Journalists' Toolkit > Video > How to Convert MOV to AVI

How to Convert MOV to AVI

Windows Movie maker (WMM) cannot import video files with the format MOV.

If you convert the MOV file to an AVI file, however, then WMM can import the new AVI file.

I have tried the free video converter program called RAD Video Tools. You can download it from this page. Please be sure to click the link ON THE LEFT that says "The RAD Video Tools." You do not need to pay for it.

After you download the file (RADTools.exe), you will need to find the file and run it. (This will install the tools in your Program Files folder.) Just accept all the default choices as you run the installation. Do not change anything.

After the installation is complete, you can find the program RAD Video Tools on the Start menu in Windows. (Look inside the folder named Bink and Smacker, as shown below.) Open the RAD Video Tools.

Step 1.

Find the MOV file you want to convert. Select it. Click the Convert a file button shown below (bottom row at left).

Step 2.

There is no need to change a lot of settings. Just CHECK the Output type and make sure it is AVI. Then click the Convert button at right (below).

Step 3.

When the Video Compression dialog box opens, select Microsoft Video 1. Then click OK.

Step 4.

Then wait until the conversion is 100% complete.

That's the end.

The resulting AVI file will be only a little larger than the original MOV file.

You will be able to import this AVI file into Windows Movie Maker for editing.

Journalists' Toolkit > Video > How to Convert MOV to AVI