How to use the RM converter
- Choose a file. Drop your RM file.
- Check "Convert to". MP4 is selected; choose another format if you need it.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an RM file?
RealMedia was the leading streaming format of the late 1990s, played in RealPlayer. Many old lectures, radio shows and early web clips are still .rm files.
RM is mainly used for very old web video and radio archives. It plays on RealPlayer and VLC.
RM at a glance
| Full name | RealMedia |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Created by | RealNetworks, 1997 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | RealVideo + RealAudio |
| Can be created here | No, RM can be opened and converted to other formats |
Pros and cons of RM
Good
- Small files for dial-up era internet
Not so good
- Obsolete
- Very low quality by today's standards
Common RM problems and fixes
An old .rm lecture will not play
Convert it to MP4, or to MP3 if you only need the sound.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an RM file?
RM files play on RealPlayer and VLC. If yours will not open, convert it to MP4 on this page; that format plays on any device.
Can I convert to RM?
No. RM files can be opened here but not created, because RealMedia is an obsolete, proprietary format that modern tools no longer create. You can convert RM files to any other format.
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the RM 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 RM lossy?
Yes, RM normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.