Mac storage basics · Photos, music and video
How can I make a large video file smaller on my Mac?
Short answer: Right-click the video in Finder and choose Encode Selected Video Files, or use QuickTime's File → Export As at a lower resolution. Keep the original until you've checked it.
You can re-export it at a smaller size without extra software:
- In Finder, right-click the video and choose Encode Selected Video Files… (under Quick Actions or Services), then pick a lower resolution or HEVC.
- In QuickTime Player, choose File → Export As and select a lower resolution.
Re-encoding loses some quality, so keep the original until you've checked the result. For space you need back immediately, moving originals to an external drive avoids any quality loss.