Video Converter

Convert video formats, compress videos, and extract audio. Works in your browser.

Video Converter Tool

Note: Browser-Based Conversion

This tool uses your browser's capabilities. For advanced conversions (format changes, codecs), we recommend desktop software like HandBrake or FFmpeg.

What this tool can do:

  • Preview videos
  • Extract video information (duration, size, type)
  • Analyze video metadata
  • Check video compatibility

Recommended Desktop Tools

For Professional Video Conversion:

  • HandBrake - Free, open-source video transcoder (handbrake.fr)
  • FFmpeg - Command-line tool for video processing (ffmpeg.org)
  • VLC Media Player - Can convert videos (videolan.org)
  • CloudConvert - Online service for format conversion

Common Conversions:

  • MP4 to AVI
  • MOV to MP4
  • AVI to MP4
  • MKV to MP4
  • Extract MP3 from video

Video Compression Tips

  • Use H.264 codec for best compatibility
  • Lower resolution (1080p to 720p) reduces size significantly
  • Reduce bitrate for smaller files
  • Use MP4 format for web videos
  • Remove audio if not needed

Complete Guide to Video Conversion

Understanding Video Formats

Video formats can be confusing, but understanding the basics helps you choose the right one for your needs. A video file contains both video and audio streams, compressed using specific codecs and wrapped in a container format.

MP4 (MPEG-4): The most universal format, supported by virtually all devices and platforms. Uses H.264 or H.265 codecs for excellent compression while maintaining quality. Perfect for sharing videos online, uploading to social media, or playing on any device. This is your go-to format in most situations.

AVI (Audio Video Interleave): An older format developed by Microsoft. Offers high quality but results in very large file sizes. Still used in professional video editing but not ideal for web sharing or storage-limited devices. Compatible with Windows systems.

MOV (QuickTime): Apple's video format, native to macOS and iOS devices. Offers excellent quality and is preferred for professional video editing on Mac systems. Can be larger than MP4 files and may not play on all Windows devices without additional software.

MKV (Matroska): An open-source container format that can hold unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file. Popular for high-definition content and movies. Offers excellent quality but isn't universally supported on mobile devices and smart TVs.

WEBM: Developed by Google specifically for web use. Offers good compression and quality, designed for HTML5 video playback. Widely supported in modern browsers but may not work on older devices or media players.

How to Convert Videos (Desktop Software)

While this browser tool helps you analyze videos, for actual format conversion, you'll need desktop software. Here's how to use the most popular free tools:

Using HandBrake (Recommended for Beginners)

  1. Download HandBrake from handbrake.fr (it's free and open-source)
  2. Install and open the application
  3. Click "Open Source" and select your video file
  4. Choose a preset (e.g., "Fast 1080p30" for most uses)
  5. Select your output format (MP4 or MKV)
  6. Choose where to save the converted file
  7. Click "Start Encode" and wait for conversion to complete

Using VLC Media Player

  1. Open VLC and go to Media → Convert/Save
  2. Add your video file and click "Convert/Save"
  3. Choose your output format from the Profile dropdown
  4. Select destination file and click "Start"

Video Compression Tips

Reducing video file size while maintaining acceptable quality is crucial for sharing online and saving storage space.

  • Lower the Resolution: Converting 4K to 1080p or 1080p to 720p dramatically reduces file size. Most viewers won't notice the difference on smaller screens.
  • Reduce Frame Rate: Changing from 60fps to 30fps cuts file size nearly in half. 30fps is perfectly smooth for most content.
  • Adjust Bitrate: Lower bitrate means smaller files but reduced quality. For 1080p, 5-8 Mbps is usually sufficient for good quality.
  • Use H.265/HEVC Codec: This newer codec provides the same quality as H.264 at half the file size, though it requires more processing power.
  • Trim Unnecessary Parts: Remove intro/outro sections or dead space to reduce overall file length.
  • Remove Audio Tracks: If you don't need sound, removing the audio track can save 10-20% of file size.

Common Video Conversion Scenarios

For YouTube/Social Media: Convert to MP4 with H.264 codec, 1080p resolution, 30fps, and AAC audio. This ensures compatibility and fast upload times.

For iPhone/iPad: Use MP4 format with H.264 codec. Apple devices handle this format natively without any issues.

For Android Devices: MP4 with H.264 works universally. Avoid AVI and WMV formats.

For Professional Editing: Use MOV or high-quality MP4 to preserve maximum detail. Avoid heavy compression until final export.

For Archiving: MKV format allows you to store high-quality video with multiple audio tracks and subtitles in one file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't this tool convert video formats directly?

Browser-based video conversion is technically limited. True format conversion requires powerful codecs and processing that work best in desktop applications. This tool helps you analyze your videos and provides guidance on the best conversion tools to use. For actual conversion, we recommend free desktop software like HandBrake or FFmpeg.

What's the difference between a codec and a container?

A codec (like H.264 or H.265) is the method used to compress and decompress video data. A container (like MP4 or MKV) is the file format that holds the compressed video, audio, and metadata together. Think of the codec as the language and the container as the envelope.

Will converting a video reduce its quality?

It depends. Converting between container formats (like MKV to MP4) without re-encoding maintains the same quality. However, if you compress the video, reduce resolution, or change codecs, some quality loss is inevitable. The key is finding the right balance between file size and acceptable quality for your specific use case.

What's the best format for uploading to YouTube?

YouTube recommends MP4 format with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. Use 1080p or higher resolution, maintain your original frame rate (24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60fps), and ensure your bitrate is appropriate for your resolution. YouTube will re-encode your video anyway, so focus on uploading high-quality source files.