. Optionally adjust quality settings, resolution, and codec preferences.
Click Convert
Hit Convert and watch the progress bar. The converted file is saved alongside the original. Click the folder icon to open it in Finder.
Tip: Need to extract just the audio from a video? Select MP3 or AAC as the output format and the converter will strip the video track automatically.
Common Conversion Scenarios
MOV to MP4
iPhone and Mac screen recordings save as MOV files, which aren't always compatible with Windows, Android, or web platforms. Converting MOV to MP4 ensures your videos play everywhere. See the dedicated MOV to MP4 on Mac guide if compatibility is your main goal.
MKV to MP4
MKV files from downloads or rips don't play in QuickTime or many media players. Converting to MP4 makes them compatible with macOS preview, AirPlay, and sharing via Messages or email. Start with MKV to MP4 on Mac if this is the exact problem you are solving.
Video to MP3 (audio extraction)
Extract audio from music videos, podcasts, lectures, or interviews. Select MP3 as the output and the converter strips the video track, keeping just the audio.
WebM to MP4
WebM files downloaded from the web often don't play natively on macOS. Converting to MP4 gives you full QuickTime and Finder preview support.
Best settings for a Mac video converter
For the widest compatibility, use MP4 with H.264 video. MOV is a good fit inside Apple-heavy workflows, MKV is better for archival flexibility, and WebM is useful when you specifically need a web-first format. For audio-only exports, MP3 and AAC are the easiest to play anywhere, while WAV and FLAC are better when you want lossless quality.
If your goal is mainly music, podcasts, or lecture audio, jump to the dedicated YouTube to MP3 converter for Mac guide for format-specific advice on MP3, WAV, FLAC, and AAC.
Why Star Video Downloader vs Other Mac Video Converters
- Offline & private — files never leave your Mac, unlike online converters
- No file size limits — convert 50 GB 4K files without restrictions
- Batch conversion — queue multiple files and convert them all at once
- Powered by ffmpeg — the same industry-standard tool used by professional studios
- $5 one-time — no subscription, no per-file charges
- Also downloads videos — download from YouTube, TikTok, Twitter/X, and 1000+ sites in the same app
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats can I convert on Mac?
Star Video Downloader supports converting between MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WebM, and more. For audio, you can extract to MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and OPUS.
Is the video converter free?
The video converter is included with Star Video Downloader Pro, a one-time $5 purchase. The free tier includes video downloading up to 1080p.
Does it work offline?
Yes. All conversion happens locally on your Mac using ffmpeg. No files are uploaded to any server, and there are no file size limits.
Can I convert MOV to MP4 on Mac?
Yes. Drag your MOV file into the Convert tab, select MP4 as the output format, and click Convert. The conversion is fast and preserves quality.
Convert Videos on Your Mac — No Uploads Needed
Offline. Private. No file size limits. One-time $5 for unlimited conversions.
macOS 14+ • Apple Silicon & Intel • No subscription