Why MOV File Not Compatible with QuickTime Player on Mac (Video Codec: Animation & Apple ProRes)

Learn how the video codec could be preventing the opening of MOV files on a Mac. Details below...

When trying to open an incompatible file, QuickTime will display a message such as...
"The document could not be opened. The file isn't compatible with QuickTime Player."

There are multiple video formats such as H.264 (.mp4) and QuickTime (.mov). Each of these formats contain their own options. QuickTime, for example, includes a Video Codec option. If set to "Animation", the file may not be able to be opened by QuickTime Player. However, changing the Video Codec to something like "Apple ProRes 422 HQ" will create a QuickTime Player compatible file.

Image by:
frank mckenna

[MichaelBullo]

When creating or converting your MOV file, check that the video codec is not set to Animation. Try another codec like Apple ProRes.

[ghost_writr]

Still helping out 8 months later! Great straightforward video, thank you! 🙏🏾 😅

[hsh]

Thank you for your help, because of watching this video I was able to save the video I edited

[fuva]

This is exactly the problem I had, thank you!

[twmusic]

LIFESAVER thank you!! Works with DaVinci Resolve too 😁

[astartus]

What can you do when you need transparency?

[ekphotography]

I have some lectures that are in .MOV that I bought, the icons all have a quick time icon but are not with viewable icon, and when I try to open it with QuickTime is says the file has items that cannot be viewed with QuickTime ? Is there anyway of fixing this? They are not corrupt and they open fine with VLC player but They are textures and I cannot see the Icon preview so I know what the files contains, so I have to open 100 plus .MOV files just to see what they are which is not convenient at all. Mac OS Ventura Here M2 Studio max by the way... Thanks for any suggestion to at least make the files with some kind of Icon that shows what the files is or contains...?

[dabrat]

I recorded the video in photo booth how can I fix that

[svetlanavasic]

I have older macbook
How to resolve same problem

[OnoDiamante]

I'm having trouble when I convert a YouTube video online to download to my MacBook. I'm getting the incompatible with QuickTime Player pop up. This never happened before but I just bought a new Mac. Any advice?

[tdoom]

I don't have any f.... program except my macbook, gopro11 and just want to watch the video on QuickTime. Don't want any after effect. Why is it so hard to do..

[birdsofray]

I’m having a similar problem trying to open Sony A7R5 movie files on Mac. The first time it doesn’t open and get the same error, but if you try to open the same file twice, it does open it on quicktime. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[itsjusts_am]

I can’t even get the mov file into powerdirector. I need some help

[barisveesitlik]

I did screen recording with Quicktime player which I am able to watch all of it, but after I move them into USB I can not pen most of it. It says it is not competble with Quicktime player, but I recorded with that and how come some of them still ok. I don't know what is this After Effects? A tool or what? Anyone can help me with this problem?

[rkkkkkk]

Do you know how to do this in final cut pro? I try exporting it as a YouTube video and its a mov but doesn’t open and i get the same error message. And when i try to upload to YouTube, it doesn’t upload.

[uncletrick]

But WHY can’t it open if the codec was set to Animation?

[AlexJR]

I want to send a copy of an mov file to my usb but the compatibility problem pops up. However, if I open it from my desktop it opens without issue. What should I do?

[arrryan]

ok but is there a way to restore the mov file that cant be opened

[yashawngraham]

How can I prompt that page to change the format??😊

[yashawngraham-rmkv]

What app did u use to change the file ??