Export Formats: Choosing the Right Output for Your Recordings
Understand video and audio export formats for screen recordings. Learn about MOV, MP4, HEVC, H.264, and when to use each format for different workflows.
Choosing the right export format ensures your recordings work seamlessly with your editing software, distribution platform, and storage constraints. Here’s a comprehensive guide to export formats.
Container Formats
Container formats wrap your video and audio data into a single file.
MOV (QuickTime)
Apple’s native container format, ideal for Mac workflows.
Best for:
- Editing in Final Cut Pro
- Professional video production
- Preserving maximum quality
Advantages:
- Supports all major codecs
- Excellent metadata support
- Perfect for SMPTE timecode
- Native macOS compatibility
MP4
The most universal container format.
Best for:
- Web distribution
- Cross-platform sharing
- Streaming platforms
Advantages:
- Universal compatibility
- Smaller file sizes
- Supported everywhere
BWF (Broadcast Wave Format)
Professional audio format for audio-only recordings.
Best for:
- Audio-only recordings
- Professional audio workflows
- Broadcast standards
Advantages:
- Embedded timecode
- Metadata support
- Industry standard for broadcast
Video Codecs
Codecs determine how your video is compressed and stored.
H.264 (AVC)
The most compatible video codec.
Characteristics:
- Universal playback support
- Efficient compression
- Excellent quality
- Supports up to 4K
Use when:
- Maximum compatibility needed
- Sharing with others
- Uploading to any platform
H.265 (HEVC)
Next-generation compression, about 50% more efficient than H.264.
Characteristics:
- Smaller files at same quality
- Better for 4K content
- Hardware acceleration on Apple Silicon
- Some compatibility limitations
Use when:
- File size is a concern
- Recording 4K content
- Working in modern workflows
Audio Formats
AAC
Standard audio codec for video.
- Part of MP4/MOV files
- Good quality at low bitrates
- Universal compatibility
PCM (Uncompressed)
Lossless audio for maximum quality.
- Large files
- Perfect quality
- Best for professional workflows
BWF Audio
Broadcast Wave Format for professional audio.
- Embedded timecode
- Professional metadata
- Industry standard
Choosing the Right Format
For YouTube/Web
Container: MP4 Video: H.264 or H.265 Audio: AAC at 320kbps
YouTube re-encodes everything, so high-quality source material ensures the best final quality.
For Professional Editing
Container: MOV Video: HEVC Audio: PCM or BWF
These formats preserve quality through the editing process. NLEs like DaVinci Resolve can transcode to ProRes on import if needed.
For Multi-Camera Sync
Container: MOV with embedded timecode Video: Your preferred codec Audio: BWF for audio-only sources
SMPTE timecode enables frame-accurate sync in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
For Archive
Container: MOV Video: HEVC or high-quality H.264 Audio: PCM
High-quality source material can always be re-encoded for different purposes.
PixelRecorder Export Options
PixelRecorder provides flexible export options:
Video Streams
- MOV container
- H.264 or HEVC codec
- Embedded SMPTE timecode
- Multiple quality settings
Audio Streams
- BWF format
- PCM audio
- Embedded timecode
- Professional metadata
Multi-Stream Recording
Each stream can have independent settings:
- Different resolutions per stream
- Different codecs per stream
- Synchronized timecode across all streams
Quality vs File Size
Here’s a general comparison (1 hour, 1080p):
| Format | Approximate Size |
|---|---|
| H.264 High Quality | 3-6 GB |
| H.265 High Quality | 1.5-3 GB |
Conclusion
Choose your format based on your workflow:
- Delivering final content: H.264 in MP4
- Professional editing: HEVC in MOV
- Multi-camera sync: MOV with SMPTE timecode
- Audio-only: BWF with timecode
PixelRecorder embeds SMPTE timecode in all recordings, ensuring frame-accurate sync regardless of which format you choose.