AVI file format
Audio Video Interleave (.avi): old camcorders, DVD players and legacy Windows software.
AVI is one of the oldest video formats still around. Files from older cameras, DVD rips and legacy software are often AVI with DivX/Xvid video. It lacks modern features and produces large files, and phones and websites rarely accept it — but some DVD players, car screens and old editing tools still want AVI.
| Full name | Audio Video Interleave |
|---|---|
| File extension | .avi |
| MIME type | video/x-msvideo |
| Created | 1992 by Microsoft |
| Usual codecs | Usually DivX/Xvid (MPEG-4 Part 2) or MJPEG video with MP3 audio |
| Plays on | Windows and VLC; poorly supported on phones, Macs and websites |
| Best for | old camcorders, DVD players and legacy Windows software |
Advantages
- Plays on older Windows PCs and DVD players
- Simple, widely recognized
Drawbacks
- Large files
- Poor support on phones, Macs and the web
Convert AVI to…
Convert to AVI
Frequently asked questions
What is a .avi file?
AVI is one of the oldest video formats still around. Files from older cameras, DVD rips and legacy software are often AVI with DivX/Xvid video. It lacks modern features and produces large files, and phones and websites rarely accept it — but some DVD players, car screens and old editing tools still want AVI.
How do I open a AVI file?
AVI files open on Windows and VLC; poorly supported on phones, Macs and websites. If a program will not open yours, convert it to a more common format.
How do I convert AVI?
Use one of the converters below — they run in your browser, so your videos are never uploaded. Most popular: AVI to MP4, AVI to MP3, AVI to MOV.