File Format Guide
What is a .MKV file?
The MKV format (short for Matroska Video) 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.
.MKV 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 .MKV file
You can open MKV files with VLC, Plex, and MKVToolNix. 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.
MKV pros and cons
Strengths
- stores multiple audio, video, and subtitle tracks
- flexible, high-quality container
Limitations
- not natively supported by browsers or many devices
- large files
What .MKV files are used for
- high-quality video libraries
- multi-track and subtitled video
Need to convert a .MKV file?
Convert MKV to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the MKV Converter