Changing the format of a video file allows you to convert it from one video codec to another. This can be useful when you need a video to be in a specific format for playback on certain devices or software. For example, you may need to convert a video from AVI to MP4 format to view it on your smartphone. There are several ways to change the format of a video file – here are some common methods:
Using video converter software
Dedicated video converter software provides the easiest way to change video format. These programs allow you to add a video file, choose a target format from a list of presets, and convert the file with just a few clicks. Some popular cross-platform video converters include:
- HandBrake – open source, free video converter for Windows, Mac and Linux.
- VLC Media Player – free and open source, includes video conversion features.
- WinFF – open source video converter for Windows.
- CloudConvert – web app, no need to download software.
- Any Video Converter – simple converter for Windows, some features free.
The advantages of using video converter software are speed and convenience – just choose your input video, output format and settings, and click convert. The converted file is saved to your computer. Most converters also allow tweaking encoding settings like video size, bitrate and codecs used.
Using VLC media player
VLC is a popular free and open source media player for Windows, Mac and Linux. Less known is that VLC can also convert videos between different formats.
To use VLC to change video format, open the program and go to Media > Convert/Save. Then add the video you want to convert. Under the Convert/Save button, click the dropdown next to Profile and choose your target format from the list of presets. Configure any other settings you need, like video size. Then click Start to convert the video – your new format video file will be saved to your chosen destination.
The advantages of using VLC are that it’s free, open source and multi-platform. The disadvantages are there are less configuration options compared to dedicated converters.
Using FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a free and open source command line tool for converting videos between formats and performing other operations like cutting and splicing videos.
To use FFmpeg to convert videos, you run commands in a terminal or command prompt window. A basic FFmpeg command to convert a video to MP4 format would be:
ffmpeg -i inputvideo.avi outputvideo.mp4
FFmpeg supports conversion between just about any video and audio format. The advantages of FFmpeg are that it’s free, powerful and works across platforms. The downsides are the command line interface has a learning curve and may be hard for non-technical users.
Using online video converters
Online video converter tools allow you to change video formats without downloading any software. You simply upload your video file to the website, select your target format, and download the converted file.
Some popular online video converters include:
- OnlineVideoConverter
- OnlineConvertFree
- Convertio
- CloudConvert
- Zamzar
The advantages of online converters are ease of use and accessibility, since you can use them anywhere with an internet connection. Downsides can include file size limits, slower speeds, and privacy/security concerns since you are uploading files to a third party service.
Using media players
Some media players like iTunes and Windows Media Player have built-in conversion features. So if you only need to convert the occasional video, you may be able to use a media player you already have.
In iTunes, add the video file you want to convert, right click on it and select Create New Version > then choose the desired format. In Windows Media Player, open the video file and click the Rip settings button > choose your output format > click Rip Music. This will save a converted copy of the video on your computer.
The advantages of using a media player are convenience if you already have the software installed. Downsides are limited output format options and little control over encoding settings.
Which video formats are most compatible?
If compatibility across different devices is your main goal, some video formats provide broader support than others. Here is a comparison of common video file formats:
| Format | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| MP4 | Widely compatible across phones, tablets, PCs, websites. |
| AVI | Compatible with most media players but not mobile devices. |
| WMV | Plays natively on Windows PCs but may require additional codecs on Mac/Linux. |
| MOV | Works on Apple devices and PCs but not all Android devices. |
| MKV | Supported by many media players but not compatible with all devices. |
As you can see, MP4 format provides the most universal compatibility across phones, tablets, websites, TVs and other modern devices. Converting videos to MP4 can maximize playback capability.
How to convert video formats on iPhone and iPad
iOS devices like iPhones and iPads include built-in features to convert videos to different formats right on the device:
- AirDrop – wirelessly share videos with nearby Apple devices and convert formats on the fly.
- Save to Files – export videos to MP4 and other formats.
- Save to Photos – add videos to the Photos app, which converts them to compatible formats.
Third party apps like VideoConvert and Video Compress also allow converting videos to formats like MP4, MOV and GIF on iPhone and iPad. Using one of these conversion options, you can change video formats to ensure compatibility across devices.
How to convert video formats on Android
On Android phones and tablets, these are some ways to convert video file formats:
- Video Converter Android – app to convert videos to MP4, 3GP and more.
- VLC – Android version can convert videos through the app.
- HandBrake Mobile – Android port of HandBrake video converter.
- Share via Drive – Google Photos can convert some videos when sharing via Drive.
- Upload to YouTube – Android lets you upload videos to YouTube, which converts them.
So Android does provide some built-in conversion options, though not quite as seamless as iPhone and iPad. Using a dedicated converter app can make it easier to change Android video formats.
How to convert and compress videos on iPhone
To reduce video file sizes on an iPhone for sharing or saving space, you can convert and compress videos in these ways:
- Record video at lower resolution in Camera app (720p instead of 4K).
- Use Save to Files option, choose High Efficiency setting.
- Use AirDrop to share to another Apple device – converts and compresses.
- Use iMovie to export video in smaller format like 720p.
- Use third party compressor apps from the App Store.
The best options are using Apple’s built-in High Efficiency export setting or AirDropping videos to another device – these will automatically convert and compress for smaller files.
How to convert and compress videos on Android
On Android, you can reduce video file sizes by:
- Changing rear camera video resolution in Camera app settings.
- Using Google Photos to back up videos at high quality (compresses them).
- Using video compressor apps like Video Compress or Video Smaller.
- Uploading videos to YouTube, which converts and compresses.
- Using video editor apps to export smaller file sizes.
The easiest options are adjusting the video resolution in your Camera app before recording, or backing up to Google Photos which can compress existing videos.
How to convert video formats on Mac
MacOS provides several ways to convert video file formats right on your Mac computer:
- Use QuickTime Player (File > Export As to convert format).
- Use iMovie to import clips and export in different formats.
- Use Photos app to import videos – will be converted to compatible formats.
- Use AirDrop to convert formats when sharing videos to other Apple devices.
- Install third party converter tools like Handbrake.
QuickTime Player and iMovie are built-in apps included free with MacOS that provide easy video conversion capabilities.
How to convert video formats on Windows PC
There are a few options to convert video formats on a Windows 10 PC:
- Use Media Player app (convert option in Play tab).
- Use Windows Photos app (saves compatible formats).
- Install Windows Live Movie Maker (convert with Save Movie option).
- Install third party converter tools like Handbrake or WinFF.
Windows Media Player has built-in conversion capabilities, though output format options are limited compared to dedicated converter software.
How to choose the right video format
When converting video formats, how do you choose the right target format? Here are some things to consider:
- Device/platform compatibility – Make sure the format works on your playback devices.
- Video quality – Some formats compress more than others. Prioritize quality or smaller files?
- Editing needs – Edit-friendly formats like AVI lose little quality when re-encoding.
- Sharing needs – Web-ready formats like MP4 work for uploading and sharing.
- Personal preferences – Factors like support for advanced codecs.
If device compatibility is your main concern, MP4 and MOV strike a good balance of quality and wide device support. For high quality archiving, AVI, WMV or MKV are good choices. Consider your specific needs to choose the optimal format.
Should I convert videos to MP4 or MKV? Advantages and disadvantages
MP4 and MKV are two popular digital video formats – which one should you convert your videos to? Here is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each format:
| MP4 | MKV |
|---|---|
Advantages:
|
Advantages:
|
Disadvantages:
|
Disadvantages:
|
In summary, MP4 is the better choice if you need universal device compatibility in a compressed format. But MKV is better for storing high quality videos with all metadata intact. Choose the format that aligns with your specific needs.
Conclusion
Changing video format can be necessary to ensure your files play properly on target devices, websites and apps. Thankfully there are many straightforward ways to convert video files, including dedicated converter software, media players, online web tools and even platform-specific conversion features on smartphones. When choosing an output format, consider factors like compatibility, quality and intended use to select the optimal format for your needs. With the right converter and settings, you can easily change your videos to the desired file format.