How to use the MKV converter
- Choose a file. Drop an MKV file to convert it to something else, or any other video to convert it to MKV.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP4 for MKV files and MKV for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an MKV file?
MKV (Matroska) is a free, open container that can hold almost any video, audio and subtitle format in one file, including many audio languages and subtitle tracks. That flexibility makes it popular for movie and series files and for screen recorders like OBS.
MKV is mainly used for movies with several languages or subtitles, OBS recordings and archiving. It plays on VLC, MPV, Kodi, Plex and most smart TVs; iPhone, iPad, QuickTime and many video editors do not open MKV.
MKV at a glance
| Full name | Matroska Video |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Created by | the Matroska open-source project, 2002 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264, HEVC or VP9 + AAC, AC3, DTS or Opus |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of MKV
Good
- Holds unlimited audio and subtitle tracks
- Open and royalty-free
- Survives crashes better while recording
Not so good
- Not supported by Apple devices or many editors
- Many websites refuse MKV uploads
Common MKV problems and fixes
An MKV will not play on iPhone or in iMovie
Convert it to MP4. If the video is H.264 or HEVC, the conversion is a fast copy with no quality loss.
An MKV has subtitles you want as a file
Use Extract Subtitles from MKV to save them as SRT.
Popular MKV conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an MKV file?
MKV files play on VLC, MPV, Kodi, Plex and most smart TVs; iPhone, iPad, QuickTime and many video editors do not open MKV. If yours will not open, convert it to MP4 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to MKV?
Drop any video on this page. "Convert to" is set to MKV automatically for files that are not MKV already.
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the MKV converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Is MKV lossy?
Yes, MKV normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.