# Matrices QuickTime files use matrices to describe spatial information about many objects, such as tracks within a movie. ## Overview A transformation matrix defines how to map points from one coordinate space into another coordinate space. By modifying the contents of a transformation matrix, you can perform several standard graphics display operations, including translation, rotation, and scaling. The matrix used to accomplish two-dimensional transformations is described mathematically by a 3-by-3 matrix. All values in the matrix are 32-bit fixed-point numbers divided as `16.16`, except for the `{u, v, w}` column, which contains 32-bit fixed-point numbers divided as `2.30`. The following figure illustrates the matrix formula QuickTime uses to transform displayed objects. ![An image that shows the matrix formula QuickTime uses to map points from one coordinate space to another. The formula shows a one row, three column matrix with the values x, y, and 1, multiplied by a three row, three column matrix, with the values a, b, and u in the first row, c, d, and v in the second row, and t subscript x, t subscript y, and w in the third row, is equal to a one row, three column matrix with the values x’, y’, and 1.](images/com.apple.qtff/basic-data-type-matrix@2x.png) When you specify a matrix in a movie header atom for a movie atom, QuickTime applies the transformation from the matrix to the atoms included in the movie atom, such as a clipping atom, one or more track atoms, a user data atom, and a color table atom. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)