File Format Guide
What is a .AVI file?
The AVI format (short for Audio Video Interleave) is a video format that can use either lossless or lossy compression depending on how it is saved. It acts as a container that packages video and audio streams together for playback.
.AVI at a glance
| Category | Video |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Compression | Mixed |
| Animation / motion | No |
| Open standard | No |
| Opens in web browsers | No |
| Typical file size | Large |
How to open a .AVI file
You can open AVI files with VLC and Windows Media Player. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
AVI pros and cons
Strengths
- plays in legacy Windows tools
- can store high-quality or uncompressed video
Limitations
- large files
- dated container with weak streaming support
What .AVI files are used for
- legacy Windows video
- older editing workflows
Need to convert a .AVI file?
Convert AVI to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the AVI Converter