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How to open and convert MXF files on a Mac (DNxHD, XDCAM, AVC-Intra, FFV1)

5 min read · Checked against Sequency 1.3 · Updated

Short answer

Import the .mxf file into Sequency. If macOS can decode the codec, Sequency uses Apple's decoder; for DNxHD/VC-3, MPEG-2 IMX, DV50, AVC-Intra and FFV1 it switches to its own MXF decoders. Choose ProRes, H.264 or an image sequence and export. Audio can be copied from the source or converted to PCM or AAC.

Steps

  1. 1

    Import the MXF

    Click Import… (⌘I) and choose the .mxf file. Sequency inspects the embedded codec and shows the resolution and frame rate.

  2. 2

    Check the detected encoding

    For MXF sources the settings show the detected scene encoding, so you can confirm what is inside before converting.

  3. 3

    Choose the output

    Pick ProRes 422 for editing, H.264 for review, or Image Sequence for frames.

  4. 4

    Keep the audio

    Open Audio and choose Copy from Source, PCM or AAC.

  5. 5

    Export

    Click Export Selected… (⌘E) or Add to Queue for a batch of files.

Why some MXF files won't open on a Mac

MXF is a container, not a codec. macOS handles ProRes and some DNx variants in OP1a MXF, but many broadcast and archive codecs inside MXF have no Apple decoder at all. Sequency includes its own decoders for the common ones, so the same app can open camera, broadcast and archive MXF.

Codecs Sequency reads in MXF

Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD (VC-3), MPEG-2 IMX (D-10), DV50, Panasonic AVC-Intra, FFV1 archival files, Sony XAVC-style H.264, and ARRIRAW or ARRICORE through the ARRI Image SDK.

Questions

Will my MXF timecode and metadata be kept?
Sequency converts picture and sound. Treat source timecode and other MXF metadata as not carried over in 1.3, and check the output before relying on it.
Can I convert many MXF files at once?
Yes. Import them all, set up each one, and run them from the Queue tab.

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