If you have multiple video clips—such as TV episodes, short clips, or funny videos—you may want to combine them into a single file for easier playback or sharing.
The good news is that macOS provides simple tools to help you merge videos without needing advanced editing skills. In this guide, you’ll learn how to merge multiple videos on Mac using both QuickTime Player (built-in) and Avidemux (free third-party software).
Method 1: Merge Videos on Mac Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is the default media player on macOS. While it is mainly used for video playback, it also includes basic editing features that allow you to merge video clips easily.
Step 1: Open Your First Video
- Launch QuickTime Player
- Open the first video file you want to merge
Step 2: Add More Video Clips
- Click the Edit menu
- Select Add Clip to End…
- Choose the second video file
The second video will be added after the first one in the timeline.
Step 3: Reorder Video Clips (Optional)
Once multiple clips are added:
- The timeline will display thumbnails
- Drag clips to reorder them as needed
Step 4: Export the Final Video
To save your merged video:
- Click File
- Select Export As
- Choose resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p, or 4K)
- Name your file
- Select a save location
- Click Save
Your videos are now merged into a single file.
Method 2: Combine Videos on Mac Using Avidemux
If you need more control, Avidemux is a powerful free video editor that supports merging, cutting, and encoding videos.
Step 1: Install and Open Avidemux
Download Avidemux from its official website and install it on your Mac.
Step 2: Import the First Video
- Open Avidemux
- Go to File > Open
- Select your first video clip
Step 3: Append Additional Videos
- Click File > Append…
- Select the next video file
- Repeat to add more clips
This allows you to combine multiple videos into a single project.
Step 4: Choose Output Settings
Before saving:
- Select output format (e.g., MP4)
- Adjust video/audio settings if needed
Step 5: Save the Merged Video
- Click File > Save
- Choose output folder
- Enter file name
- Save the final merged video
QuickTime vs Avidemux: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | QuickTime Player | Avidemux |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in on Mac | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Moderate |
| Editing features | Basic | Advanced |
| Best for | Simple merging | More control & formats |
👉 If you want a fast and simple solution, use QuickTime.
👉 If you need more control, use Avidemux.
Tips for Better Video Merging
- Keep all videos in the same format for smoother merging
- Use 1080p for best balance of quality and size
- Avoid mixing drastically different resolutions
- Save a backup before editing
Final Thoughts
Merging videos on Mac is simple and does not require expensive software. With QuickTime Player, you can quickly combine clips, while Avidemux gives you more advanced control.
Whether you’re editing personal clips, tutorials, or entertainment videos, these tools make the process fast and beginner-friendly.