How To Compress Video Files With Apple Compressor, by macmostvideo on YouTube. 12 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start with the highest quality version of your video, such as the original camera clip or the Final Cut Pro or iMovie export. Compressing an already compressed file loses more quality.
Open Compressor and drag your video file into the batch area, or use the Add File button. The clip appears as a job in the batch window.
Select the job and choose a compression preset from the settings panel, such as a smaller resolution or a lower bit rate option. The preset sets the output format and size.
Open the preset settings to fine tune the output. Adjust resolution, bit rate, frame rate and codec until the estimated file size fits your goal.
Save your adjusted settings as a custom preset if you compress files often. Give it a clear name so you can reuse it on later jobs.
Set the export destination by choosing where the compressed file should be saved. Pick a folder you can find again easily.
Click Start Batch to run the compression. Wait for the progress bar to finish before opening the new file.
Compare the original and compressed versions side by side to check quality. If it looks bad, raise the bit rate or resolution and export again.
Tips and common mistakes
Always keep the original file until you have checked the compressed version.
Lowering the bit rate shrinks the file most, but too low a value causes visible blocky artifacts.
Use a custom preset for repeated jobs so you do not redo the settings each time.
You can also set up droplets or watch folders to compress files automatically when they land in a folder.
Questions
Does compressing a video always reduce quality?
Yes, re-compressing loses some quality. Starting from the highest quality source and using a sensible bit rate keeps the loss small.
Can I compress video without Final Cut Pro?
Yes. Compressor accepts files from iMovie, Final Cut Pro or any source, including original camera clips.
What is the quickest way to make a much smaller file?
Lower the resolution and bit rate together in the preset settings. Check the estimated size before you start the export.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
