Video doesn’t open or import correctly (HEVC / H.265) – Windows
If video files don’t open or fail to import on macOS, they may be encoded using the H.265 (HEVC) codec.
On macOS, converting HEVC files to H.264 may help them open and edit more reliably in Movavi.
This article explains how to convert HEVC files using built-in macOS tools.
On macOS, converting HEVC files to H.264 may help them open and edit more reliably in Movavi.
This article explains how to convert HEVC files using built-in macOS tools.
Common symptoms
You may notice one or more of the following issues:
- the video doesn’t import into the program
- an error appears when opening the file
- the file is added, but does not open correctly
- previously recorded videos don’t work, while others do.
Why this happens
H.265 (HEVC) is widely used by phones and cameras, but:
macOS includes a built-in conversion tool that allows you to re-encode HEVC files without installing additional software.
- compatibility depends on how the file was encoded
- some HEVC files are not decoded correctly inside editing software
- converting the file to H.264 resolves the issue in most cases
macOS includes a built-in conversion tool that allows you to re-encode HEVC files without installing additional software.
Quick fix (start here): convert the file using macOS
Step 1: Select the video files
Step 2: Convert the files
- Locate the HEVC video files in Finder
- Select one or multiple files
Step 2: Convert the files
- Control-click (right-click) the selected files
- Choose Encode Selected Video Files
- Select H.264 as the codec
- Choose the resolution you need
- Click Continue
Step 3: Wait for the conversion to finish
- Wait until macOS completes the encoding process.
- Import the converted files into Movavi.
Important notes
- The conversion process may take time depending on file size and resolution.
- If you try to import the file before conversion is finished, you may see a “Cannot open files” error.
- This does not indicate a problem with Movavi.
Check conversion progress
If you are unsure whether conversion is complete:
- Click the status icon (cogwheel) in the top-right corner of the macOS menu bar.
- Make sure the encoding task has finished before importing the file.
Learn more
For additional technical details, see:
- HEVC overview: https://movavi.io/what-is-h265-en/
When to contact Movavi Customer Service
Contact Movavi Customer Service if:
Include:
- the converted H.264 file still doesn’t open
- the issue affects different formats, not only HEVC
Include:
- your macOS version
- the file and its format and source
- a brief description of the issue
- screenshots of the issue
+1-855-5220335
The phone is available Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to midnight UTC / 01:00 AM to 05:00 PM PST
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