Starting your editing experience on a Mac can initially be overwhelming, especially if you don't have the right tools to achieve the desired goals. We've prepared step-by-step guides to the most famous editing solutions to help you navigate the editing experience and start mastering your skills.
We'll present built-in and downloadable software so you can choose the methods that best meet your video editing needs. Check out the overview below to determine your ideal way to edit MP4 on a Mac.
| MP4 Editor | Type | Features | Best for |
| Wondershare Filmora | Third-party software | AI color correction, object remover, standard editing (e.g., splitting, cropping, trimming), audio editing, animations, keyframing, etc. | Professional MP4 editing |
| iMovie | Third-party software | Speed adjustment, effects, transitions, text, video splitting, etc. | Quick edits |
| QuickTime Player | Built-in software | Video splitting, cutting, trimming, and rotation | Essential editing needs |
How to Edit MP4 on a Mac Using Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is an advanced video editor everyone can use. Whether a beginner or a professional, you can create the best results with this software and make your visions come to life.
That is possible thanks to advanced AI algorithms and features, helping you cut production time and reach your goals in minutes.
The best part about this MP4 video editor for Mac devices is that it's intuitive, so you won't need technical experience to use the available features and master your skills.
Therefore, download Filmora to your Mac and let the assistant help you discover and use all the available features.
We'll present several MP4 editing examples below to help you start:
- Open Filmora and click New Project.
- Import your MP4 file by dragging and dropping it into the Media panel.
- Drag the video to the timeline to start editing.
- Right-click the video and select Split from the context menu to cut the recording.
- Right-click the part of the MP4 file you want to remove and click Cut.
- To crop the video, click the Crop button in the timeline bar and select the desired aspect ratio. You can also choose Custom and drag the Height and Width handles before clicking Apply.
- You can save time by using the Auto Enhance feature to improve the quality of your MP4 file. You only need to click your video, go to Video > Basic in the Properties panel, toggle Auto Enhance, and adjust the level.
- Head to Tools > Audio > AI Text-Based Editing and wait for the program to transcribe your video. Then, use text prompts to edit your MP4 files on a Mac.
- Click the AI Object Remover in the toolbar and brush over the object you want to remove from your video.
- Head to Video > AI Tools and toggle Stabilization to make your video less shaky.
These are just some features you can use to make your videos more professional. To get the whole experience, check out the detailed Wondershare Filmora guide and see everything this MP4 editor offers.
How to Edit MP4 on a Mac Using iMovie
iMovie is an app specifically for Apple devices. It's a straightforward editing solution to add effects, crop and trim videos, etc. Since it doesn't provide many advanced and professional features, it's ideal for personal use or those who want to improve their video editing skills.The best part is your Mac already has iMovie. If you've removed it at some point, download it from the Mac App Store (it's entirely free) and follow the steps below to start your editing experience:
- Open iMovie and click Create New > Movie.
- Import your MP4 file into iMovie.
- Drag the clip to the timeline to start the editing process.
- To trim your video, drag its edges on the timeline.
- Open the Transitions menu in the top bar and choose a template to connect your videos seamlessly.
- Head to Titles and choose a font and animation for your text.
- Click the Export button in the top right corner of the screen and choose what to do with your video. You can email it, share it on social media, or save it to your Mac.
As you can see, iMovie is straightforward, but you may need time to adjust to the features and get the hang of all the tools. You can watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to navigate the app and get the most out of your iMovie MP4 editing experience on a Mac.
How to Edit MP4 on a Mac Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in multimedia player on all Mac devices. Many people use it daily to rewatch their favorite content, but little do they know they can edit their MP4 files using this app.
However, the editing feature list isn't extensive, and you can perform only elementary edits if you opt for this app. It's ideal if you need quick edits before sharing your favorite video files with friends and family. You shouldn't expect professional results from this simple editing solution.
We'll present several editing tools you can use in QuickTime Player to help you navigate the experience and learn about the lesser-known elements:
- Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.
- Head to File > Open File and select an MP4 video.
- Click Edit in the top bar and choose Trim from the context menu.
- Drag the yellow handles at the beginning and end of your video to trim it.
- Go to Edit and select a rotation type from the available options.
- Click Edit > Split Clip to cut your video into multiple clips, making the editing experience more efficient.
- Click File > Save to apply the changes, and hit the Export button to share your creation.
As you can see, QuickTime Player doesn't have many editing capabilities but can meet essential needs without requiring you to download anything. The best part is you can use keyboard shortcuts to access all the features, as you can see next to the editing options in the images above.
Conclusion
Editing MP4 files on a Mac can be a piece of cake. You only need a proper video editing solution to suit your needs and help you achieve the desired results.
The three solutions above offer professional, medium, and entry-level editing (respectively), so pick the best one for your needs and preferences. Whether you choose Wondershare Filmora, iMovie, or QuickTime Player, you can quickly edit MP4 files on a Mac.
If you're unsure which solution to pick for your editing experience, start with Wondershare Filmora. It provides everything you need to reach the desired results, regardless of your skill levels and needs. The best part is that mastering your skills and becoming a video editing professional will take only a few minutes.
