Convert Incompatible Media

When Sequence prepares media

Some media plays fine but some are awkward for macOS playback. When Sequence detects that a file needs a more compatible format, it opens the Media Compatibility flow rather than letting you continue with unreliable media.

The goal is to create a version of the media that works well with Sequence and editing apps, while keeping your original project relationship intact. The prepared file is tracked in the project metadata so playback, export, relinking, and history can all refer to the right file later.

Remux first

Sequence attempts a remux before falling back to full conversion. Remuxing creates a more compatible wrapper without re-encoding the media itself, so it is usually very fast and retains 1:1 quality with the source.

If remuxing succeeds, the project uses the remuxed file for compatible playback and export. Your original media remains available unless you have explicitly enabled the setting to delete originals after remuxing.

When conversion is needed

If the file cannot be fixed by remuxing, Sequence can convert it to a more compatible MP4. Conversion takes longer because the media is actually being transcoded, so longer videos can take a while.

You can keep working in Sequence while conversion runs. Long-running work appears in the Action Center, and if you enable system notifications Sequence can notify you when the job finishes.

Conversion preferences

In the Media Conversion screen you can set video and audio bitrate manually. If you leave quality on Auto, Sequence chooses settings intended to match the source appropriately rather than forcing you to pick numbers every time.

The Conversion settings also include defaults for remux, conversion, codec options, MP3-to-M4A compatibility conversion, and the destructive option to delete originals after remuxing. Keep that delete-originals setting off unless you are absolutely sure you do not need the source files anymore.

Managing prepared files

Prepared media shows in the metadata area with badges such as Remux or Converted. If you move the prepared file later, use relinking rather than re-running the conversion. If you intentionally want to remove a prepared file, Sequence includes delete actions for remuxed and converted media.