There must be many situations where you need to compress a video on Mac.

Free and open source video encoding tool for Mac, Windows and Linux. Compress a video on Mac with HandBrake by adjusting video preset, resolution, file parameter and more. Convert and compress video files in bulk. Safe to download and use the HandBrake for Mac version; Cons: Not a simple to use HandBrake video compressor on Mac. HandBrake is a tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs. Reasons you’ll love HandBrake: Convert video from nearly any format; Free and Open Source; Multi-Platform (Windows, Mac and Linux) Download HandBrake 1.3.3 (Other Platforms) It's free!

• You want to share a video with friends via email or social media, but its size exceeds the limit.
• You need to playback some large UHD videos, but find it plays extremely laggy on Mac.
• Large amounts of video files almost run out the Mac storage.
• and so on.

But the real question is how to compress a video on Mac on earth? Most importantly, how to make videos files smaller on Mac while retaining its original picture quality as much as possible. Don't worry, because this is just what this tutorial focuses on. Keep reading to learn 3 different ways to compress video files on Mac without sacrificing picture quality.

How to Compress a Video on Mac without Qulaity Loss - The Easiest and Fastest Method

VideoProc is a one-stop video processing software application. It can compress, convert, record, and edit 4K UHD videos, DVDs and music easily at GPU fully accelerated speed on Mac and Windows. This handy video compression software on Mac comes with an extremely straightforward interface that enables you to easily compress videos in batch or separately within a simple move of your mouse.

Why Should you Use VideoProc to Compress a Video on Mac?

Download Video Compressor For Pc Free

• Smaller in size but higher in quality. While saving the memory space, VideoProc also contrives to minimize the loss of the image quality to the least standard. It even makes it possible to compress a video by 90% without lossing it's quality.
• Fast in speed. VideoProc takes advantage of the full-GPU accelerated tech to deliver up to 47 times faster compression speed than the real-time playback. It works smoothly even on an out-of-date Machine.
• Diverse in format. It supports for hundreds of different video or audio formats. All common resolutions are supported, including 8K 4320P, 4K 2160P and HD 1080P and etc. More than 80 input video formats like AVI, FLV, MP4, DVDs, and some other formats are supported.
• Multitask. VideoProc supports to import more than one video at a time. And it holds the ability to manage all these videos at the same time. Thus make this decent Video compressor on Mac super handy to use.

How to Compress a Video on Mac Using VideoProc?

1. Import the video.

Go to the official site and free download VideoProc on your MacOS, and then install it. Launch it up, click the +Video or +Video Folder button to import a video or multiple videos. You can also directly drag the videos to the app.

2. Set the compression parameter.

Short of time? You can hit on Target Format, select MP4 HEVC, and click on Run to active VideoProc compress your video file on Mac. From our test, it is possible to compress the video size by over 90%. With the support of GPU acceleration, the whole process costs only minutes. Plus, VideoProc can retain the original picture quality thanks to the application of the x265 high entropy codec algorithm.

Assume you want to take full control over the parameters of VideoProc, click the Codec option on the top right corner of the page, and there you can get 6 methods to compress the video:

• Move the quality slider to left.
• Chang the video codec to HEVC.
• Set up a lower resolution.
• Decrease the frame rate.
• Enter a lower Bit Rate value.
• Enlarge the value of GOP.

Bonus: You can also resize the file by cropping, trimming, splitting or cutting a video on mac.

3. Start the compression of video on mac.

After setting all those parameters, click the RUN button to start compressing a video on Mac.

How to Compress a Video on Mac Using iMovie?

If you've ever used this build-in editing software on Mac, you probably wondered at some times, 'Is it possible to compress my video with iMovie?'. Yes, Absolutely. iMovie is typically developed for making simple video edits, but it can also be utilized to compress videos on Mac.

iMovie compresses your video on mac with the help of CPU only. iMovie might burst up the CPU usage rate to 80% or even higher. Thus means, during the long compression process, it's barely possible to launch up another program.

Step 1. Launch up iMovie on your Mac. Drag and drop the video files that you'd like to compress to iMovie. Alternatively, you come to its top menu bar, find out File, and click this. Hit Import Media to add source videos to iMovie.

Step 2. Once the video is successfully loaded to the video editing screen, you click on File and choose Share. You now obtain a few different ways to share videos, but what you should pick is Export File.

Step 3. The small new window displays the duration, file size, description, tags, format, resolution, quality information of the chosen video. To shrink a video size, you can:

• Reduce the resolution: Hit the down-triangle button next to Resolution to select a lower resolution.
• Select a lower quality: Tap the down-triangle button next to Quality, and pick up the proper one.
• Set the Compress mode as Faster.

Note: Though a low resolution, quality grade, and fast compression speed refers to smaller video file size, these can bring visible quality loss. Thus, don't let the resolution go lower than 720P, or set Low as the quality grade.

4. Hit on Next as soon as you have made up proper settings. On the new panel, you can change the export file name, and it's output folder if necessary. After that, click on Save.

How to Compress a Video on QuickTime Player?

QuickTime Player, as its name implies, servers as a multiple media player to play videos in various formats on your Mac. However, it is also capable of compressing your videos. Unlike VideoProc that allows you to compress a video by changing video formats, bitrate, and other properties, QuickTime doesn't leave you much room to adjust the output video size. This built-in program on Mac only allows you to shrink the video by exporting the original video at a lower resolution. How about the picture quality of the yield out video? Unfortunately, visible quality loss is hard to avoid.

The range of QuickTime supports formats is very limited. In most cases, it only enables you to compress videos that are in MPEG-2/4 or H.264 codec without a/v out-of-sync or black screen errors.

Step 1. Open up QuickTime on your Mac to enter the main interface. Hit File > Import to load the original video to this program.

Step 2. Hit File > Export As to obtain the 5 common resolution options, 4K, 1080P, 720P, 480P, and audio only. Suppose the original video files are in 4K, there you're advised to select 1080P or 720p.

Step 3. Suppose you choose the 4K or 1080P, we suggest you choose HEVC as the video file format by checking the HEVC option. If you select iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV…, you'll be lead to the Save your movie panel. Pick up the devices that will be utilized for watching the video, and then click on Save.

Step 4. Enter the name for the compressed video file, assign the destination file folder for holding the final video, and hit Save to let QuickTime Player starts to compress the video on Mac.

by Christine Smith • 2020-10-28 17:37:42 • Proven solutions

'How do I reduce the size of a video on Mac?'

The need for video compression arises with the development of 4K video and HD video technology. Smaller sized videos are easy to manage, share over email, internet, and other means, and create additional storage space for smartphones and computers. On your Mac system, whatever might be the storage, you will frequently face memory issues. For creating more space on your Mac, it's necessary to compress video on Mac using professional tools. The following part of the article discusses the top 10 video compressors for Mac free online and desktop with pros and cons.

Part 1. The easiest way to compress videos on Mac in batch and no quality loss.

There are myriad options available when it comes to video compression tools and one of the best in the list of Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate). It is a complete video toolbox that performs an array of functions like video conversion, video compression, video transfer, DVD burning, video editing, and video downloading. The program supports over 1000 formats for conversion and also facilitates device-specific format conversion. This video compressor app Mac compresses video by changing its size, bit rate, resolution, and frame rate.

Wondershare UniConverter - The best video compressor for Mac (Catalina included)

• Compress video size automatically or manually by adjusting video parameters for Mac.
• Convert videos in batch on Mac in 1000+ formats, including MP4, MOV, WMV, FLV, AVI, MPG, etc.
• Reduce video size by customizing video resolution, file size, bitrate, quality, format without losing quality.
• Edit, enhance, and personalize your video files before compression.
• Burn video to playable DVD with attractive free DVD templates.
• Versatile toolbox combines video metadata fix, GIF maker, DVD burner, and screen recorder.
• Supported OS: Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista.

Steps to compress videos on Mac in batch and without losing quality:

Step 1 Launch the best video compressor for Mac and add files.

After downloading and installing Wondershare UniConverter on your Mac, open the program. From the Video Compressor tab, click the Document icon to add files. Then, a file explorer window will open from where you need to browse and add desired video files from your Mac. Multiple files can be added here.

Step 2 Settings for batch compression.

If you want to compress all videos by one click, click the Reduce File Size button to choose the size that you need to compress.

Tips: The step above can change all added files settings for batch compression, if you want to customize the video compression settings separately, click the Setting icon for each video file and you'll get a small window to reduce video size. From where, you can compress the video size by changing file size, video resolution, bitrate, output format, and more others.

Step 3 Compress videos on Mac.

Now you can see the change in video size. If you're satisfied with the output video size, go to the File Location tab, and select the location you want to save the compressed video file on Mac. Finally, hit Start All to start compressing the video on Mac.

If you want to compress a video separately with much easier steps, you can move to How to Compress A Video Within 3 Steps on Mac >> to learn more.

Part 2. Top 4 free video compressors for Mac.

Besides professional software, there are many free video compressors for Mac available as well. These free tools are pocket-friendly and support decent video compression features. Below recommended are some free video compression tools for Mac.

1. Mac Finder

If you are looking for a simple, easy, and straightforward solution to compress your video files, Mac Finder is a good choice. This built-in Mac tool is majorly used for accessing different programs of Mac, but there is a lot more that can be done using this app, including video compression. Using Mac Finder, you can change the bitrate, frame rate, resolution, codec, and the quality to shrink the video size. Mac Finder is a fast video compression method that also allows video customization and other functions. It has to be noted here that Mac finder allows converting and compressing only MOV files.

Steps on how to compress video with Mac finder

Step 1: Open the Mac Finder app on your Mac system. You can either click on the app icon present on the desktop to launch a new window or use the Command tab and then Command-N to open it.

Step 2: Next, you need to locate the video files that you want to compress. Either enter the file name and use the search option or browse through the files in different folders using the tabs present on the left column.

Step 3: Once you have found the desired files, you need to open the menu options by hitting Control + click on the file. From the available options, select Encode selected video file.

Step 4: A new Encode Media window will open to set the output video options. Change the file parameters from the given choices in their drop-down menu. Change the resolution or select from converting to Apple ProRes or audio-only format. Here you also need to choose the destination folder of the file. If you intend to keep the same folder, check the same as the source file box. After you are done with all settings, click Continue to proceed.

Step 5: Finally, click OK to start the file conversion and compression process. Depending on the file size, pixels, quality, audio rate, bitrate, and codec, the speed and rate of the process will vary. Once the compression is complete, you will be notified of the same.

2. Handbrake

Handbrake is another commonly used tool that allows performing an array of functions, including video compression. It is a cross-platform program that works on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. Handbrake is a free and open-source program that facilitates video compression by either selecting the video presets or changing the file parameters manually.

Steps to compress video Mac handbrake

Step 1: Download, install and launch a video compressor Mac handbrake on your system. Click the Source button on the top-right corner to browse and add the desired video files.

Step 2: Once the file is added to the program interface, click Browse under the Destination tab, select the output file name and the location where you want to save the file. Click Save to confirm.

Step 3: At the Output Settings: option select the format of the output file. Next, select the video codec from the given options. From the Presets Drawer, choose the High Profile preset. Alternatively, you can also open it from the top menu bar by clicking Window> Presets Drawer. Next, select the Frame rate, average bitrate, and other parameters.

Step 4: In order to change the resolution or the frame size of the video, click Picture Settings that will open a new dialog box.

Step 5: Once all settings are done, click the Start the button on the top menu bar that will start the video compression process. Once the process is complete, you will be notified of the same.

3. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a popularly used app on Mac, and in addition to viewing the videos, the program also supports shrinking them. This free video compression method is simple and easy to use.

Steps to compress video using QuickTime Player

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player of QuickTime Pro app on your Mac system. If it is already not present, you can download and install the same.

Step 2: Open the video that you want to compress on your QuickTime Player. Click the File Menu from the top bar and select the Share option.

Step 3: A new dialog box will open from where select the Email tab. At the Name option, select the desired name of the output file. Under the size: tab, select the desired option from the given options. A summary of the output video on the dialog box will appear showing FPS, compression codec, audio compression type, and others. The estimated post-conversion size of the video will also be shown.

Step 4: Once all settings are done, and you are fine with the same, click Share to start the process. A progress bar will also appear.

Step 5: Once the video is successfully exported in QuickTime Player, Mac Mail will automatically open as an Email option was selected. The converted video will be embedded in the email message body. To extract the video as a usable file, you can either drag and drop it from your email to your desired location on Mac or can choose the file and select Save Attachment to store it on your Mac.

4. iMovie

iMovie is a popularly used video editing tool for Mac and iOS devices. The program also facilitates shrinking your videos quickly and straightforwardly. This app is included for free in all your Mac systems and thus proves to be a free compression tool.

Steps to compress video Mac iMovie

Step 1: Launch the iMovie app on your Mac system. Search for Projects/Library menu and click + button. Next, select the Movie option and then select the desired theme or No Theme option. Give a name to your file.

Step 2: To add the video that you want to compress, click the downward-facing arrow on the upper left-hand corner. Alternatively, you can also hit the Import Media button and then browse and add the desired files.

Step 3: Next, to compress the added video, click the box with the arrow sticking out of it on the top-right –hand side corner and select file from the options. Alternatively, you can also use the menu bar by clicking the File > Share > File option. Now select the settings for the video to shrink the file size, lower the quality and the resolution. Click Next to move ahead.

Step 4: Give the desired file name and choose the location where you want to save the compressed file. Click Save. The added video will be compressed and saved at the mentioned Mac location.

Part 3. 5 online video compressors for Mac.

If you occasionally need to compress videos and do not want to download or install software on your Mac, online tool proves to be a good alternative. The online programs are simple, need no installation, can work from your browser directly, and are mostly free to use. A roundup of top video compressor Mac online is listed below to help you make a choice.

1.Clideo Online Video Compressor

URL: https://clideo.com/compress-video

Clideo Online Video Compressor is an online tool that facilitates video compression by one-click. A maximum of up to 500MB file size can be uploaded to the program interface. In addition to Mac, the converted and compressed file can also be saved on online storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Steps to Compress Video

● Step 1: Launch the website https://clideo.com/compress-video on your Mac. Click Choose file to add videos from your Mac. You can also add the file URL for conversion.

● Step 2: Wait a few moments while the tool is setting up the necessary parameters for the video.

● Step 3: Watch the preview to make sure everything is fine. If it's so, download the video, otherwise, go back to editing.

2. Ezgif

URL: https://ezgif.com/resize-video

This simple to use online video resize is free and facilitates compressing an array of video formats including WebM, MOV, FLV, MP4, and others. You can either add the videos from your Mac or even paste its URL for compression purposes.

Steps to compress video:

● Step 1: Open https://ezgif.com/resize-video on your Mac browser. Click Choose file to browse and add videos from your system. You can also paste the video URL if needed.

● Step 2: Click Upload video! Once the video is successfully uploaded, a new window will open. Select the new width, height, and percentage of the video. Also, select an output format and encoding option from the drop-down menu.

● Step 3: Finally, click the Resize Video button to start the video compression process.

The link for uploading a compressed video will appear on the software interface itself.

3. CompressVideo

URL: https://clideo.com/compress-video

CompressVideo is another commonly used online video compressor for Mac. It allows reducing the file size of AVI, MP4, WMV, MKV, and other file formats while maintaining decent quality. The program helps to shrink file size by reducing its bitrate and scaling its width. The program is quick and features a simple interface. A maximum of 150MB of files can be uploaded to the program.

Steps to compress video:

● Step 1: Open https://clideo.com/compress-video on your Mac browser.

● Step 2: Click Browse to search and add videos from your system.

● Step 3: Select to reduce video width from options on the drop-down menu. Click Compress Video, and the process of file uploading and compression will start.

4. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a commonly used online video shrinker Mac that is easy to use and comes with an array of features. The program supports adding videos up to 20GB size for compression. There are many presets available which automatically resizes files for social media, web, and other use. The online converter supports an array of file formats and resolutions, and the program never has access to our videos, thus maintaining your privacy. Batch processing is also supported.

Steps to compress video

● Step 1: Launch Clipchamp on your Mac system. Import the video from your Mac that you want to resize.

Handbrake Video Compressor For Mac Free Download

● Step 2: Select the Output settings that lead to file size reduction.

● Step 3: Hit Start to begin the compression process.

Once the file is resized, you can save it or also share it as needed.

5. Videosmaller

URL: http://www.videosmaller.com

VideoSmaller is another free to use video size compressor Mac that allows shrinking different video formats in decent quality output. A maximum of 500MB file size can be uploaded to the interface for video compression. The tool also has an option to use low compression levels and shrinks video by reducing the width.

Steps to compress video:

● Step 1: Runhttp://www.videosmaller.com/ on your Mac browser. Hit Browse to search and import videos to be compressed.

● Step 2: From the drop-down menu, select the file width to resize it. Also, it enables users to use a low compression level if needed. There is also an option to remove the audio from the video.

● Step 3: Click Upload Video. The program will start uploading the video, and the file compression process will begin.

On process completion, the compressed files can be downloaded from the interface.

Free Video Compressor Download

Part 4. External tips for Mac video compression settings.

Best Video Compressor For Mac

Generally, video shrinking or compression means getting rid of the unwanted or unnecessary part of your video to reduce its size. The quality of the original video is considerably affected by reducing its size. So if you are looking for ways to shrink your MP4 video size without affecting its quality, listed below are some useful tips.

● Tip 1: Compressing your videos to smaller-size formats is an excellent way to maintain video quality while reducing its size. Some recommended formats are HEVC H.265, H.264, M4V, and MOV.

● Tip 2: Another way to maintain video quality during compression is to adjust the slide bar of LQ-HQ. You can also opt for Use High-Quality Engine option in the advanced setting area.

● Tip 3: Compared to the default video, lower the video resolution and its bitrate by 20-50%. A smaller sized video has a lower bit rate.

Download Video Compressor For Pc

Wondershare UniConverter is the best video compressor for Mac, as it not only provides a faster speed and better quality but also gives more related functions such as video editing. Enjoy compressing video size on Mac without any limitation using Wondershare UniConverter.