MKV file format
Matroska Multimedia Container (.mkv): movies and TV episodes with several audio and subtitle tracks.
MKV is a flexible open container that can hold almost any video and audio codec, several audio languages, subtitles and chapters in one file. That makes it popular for movies, but iPhones, QuickTime, iMovie, many editors and most websites do not accept MKV — converting to MP4 makes it play everywhere.
| Full name | Matroska Multimedia Container |
|---|---|
| File extension | .mkv |
| MIME type | video/x-matroska |
| Created | 2002 by the Matroska open-source project |
| Usual codecs | Almost anything: H.264, HEVC, AV1, VP9 video; AAC, AC-3, DTS, Opus, FLAC audio; multiple subtitle and audio tracks |
| Plays on | VLC, Plex, Kodi and most PCs; not supported by iPhone, iPad, QuickTime, many video editors and most websites |
| Best for | movies and TV episodes with several audio and subtitle tracks |
Advantages
- Holds any codec
- Multiple audio and subtitle tracks, chapters
- Open and royalty-free
Drawbacks
- Not supported on Apple devices, many TVs and editors
- Rejected by most upload sites
Convert MKV to…
Convert to MKV
Frequently asked questions
What is a .mkv file?
MKV is a flexible open container that can hold almost any video and audio codec, several audio languages, subtitles and chapters in one file. That makes it popular for movies, but iPhones, QuickTime, iMovie, many editors and most websites do not accept MKV — converting to MP4 makes it play everywhere.
How do I open a MKV file?
VLC, mpv, Plex, Kodi and most Windows and Linux players play MKV. iPhone, iPad, QuickTime and many editors do not — convert to MP4 for them.
How do I convert MKV?
Use one of the converters below — they run in your browser, so your videos are never uploaded. Most popular: MKV to MP4, MKV to MP3, MKV to MOV.