Download Permute for Mac

In the edit

You can add a subtitle track to a video without re-encoding the whole thing. That's the kind of feature that tells you Permute was built by someone who actually converts media files for a living. It handles video, audio, and images, and can even pull the audio out of a video and save it as an MP3 or AAC file. The interface is straightforward: drag a file onto the app, pick your output format, and let it do the rest. It supports a long list of formats on both sides, so you're not hunting for a separate tool when someone sends you a WebM or an HEVC file. Because it's a single-developer app, updates tend to be thoughtful rather than overwhelming. Version 4 runs on Apple Silicon and requires macOS 26 or later, which keeps things tight and efficient. It fits neatly alongside the rest of your Mac's media tools.

Requires macOS 26 and Apple Silicon only

Permute 4 is built for Apple Silicon only, so if you're on an Intel Mac, this version won't run. The requirement is macOS 26 or later, which means it's aimed at the latest generation of the operating system. The app itself is a lightweight download — a disk image you mount, then drag into your Applications folder. No installer wizard, no background processes, no login item you need to chase down later.

Because it relies on FFmpeg libraries under the LGPLv2.1, Permute brings a huge range of codec support without weighing down your system with dozens of separate frameworks. The app opens from Launchpad like any other native Mac application, and it sits in your Dock or menu bar only when you need it. There's no background service running when you're not converting files.

If you're running multiple conversion tools at once, Permute handles a queue of files without breaking a sweat. You can drop a folder of mixed media — video clips, audio tracks, images — and set each to a different output format. The app works through them one after another, leaving you free to edit in Capture One or browse Lightroom catalogs while it does its thing.

Drag files from Finder and it picks up the source format

Permute plays well with macOS features you probably use already. Drag a file from the Finder directly onto the Permute window, and it picks up the source format automatically. The output folder defaults to your Desktop or the source file's location, but you can set it to any folder you like before you start the batch.

For wedding photographers, the image conversion side is handy when a client sends you a TIFF and you need a JPEG for a quick proof. Or when you've shot a short video on a second camera and want to merge it with the main footage before handing it off to the couple. The merge feature lets you combine two video clips into one file, which saves a step in Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve.

The subtitle addition feature works with video files that already have a video and audio track. If you've got an SRT file from a transcription service, you can drop it onto Permute alongside the video, and the app bakes it in. No need to open a video editor just for that one task.

Converts files to ISO format for archiving disc images

Permute can convert files to ISO format, which is useful if you're archiving a disc image or preparing something for a client who needs a standard ISO. It's not something you'll use every day, but when you need it, you won't need a separate tool.

You can extract audio from a video file without converting the video itself. So if you've got a wedding ceremony recording and you want just the vows as an audio file for a podcast or a highlights reel, Permute does that in one step. Choose your output audio format — MP3, AAC, or another — and the app handles the rest.

The interface shows you the progress of each file in the queue, and you can add new files while others are still converting. If you realise you forgot a clip halfway through a batch, just drag it in. The app slots it into the queue and keeps going.

Supports HEVC, ProRes, H.264, and more

Can Permute handle the formats I actually use?
It supports a broad range of video, audio, and image formats on both input and output sides. If you work with HEVC, ProRes, H.264, MP4, MOV, or common audio formats like WAV, AIFF, and FLAC, Permute has you covered. The developer's site lists the full set of supported formats, and it's regularly updated as new codecs appear.

Will it work alongside my existing video tools?
Yes. Permute is a standalone app, not a plug-in or a system extension. It doesn't interfere with Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Compressor, or any other video software you have installed. You can use it for quick conversions and keep your editor for the heavy lifting.

Updates come from the same developer, and because it's a single-person operation, the pace of updates tends to be steady without being overwhelming.

Do I need to install FFmpeg separately?
No. Permute bundles the necessary FFmpeg libraries, so everything works out of the box. You just mount the disk image, drag the app to Applications, and open it. No terminal commands, no Homebrew, no extra downloads.

Can I convert a batch of files overnight?
You can load up a queue of files, set the output folder, and let Permute run through them. The app doesn't put your Mac to sleep during conversion, so you can leave it processing while you step away. Just make sure your power settings allow the Mac to stay awake with the lid open or while plugged in.

Mac it needs

• macOS 26 or later
• Apple Silicon