Skip to content (Press Enter)

How to convert video files: A guide for video creators and reviewers

Convert video files easily with Dropbox’s all-in-one solution for cloud storage, editing, and productivity.
A person checking the footage on their camera in an editing room.

Video creators and reviewers often face challenges when dealing with multiple video files of different types. Collaboration can be hindered by incompatibility issues, and the process of converting video files can be time-consuming and frustrating. Dropbox offers a simplified solution for cloud storage, editing, and productivity—including an easy-to-use video converter.

Why convert video files?

Converting video files can offer a variety of advantages—from reducing file size by compressing them, to upscaling your video files to enhance their quality. You might simply be making your files easier to share by converting them to a different video file type. But there’s more to it than that.

Improves compatibility

By converting your video files, you can ensure your videos can work across platforms (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) and devices. For example, you could convert WMV, WebM or FLV files to widely-used formats like MP4 or MOV.

Reduces file size

Some video file types take up more space than others, and can take longer to upload. That’s far from ideal when you’re out on a shoot and need to upload a brand new set of high quality videos to the cloud. Converting your video files to files of a smaller size reduces the time needed to upload or store videos, simply by compressing them.

Makes it easier to share video files

Although there are ways to share large files quickly, it tends to be easier and quicker to share smaller files with others. With the right software, you can convert and deliver video files to fit any specifications—whether you’re sending it to be reviewed on a Mac, Windows, iPhone or Android device.

A view of files and videos that are saved in a Dropbox folder which can be easily shared.

Ensures your videos are more accessible

Not everyone has top-of-the-line devices to watch your videos on. Converting videos into several resolutions or formats can make them accessible to viewers with older devices, or slower internet connections.

Enables flexible editing

You can easily adapt your videos for different stages of the editing and post-production process by converting them to different file types. For example, convert a high-resolution video for trimming and then convert it back—all within your Dropbox cloud storage.

If you’re using Dropbox Replay, you can even re-upload this new video file to the same Workspace as your original video.

Product UI for Dropbox Replay, showing a Workspace for a video project in Dropbox Replay. Multiple assets are shown, including different pieces of footage, and folders for “Reference material".

It’s a great way to centralize feedback for your video project, so collaborators can add frame-accurate feedback to the latest version of your video.

Gives you the chance to upscale videos

Files can also be converted to enhance video quality using AI upscaling, the process of increasing the resolution of video content. It’s a great way to ensure the time and effort you’ve put into making your videos is rewarded with the highest quality output possible.

How to convert video files with Dropbox

  1. Select the video file you want to convert: Dropbox supports converting from a variety of video formats, including AVI, MP4, MOV, MPEG, and MKV. Once your video is saved in Dropbox, right click on the video, and choose Save as. You’ll be offered the choice to save in a variety of video formats.
  2. Choose the desired output format: Dropbox supports a wide range of formats, including MOV and MP4 for video, and MP3, WAV and M4A for audio.
  3. Start the conversion process: Once the video format is clicked, Dropbox will start converting your video file. The conversion time will vary depending on the size of the file and the selected output format.

You can also use Dropbox to convert video files on your mobile device. Simply open the Dropbox app, select the video file you want to convert, and tap the "Convert" button.

8 features that make converting video files simple with Dropbox

Dropbox does more than store your video files. It can be the home of all your video projects—from automatically uploading files from your favourite video editing apps, to reviewing your videos, and getting feedback. And there are plenty more features that make converting videos with Dropbox a no-brainer.

1. A secure, all-in-one solution

Receive, upload, and convert video files all in one place, safely organized in your cloud storage. There’s no need to mess around with ads and other hassle from free video converters.

2. No need to switch between multiple apps

Dropbox integrates with professional video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, so you can do everything in one place.

3. Easy sharing and distribution

Share converted files with anyone, even if they don't have a Dropbox account.

4. Supports a wide range of video formats

Convert videos to any popular format, including MOV and MP4.

5. Maintains video quality during conversion

Dropbox uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure your videos look their best after conversion.

6. Simple settings for resolution, and more

Easily adjust the resolution, bitrate, and other settings of your converted videos.

7. Video editing features

Trim, crop, or apply filters, without needing to export your video each time.

UI of an MP4 video file entitled “villa-tour-video.mp4” being trimmed and cropped in Dropbox Replay.

You can easily do this with any video file stored in Dropbox. Once it’s ready for another review, you can drop it into a Dropbox Replay Workspace. Reviewers can then use frame accurate commenting to tell you exactly when and where edits need to be made, centralizing all your feedback.

8. Stability and reliability

Dropbox is a reliable and secure platform that delivers consistent results—whatever video conversion you require.

Video file conversion FAQs

How can I change a video file format?

You can change a video file format by using a video converter, such as the one built into Dropbox. Dropbox supports a variety of popular video formats, including AVI, MP4, MOV, MPEG, and MKV.

How do I convert video files to MP4?

The process to convert video files to MP4 is simple with Dropbox. After choosing your video file to convert, simply select MP4 as the output format. Once the conversion is complete, the new video file format is automatically saved to Dropbox where you can then share it with others.

How do I convert iPhone video to MP4?

Converting video files on your iPhone is just as easy with Dropbox. To use the Dropbox app to convert a video file, simply locate the file, then press the "Convert" button.

How do I convert video to MP4 for free?

You can convert video to MP4 for free using Dropbox Basic. Sign up for free to have easy access to video file conversions.

What is the best online video converter?

Dropbox is one of the best online video converters because it is easy to use, supports a wide range of video formats, and produces high-quality results. You can convert video files on the go with the Dropbox mobile app, plus Dropbox Basic includes additional features like cloud storage, file sharing, and file previews.

Take the hassle out of converting your video files, with Dropbox

Dropbox simplifies the process of converting video files, allowing you to handle different file types seamlessly. In moments, you can easily convert videos to any popular format, maintain video quality, and share your converted files with anyone.

Store, convert, and share your video files—all in one place

Get started with Dropbox today