How to compress a movie for the web using Quicktime Pro

How to compress a movie for the web using QuickTime

OVERVIEW: This tutorial will show you how to take any image sequence or video file on your computer and compress it so that you can post it on the internet. We want the file size to be small so that people with dial-up connections to the internet can view the videos, but we also want the files to look and sound good. Usually a long and boring process of trial and error is needed to figure out the proper settings for any video clip for those new to the web (or video on the web).

This tutorial gives you a place to start. The settings I will suggest are merely a good starting point in which to guarantee cross-platform compatibility, good picture and sound, and small file sizes. I am using QuickTime Pro because the player is a FREE download, works well on all platforms, and the Pro version is only $30 (US). Even better results can be had using Discreet's Cleaner, but that program is not as accessable to everyone. Similar settings in cleaner will get the same results, but give smaller files.

I will use many images so that it is easy to follow along. My images are using Mac OSX, but the menu items are the same for windows users, they're just not as easy on the eye.

TUTORIAL: First, you will need to have QuickTime installed on your computer. Most computers should already have QuickTime installed; however if you do not please download it for FREE here: http://www.apple.com/quicktime

To get the Pro version simply goto QuickTime's preferences, and then to "Registration". Click "Register online" and follow the instructions to obtain a key.

• Here are the settings that we are going to use. If you know how to use QuickTime already and just need some help with the compression settings this will be a great starting point for you, and you probably don't need to read through the tutorial.

Video Settings:

Audio Settings (if using audio):

and finally, prepare it for Internet Streaming with a fast start. If you think you will benefit from the rest of this tutorial please continue to the next page.