What happens when you convert AVI to MKV
| Inside a typical AVI | MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX/Xvid) or Motion JPEG video with MP3 or AC-3 audio |
|---|---|
| Copy without re-encoding | Yes, almost always: MKV accepts any codec, so streams are copied in seconds |
| When re-encoded | H.264 video with AAC audio |
| Extra tracks | Your file's first video and audio track are kept |
| Opens in | VLC, mpv, Plex and most smart TVs; browsers, iPhones and editors often do not |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
AVI Audio Video Interleave
AVI is Microsoft's 1992 video container. It is still found in old camera footage, DVD rips and legacy Windows software.
AVI converterMKV Matroska Video
MKV is an open container that can hold almost any codec plus multiple audio tracks and subtitles. It is popular for archived films and series.
MKV converterHow to use the AVI to MKV Converter
- 1
Choose a AVI file or drop it onto the page.
- 2
Review the video options. The defaults suit most files.
- 3
Click Convert and download your MKV when processing finishes.
Why convert AVI to MKV?
AVI files come from older cameras, Windows video software and archives from the 2000s. Files are large, streaming support is poor and browsers cannot play it. Choose MKV to repackage video without re-encoding, since it accepts any codec.
Frequently asked questions
Will the MKV lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting re-encodes the data once more. Using a high quality setting keeps the generational loss very small. Avoid converting the same file back and forth repeatedly.
Does converting AVI to MKV re-encode the video?
Yes, almost always: MKV accepts any codec, so streams are copied in seconds. A typical AVI contains MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX/Xvid) or Motion JPEG video with MP3 or AC-3 audio. Otherwise the result is H.264 with AAC audio.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.