Differences between AVI and MOV
Contents
AVI vs. MOV[edit]
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) and MOV (QuickTime File Format) are both digital container formats for video and audio data.[1] Microsoft developed AVI in 1992, while Apple created MOV.[2][3] Both formats are widely used but have key differences in their structure, compatibility, and typical applications.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | AVI | MOV |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft[4] | Apple Inc.[3] |
| File Extension | .avi | .mov, .qt[5] |
| Structure | Based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF). | Based on the QuickTime File Format (QTFF), which uses a structure of "atoms". |
| Video Codec Support | Supports a variety of codecs, including DivX and XviD.[4] | Supports a wide range of codecs, such as H.264, HEVC, and ProRes. |
| Audio Codec Support | Supports multiple audio streams and codecs like MP3 and AC3. | Supports various audio codecs, including AAC, MP3, and PCM. |
| Metadata Support | Limited support for metadata. | Extensive support for metadata, including subtitles and chapter markers.[3] |
| Compatibility | Native to Windows and widely supported on other platforms with the correct codecs.[4] | Native to macOS and iOS devices; compatible with Windows and other systems, often with QuickTime or other players. |
| Typical Use | Standard definition video, general playback, and older applications. | Professional video editing, high-quality video storage, and streaming. |
Technical Differences[edit]
The fundamental difference between AVI and MOV lies in their container structure. AVI is based on the RIFF format, which organizes data into chunks. This structure is simpler but less flexible than MOV's QTFF structure, which uses a hierarchical arrangement of objects called "atoms."[3] This allows MOV files to store various types of media data more efficiently, including multiple video and audio tracks, subtitles, and other metadata.[3]
MOV files generally offer better compression efficiency than AVI, resulting in smaller file sizes for comparable quality, making them more suitable for streaming and online sharing. AVI files, particularly uncompressed ones, can be very large.
In terms of codec support, MOV is generally more versatile, with native support for modern codecs like H.264 and HEVC (H.265). While AVI can also support these codecs, it often requires the installation of third-party codec packs.
Platform and Software Support[edit]
AVI is a native format for Windows, making it highly compatible with Windows-based players and editing software.[4] MOV is the standard for Apple's ecosystem, including macOS and iOS, and is the preferred format for software like Final Cut Pro. While MOV files can be played on Windows, it sometimes requires the installation of QuickTime or a compatible media player like VLC. Both formats are supported by major video-sharing platforms like YouTube.[5]
References[edit]
- ↑ "astropix.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ "fileformat.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "videoexpertsgroup.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "roxio.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "adobe.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
