8 Best Ways to Convert MXF to MP4 on Mac & Windows

To convert MXF to MP4, follow these steps:

  1. Download and launch Movavi Video Converter.
  2. Add files to the program.
  3. Choose the output format and file size, then start the conversion.
Edited by Ben Jacklin
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You may have seen or even used the MXF file format, one of the less commonly used file types. If you’re unfamiliar with this format, you may be asking, “What is an MXF file?” MXF (.mxf), a file extension that stands for Material Exchange Format, is typically generated by video cameras and recorders, including filming equipment from brands like Canon and Sony. The downside to this file format is that it’s not easy to open on most computers or mobile devices without a compatible media player. If you can’t play an MXF file on Mac/Windows systems, you will need to convert MXF to MP4 or another popular file format such as AVI, WMV, or MOV with a video converter.

If you’re wondering how to convert MXF to MP4, there are plenty of solutions to help you convert MXF to MP4 online or with downloadable software, depending on the type of MXF file converter you prefer.

Program

Platform

OS

Download

Desktop

All Windows versions, macOS 10.7.5 and higher, Ubuntu

Desktop

Windows 10 and higher, macOS 10.13. or higher, Linux

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Best free MXF converters – desktop & online tools

If you want to make MXF files more compatible with Mac and Windows computers or other devices, you will need to use an MXF files converter. MP4 is one of the most popular file formats, and it's compatible with most media players and devices. If you would like to convert an MXF file to MP4, we advise using an MXF-to-MP4 converter. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best tools that let you convert MXF to MP4. We’ve included both desktop apps and MXF-to-MP4 converters online.

OS: Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.13 or higher

For software that’s fast and easy to navigate, consider Movavi Video Converter. This software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can also enable you to convert videos for mobile devices. Using Movavi Video Converter, you can convert your video, audio, and images to more than 180 different file formats. The app provides additional features such as editing and upscaling. You can use the compression feature to reduce the size of your HD or 4K videos and watch them on a mobile device.

Here’s how to use Movavi Video Converter:

  1. Open the app and hit Add Media > Add video to import your files.
  2. On the Video tab, click MP4 and pick the desired preset.
  3. Hit Convert

To read a detailed step-by-step guide, click the link below.

Read the instructions

Pros:

  • Easily convert from MXF to MP4 and hundreds of other file formats

  • Add captions, subtitles, and filters to videos before converting

  • Enjoy faster conversion rates than almost any other option

Cons:

  • No limit to conversion options with the full version

2. VLC

OS: all Windows versions, macOS 10.7.5 and higher, Ubuntu 16.04. and 18.04

While this media player-converter combo is exceptionally convenient, it’s not for everyone. Some may not like its considerably outdated design, and people have experienced specific issues when trying to play DVDs or other media using VLC. If you’re looking for additional editing features that can help optimize conversions, VLC is also limited in this regard as a free conversion software.

Here’s how to use this free MXF-to-MP4 converter:

  1. Run the app and click Media.
  2. From the drop-down list, select Convert / Save.
  3. Click Add and pick your file for conversion, then hit Convert / Save.
  4. Open the Profile list and choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
  5. Click Browse and set the location for export. Make sure the filename ends with .mp4.
  6. Hit Start.

Pros:

  • 100% free, open-source video file format converter

  • Audio and video conversion capabilities

Cons:

  • Slow video processing rates

  • Difficult for newer users

OS: Windows 10 and higher, macOS 10.13. or higher, Linux

HandBrake is a free MXF converter that can work with multiple video formats. The app has many device presets as well, so you can convert your video to a format compatible with a certain device. HandBrake offers a few filters you can apply to your videos. The program is open-source and is available for free. 

To convert files with HandBrake, follow these steps:

  1. Open HandBrake and import your video to the program. You can simply drag and drop your video or use the File button.
  2. Select the option you need from the Format list. 
  3. Click Start Encode.

Pros:

  • Freeware video converter with no watermark

  • Quick and easy for users with experience converting videos

Cons:

  • There’s a learning curve for new users

OS: any (web-based)

One of the most popular options to convert MXF for free online is Online Video Converter, enabling you to convert an MXF file to MP4 and complete other conversions right from their website. Their conversion page is easy to use and navigate, keeping the conversion process simple and straightforward. Online Video Converter facilitates free file conversion, allowing users to change the video format of their video files, or you can use it to convert audio. You never need to download or install any software to use the program; simply use your internet browser and upload your file to the online MXF-to-MP4 converter for free. You can also choose from over 40 file formats, including MXF and other rare formats.

Conversion is safe and secure, as your files are immediately deleted from their server after you’ve downloaded the converted file. You also have the option to convert files from your Dropbox and Google Drive. If you want to edit your videos before converting, you can also adjust audio volume and video resolution. Keep in mind that, like other free online converters, you will need to pay for a paid version or their desktop application to access additional features you won’t get with the free version.

Converting with this online tool is simple:

  1. Open the website, click Add Your Media, and choose the file you want to convert.
  2. From the list of formats, pick the desired options. 
  3. Hit Convert

Pros:

  • Easy online conversion from MXF to MP4 and other formats

  • Includes support for most common video file formats

Cons:

  • Must be connected to the Internet to use it

OS: any (web-based)

If you’re looking for a reliable MXF converter for online use, you can also use CloudConvert. This platform is another safe and dependable website that you can use to upload MXF files and convert them to MP4 or many other formats. It’s easy to use, and its design is similar to that of Online Video Converter and other online converters. Upload your file and select the output format, and choose different options to optimize the video before converting. In addition to converting, you can modify the conversion by editing the video codec, Constant Rate Factor (CRF), preset, profile, width, height, and other aspects depending on your preferences. Like other reliable online converters, it’s safe to use and keeps your data secure. Conversions are also of consistently high quality with every use due to CloudConvert’s partnership with multiple reputable software vendors.

One of the disadvantages of using CloudConvert is that, like nearly any other online MXF converter, free use of the program is limited. If you want to upload files of any size and convert as many files as you want concurrently, you will need to purchase a package or subscription for their services. The paid version also gives users access to other benefits such as customer support, high priority, and a maximum of 5 hours of processing time for conversions.

This is how to convert files with CloudConvert:

  1. On the CloudConvert website, click Select File and pick your MXF video. 
  2. Set the output format next to Convert to.
  3. Click Convert.

Pros:

  • Convert files from MXF to 200 other file formats

  • Enjoy extra security with encryption features

Cons:

  • There’s a cap on how many videos you can convert per day with the free version

OS: any (web-based)

For another free online MXF-to-MP4 converter, you can try FreeFileConvert, which uses a simple three-step process and a simple interface to help you convert your videos. Visiting the FreeFileConvert website, all you need to do is upload the file from your computer, select an output format, and convert. In addition to uploading files from your computer, you can upload files from your Dropbox or Google Drive account. You can choose from many file formats to convert files to, including video, audio, archive, vector, and image formats.

Some disadvantages to this software include the fact that you can only convert up to five files simultaneously, and you can only upload files up to 300 MB, which can be a problem with MXF files that are often larger. Once converted, users can only download the converted file up to five times. There is also a distinct lack of additional features that you would find with other online converters, such as video editing features and the ability to optimize conversions with various specs. Unlike other converters, there isn't a paid version that gives you access to such features, either. However, if you're looking for a bare-bones tool to convert your MXF files, FreeFileConvert is a decent and quick solution.

Follow these simple steps to convert MXF to MP4:

  1. Go to FreeFileConvert and upload your video. Choose the corresponding tab – File, URL, or Cloud – depending on your video source.
  2. Select the desired option in the Output format section. 
  3. Click Convert

Pros:

  • No download necessary

  • Direct video uploads from the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

Cons:

  • Batch conversions are capped at five files

  • You’re limited on how many times you can download a converted file

OS: any (web-based)

Like other online converters, Convertio is straightforward in its design and makes it easy to upload files for a simple conversion process. On the Convertio website, you can choose the file format you would like to convert from and to, and upload files directly from your computer. You also have the option of uploading files via Google Drive, Dropbox, or a URL. You can also drag and drop files into the converter. In addition to converting, you can also access other options to optimize your files. You can modify the MXF codec, profile, level, and advanced features let you resize the file, change the frame rate, rotate, and flip your videos, or you can edit audio. The converter supports many file formats beyond MXF and MP4, depending on your needs.

Unfortunately, like other online video converters, the free version of Convertio is limited. While you can access certain editing features to optimize the conversion, you're limited to a 100 MB file upload size. This is inconvenient for MXF, as these files tend to be larger. However, the free version does still enable you to convert multiple files with batch conversion. Plans for the paid version of the Convertio platform start at $9.99.

To change MXF to MP4 with Convertio, follow these steps:

  1. Open Convertio, click Choose Files, and upload your video. 
  2. Set the output format and adjust other settings if needed.
  3. Hit the Convert button.

Pros:

  • Quick and simple online video file conversions

  • Drag-and-drop upload capability for easy conversions

  • Includes more customizability than a lot of online converters

Cons:

  • Extremely limited free version

  • To convert a video that’s more than 100 MB, you’ll have to use the paid version

OS: any (web-based)

Another simple online MXF converter that features a straightforward design and conversion function is file-converter-online.com. Like other simple online converters, you can easily convert your files in three quick steps. file-converter-online.com features a wide variety of file formats, whether you wish to convert videos, images, audio files, or other file types. Conversions are consistently high-quality, and no registration is needed to access this converter. Its raw, skeletal design may look less reliable, but this website is safe and secure to use and boasts a 256-bit encrypted connection with every conversion.

While this online converter is straightforward to use and supports many file formats, its simple design may not be appealing to some users. There aren’t any editing features available to use for conversions, either. Also, you can only convert one file at a time with the free version. If you want to use the converter to convert multiple files at once, you will need to purchase the platform’s premium version.

Here’s how to convert your video with this online converter:

  1. Go to file-converter-online.com and click Choose Files to import your video. 
  2. Select the export format next to Choose filetype
  3. Click Start Converting!

Pros:

  • Easy three-step online video conversions

  • Support for video, image, and audio file formats

  • Additional security with 256-bit encryption

Cons:

  • Lacks editing features and other tools included with other converters

How to convert MXF to MP4 with Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is a reliable MXF video converter that's easy to use for converting MXF to MP4 or plenty of other formats. To get started, simply download the Windows or Mac version of our software and follow these simple steps.

Step 1. Install the MXF file converter for Windows or Mac

Open the file after downloading it and follow the installation instructions provided.

Step 2. Add your MXF files for conversion

After installing the MXF converter for Mac or Windows, open the program and click on Add Media, followed by clicking Add Video beneath. Choose one or several MXF files that you wish to convert to MP4 or another format.

How to add a video to the Movavi MXF converter

Step 3. Select the output format for your files

Next, select the Video tab and determine which file format you would like for the converted video. To make the file viewable on a mobile device, select the Devices tab and locate the right preset based on your device. The search function allows you to enter the target format or mobile device quickly.

For an easier way to choose the right preset for your video, connect your device to your computer and select the Cell Phone icon in the program.

How to choose an output format to do the MXF-to-MP4 conversion

Step 4. Complete the MXF-to-MP4 conversion

Once you’re ready to start the conversion process, simply click Save to and select the save destination for the converted file. You can choose the default folder or select another folder from there. After choosing the save folder, click Convert to begin converting files from MXF to MP4. Once the conversion is complete, you will be able to access the file on your device and play it or transfer it to another device.

How to convert MXF to MP4 with the Movavi converter

Why do you need an MXF to MP4 converter?

Your device is unable to play the MXF file

MXF files are too large for your device

The MXF file won't upload to YouTube

How to choose an app to convert an MXF file to MP4

If you’re not sure whether to choose a desktop app or an online tool, here are pros and cons that can help you make up your mind. 

Pros and cons of online MXF converters

Pros

  • A majority of online video converters are entirely free to convert all types of video files, with basic features available for free users.
  • Online converters are also usually easy to use and don’t require any installations, which can otherwise be more time-consuming. This means bypassing most instruction guides and tutorials.
  • They’re also easy to share directly with friends, co-workers, or others via email, social media, or messaging apps.
  • Online converters are also powerful and support a wide range of file formats, allowing you to select the best format and video quality for your converted file.

Cons

  • All online converters require an internet connection to function. You will be unable to use them if you don’t have a connection or if your connection isn’t reliable enough to facilitate the conversion.
  • Unlike software, you won’t be able to store converted files for very long on conversion websites. This is usually for the user’s protection as the server deletes the file as soon as possible after conversion to prevent any compromise in data. However, it can be inconvenient if you forget to download the file and need to restart the conversion process.
  • Online converters tend to be slower than software, especially if your internet connection is weak.
  • You won’t likely see as many features for online converters as you would with downloadable programs, but there are some exceptions out there.
  • The file size limit for online converters also tends to be smaller, even for registered users. Otherwise, you may need to sign up for paid plans and subscriptions to access unlimited storage and other benefits.

Pros and cons of desktop MXF converter software

Pros

  • Unlike online converters, you won't need an internet connection to use downloadable converters, with the ability to use them offline at any time.
  • Desktop converters also tend to have more features than online converters and support a wide range of file formats.
  • They can also process large files, whereas you're likely to see more limitations when uploading to servers on a website.
  • Software options also tend to give you access to more adjustment capabilities, allowing you to adjust bitrate, frame rate, and other video and audio aspects to optimize the conversion fully.

Cons

  • You will often need to pay the price for a premium version of the software if you want access to more features.
  • Some software is less accessible and user-friendly than others, requiring some time to become familiar with it or even read detailed instructions.
  • Suppose you’re not using a powerful computer system. In that case, weaker hardware could lead to issues when running specific software, which often requires high-performance systems to perform high-quality conversions and work with large video files.

Convert MXF to MP4 with Movavi Video Converter

If you're looking for the easiest way to convert MXF to MP4, try our reliable MXF converter to see if Movavi Video Converter meets your needs. Download Movavi Video Converter today and install it to find out if it's right for you. Using this software, you can:

  • Convert audio, video, images, and DVDs

  • Experience quick conversion rates without any loss of quality

  • Optimize quality, audio, or trim and join files before starting the conversion

  • Save video and audio files for use on mobile devices

Multifunctional work with media files

VLC

Editor’s rating:

4
/5
Editor's choice

Fast conversion and basic editing

Movavi Video Converter

Simple online conversion

Convertio

Editor’s rating:

4.5
/5

Frequently asked questions

▶️ How do I convert MXF to MP4 online?

There are many tools that let you convert videos online. For example, try Online Video Converter. Converting with this MXF-to-MP4 converter online is simple – just upload your files, select the output format, and start the conversion.

▶️ What is the MXF file format?

MXF is short for Material Exchange Format, which is used by professional recording devices to store digital video and audio.

▶️ Can I upload MXF files to YouTube?

According to the YouTube Help Center, YouTube doesn’t support MXF files. So, if you want to upload an MXF-format media file to YouTube, you need to convert it to a different format, for example, MP4.

▶️ How do I open MXF files?

The MXF file format is limited and won't play on many devices, as it's almost exclusively used to store data on video cameras and recorders. If you want to play an MXF file on Mac or Windows computers, or even mobile devices, you will need an MXF player or a converter. You can use software such as VLC as an MXF player, which will allow you to play MXF along with other rare file formats on nearly any device. However, if you want to make your files universally playable, or if you want to upload them to YouTube, you will require an MXF converter. By converting the file to MP4, MOV, AVI, or another popular file format, you will be able to play the video on computers and mobile devices.

▶️ Why are MXF files so large?

The reason why MXF files are larger than MP4 or MOV is that they usually contain higher-quality video. Since MXF files are used for television, they are compressed using a higher bitrate than regular MOVs and MP4s. However, this only really matters if you want the recording for professional use. If you’re just storing videos on your computer to watch later and MXF files take up too much space, convert the files to а different format or lower the video bitrate.

▶️ Is MXF lossless?

It depends on the video codec an MXF file is encoded with. MXF files can hold RAW-format footage, but also MPEG-1, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4 – one of the lossy-type codecs. So, to find out if your MXF file is lossless or not, you have to look deeper into the information on your file.

▶️ Can Windows Media Player play MXF files?

No, Windows Media Player does not support MXF. To get around this issue, you can install a different player or convert the file to a more widely used format (MP4, for example).

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