How to Convert Videos with FFmpeg on macOS 10.11 El Capitan

by Brian Fisher • • Proven solutions

What is FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is a free software product used for handling multimedia files. This tool implements a decoder and an encoder, and it enables its users to convert certain files from one format to another. In addition to converting files, this tool can also be used to manipulate audio and video data in order to make the desired changes to a specific file.

Part 1. How Can I Convert Videos with FFmpeg on macOS El Capitan

You can use FFmpeg to convert videos on macOS 10.11 El Capitan. Besides, you can use FFmpeg to change the sampling rate of an audio. For video files, this tool enables its users to change the frame rate or to crop or resize the video file. Here is what you need to do to convert videos on Mac:

Step 1. Launch FFmpeg - Install FFmpeg using Homebrew. In order to convert your video file, you need to open a Terminal window and navigate to the location where your file is. Run FFmpeg on your chosen file.

Step 2. Replace Names and Extension - You need to use a syntax for converting video files. For example, let’s say your video file that needs to be converted is named "file.avi" and you want to convert it to mp4. In this case, you will replace "file.avi" with the name and extension that you want for your newly converted video, "newfile.mp4", for example.

Step 3. Convert - After you finish replacing the name and file extension, the program will start doing the conversion. Once the conversion is finished, you will be able to find the new file in the same directory where the initial file was.

convert videos with ffmpeg

Part 2. Best FFmpeg Alternative to Convert Videos on Mac

If you are looking for the best alternative to use for converting video files on macOS 10.11 El Capitan, then you need to have to look at UniConverter. It has a user-friendly interface and it allows its users to utilize a variety of features aside from converting videos. It offers DVD burning, DVD backup, optimized presets for devices, the download of videos from YouTube and more. The conversion process is very simple. If you are a beginner and have zero experience in file converting before, you can't miss this simple tool. It's designed for every one so that even beginners can use it with ease. The conversion speed is fast and after conversion, the original quality of your videos can be preserved.

Detailed Guide on How to Convert Videos on macOS El Capitan with iSkysoft

Step 1. Import Videos

Download and install iMedia Converter on your Mac. Launch the program and load the video files you plan to convert. You can do it either by dragging and dropping, or by choosing it from the "File" > "Load Media Files" option.

convert videos with ffmpeg macos el capitan

Step 2. Set Output Format

Select the output format for your converted video from the format tray below. You are allowed to convert videos to various formats including MP4, MOV, AVI, M4V, FLV, WMV and others. Here, "MOV" is recommended.

how to convert videos with ffmpeg on mac el capitan

Step 3. Convert

After you choose all the desired settings for your video, you can click on the "Convert" button to start the conversion process. It will only take a few minutes for the process to complete.

ffmpeg convert videos on mac el capitan

Related Articles & Tips

This article will introduce how to convert MKV to MOV on Mac and Windows so that you can smoothly play or edit your video on a Mac computer.
If you want to extract WAV from MOV, then the 7 ways to convert MOV to WAV listed in this article can help you a lot. Let's check them out!
If you find it difficult to play FLV videos on QuickTime, then the most effective way to solve it is to convert FLV to MOV. Read this post and you can turn FLV to MOV easily.
This tutorial introduces 3 viable solutions to convert MOV to WMV in Mac and Windows 10 by using the helpful MOV to WMV converters.

Brian Fisher

staff Editor

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