How to Convert MKV Files

MKV is a universal media container that gives you a great viewer experience. VLC Player and its alternatives can play it, but this extension is still incompatible with some popular players.

If that’s your case, you can easily solve it by learning how to convert MKV files to any other format that is supported by your player.

MKV is a multimedia format that was released in 2002 for the storage of digital video and audio streams.

In this article, we will have a look at the popular video converters that can help you get the most out of your digital media library.

How we picked the MKV converters

To provide accurate and reliable information on how to convert MKV files, we conducted extensive testing on various video converters available in the market.

We tested each software's:

• Ability to convert MKV files to different output formats;
• Speed;
• Ease of use;
• Overall performance.

Additionally, we considered factors such as compatibility with different operating systems, the availability of advanced features, and the cost of each software.

We compared and analyzed the results to provide you with the most comprehensive guide.

Offline MKV conversion options

Method 1. Icecream Video Converter

Icecream Video Converter is a program that allows users to convert videos to and from various formats. Users can also choose from a range of specific presets to ensure their converted videos are compatible with their devices.

You can use the application to convert MKV – it’s free, user-friendly, and gives you output files of good quality. Here is how:

1. Download and install the free MKV converter.
2. Add the MKV file. To import it, you should click the "Add file" button. Also, you can use the drag-and-drop option.
3. Choose the format of the resulting file: MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, MPEG, MP3.
4. Configure the output file settings (resolution, quality, etc.). Trim the video, and add subtitles or a watermark, if needed.
5. Start MKV conversion by pressing the "Convert" button at the bottom right to initiate it.

Batch video conversion is recommended for users who want to convert multiple files at once. It’s quite easy – use the "Add to queue" button to add your first configured file to the queue.

When the video conversion is finished, it will notify you of that with a little popup window. There will be a quick report and an "Open folder" button on it. Press that button if you want to skip to the output files' location.

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Method 2. VLC Media Player

Have an MKV file with subtitles and want to convert it to another format? No problem. Through the VLC Media Player, you can easily turn the MKV extension into another video format.

Look how to convert MKV files:

1. Launch the application on your PC. Choose "Media".
2. Select "Convert/Save". It opens a new window.
3. Pick the MKV file by clicking the "Add" button.
4. Tap the "Convert / Save" button.
5. In the "Profile" section of the next window, select the output format.
6. Enter the name for your converted file and click the "Browse" button.
7. To initiate the video conversion process, click "Start".

Method 3. VideoProc Converter

Are you trying to find a straightforward approach to transforming MKV files? VideoProc enables users to convert MKVs to over 370 formats including MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.

The free video converter also offers advanced functions such as editing, screen recording, downloading videos from YouTube, and other websites, etc.

Follow these steps to quickly get started:

1. Install the video converter and put it on your PC.
2. Launch the program and opt for the "Video" tab.
3. Click "+ Video" or drag your MKV file into the program's window.
4. Choose the output format or select a preset profile for devices like iPhones, tablets, etc.
5. Hit "Run" and wait for the app to finish the conversion process.

Method 4. Freemake Video Converter

Freemake offers powerful, easy-to-use video converting capabilities. It allows MKV file types to be converted into various popular formats like AVI, MP4, WMV, and more. The free video converter has many other useful features like video editing or DVD burning.

How to use the converter:

1. Download and install the MKV converter from the official website.
2. Activate the program and hit the "+Video" button to add your MKV file(s).
3. Pick an output format from the array of available formats. Customize the parameters.
4. Click "Convert" to start the process.

Method 5. Movavi Video Converter

Movavi is a highly popular video converter compatible with virtually all video formats. The video conversion software makes it easy to change MKV format to other types, so you can enjoy your videos on a variety of platforms and devices without difficulty.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Download and install the software on your computer.
2. Launch the application, and click "Add Media" > "Add Video" to pick out the MKV file.
3. From the "Video" tab, select the output format you wish to convert your video into.
4. Select a destination folder where the converted video will be stored.
5. Click "Convert" to begin the processing.

Method 6. HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that enables you to alter MKV files into various other formats. It is an optimal solution for those looking to quickly and easily convert video files while preserving quality.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Download, install, and open the app on your computer.
2. Click "Source" in the top left corner and select the "MKV".
3. Choose the preferred output format under "Format".
4. Pick a preset from the list of options or customize your own settings for resolution and bitrate.
5. When you're satisfied with your settings, click "Start".

Method 7. Format Factory

Format Factory is a powerful multimedia converter that can convert videos, audio files, and images into various formats. Thanks to its user-friendly design, you can rapidly turn MKV videos into distinct formats without any technical acumen or experience.

To convert MKV files follow the instructions:

1. Download and install the program on your computer.
2. Open the program and pick the format you want to convert your MKV file to.
3. Click "Add Files" to browse your file.
4. Adjust the settings.
5. Press "OK" to begin converting the file.

Convert MKV files online

Method 1. FreeConvert

FreeConvert is an online video converter that takes MKV videos and converts them into other formats, such as MP4, MOV, and AVI. It also lets you customize settings such as resolution, bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, and more if you'd like some control over how your file is converted.

Here is how it works:

1. Open the converting tool in your web browser.
2. Click "Choose Files" to select your MKV videos for conversion.
3. Select the desired output type for your converted file.
4. Press "Convert" and wait for your file to be processed.

Method 2. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a great tool for quickly converting MKV files effortlessly. It's easy to use and offers plenty of features for free as well as paid plans for those who need faster processing times and bigger file sizes.

Look how to achieve it:

1. Open the website and locate the online video converter.
2. Press "Select file". Choose your desired output extension.
3. Click the "Convert" button. Wait for the processing to finish.

Method 3. Zamzar

Zamzar is an online video converter that can support you in changing MKV extension videos into different formats. The tool has a website without ads and popups.

Here is the procedure:

1. Go to the website.
2. Click the "Choose Files" button and add your MKV videos.
3. Choose the output format from the drop-down menu (e.g., MP4, AVI, MOV).
4. Enter your email address so that the tool can notify you that the conversion is finished.
5. Press "Convert" to start the video processing.

FAQ

What kind of quality will I get when I convert an MKV file?

The quality of the output when transforming an MKV video relies on the settings you pick in the conversion program or website you use. Generally speaking, modern codecs like H264/HEVC should give good-quality results if you use a high enough bitrate setting when converting your files.

Is it safe to download programs for converting MKV files?

It's always important to be careful when downloading programs from the Internet. Make sure they come from a reputable source before installing them on your computer.

Will my computer slow down if I install an MKV converter?

No, all reviewed video converters are lightweight applications. They don't require many resources to run properly and should not affect your computer's performance noticeably in most cases. Or you can use online converters that do not have any special computer setup requirements.

Does Windows Media Player support MKV files?

No, to play videos in this format you will need to install a third-party codec.

Why did VLC turn MKV into another format with no audio?

If you try to use VLC to convert an MKV video and there's no audio in the output file, the most likely reason is that the MKV has a different codec than the one VLC supports.

MKV vs other video formats

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Conclusion

The process of converting MKV files is now complete and, hopefully, this guide helped you get the job done.

It's important to keep in mind that there are various free video converters available that can help you make the MKV video conversion process smoother.

Additionally, if you're experiencing any difficulties or are unsure about a step in the process, don't hesitate to look up tutorials or seek technical support from a professional.

By having the right tools and knowledge, you can adeptly change MKV videos with ease and confidence!

Tamal Das

Expert Tech Writer

Tamal is a tech writer at Icecream Apps. After completing his MS in Science, he joined reputed IT consultancy companies to acquire hands-on knowledge of IT technologies. Now, he’s a professional content writer of B2B and B2C software products and also a meticulous software reviewer whose reviews on applications and web apps have been published in reputed technology websites. He has already been published on such reputable sites like MakeUseOf, Geekflare, AddictiveTips. When he’s not writing, he researches the internet and technology journals to stay updated about the latest happenings in the SaaS industry.

Co-authors

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps