Convert MKV to AVI Online
MKV is a flexible, open container format capable of holding virtually any video or audio codec, multiple subtitle tracks, chapters, and attachments. AVI is a legacy multimedia container introduced with Windows Video for Windows. AnyConvert converts MKV to AVI securely without installing desktop software.
MKV to AVI Converter
Convert your MKV files to AVI format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert MKV to AVI?
Switching from MKV helps you avoid limited support in browser-based players without transmuxing. AVI excels at simple, widely supported by legacy windows software, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect legacy video archives needing migration.
Audio Video Interleave also offers can hold uncompressed or lightly compressed video for editing. That means your converted files stay useful for legacy video archives needing migration and intermediate editing files in older workflows.
MKV strengths
- Supports multiple video, audio, and subtitle streams with rich metadata
- Ideal for preserving Blu-ray and UHD rips with high bitrate codecs
- Extensible design accommodates modern codecs like AV1 and Opus
AVI advantages
- Simple, widely supported by legacy Windows software
- Can hold uncompressed or lightly compressed video for editing
- Supports multiple audio streams and subtitles through extended specs
Key differences
| Feature | MKV | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Varies (depends on chosen codec) | Varies (depends on chosen codec) |
| Best suited for | Home media libraries managed with Plex or Jellyfin and Preserving disc extras, commentary tracks, and subtitle variants | Legacy video archives needing migration and Intermediate editing files in older workflows |
| Standard | Open, royalty-free specification | Proprietary or partially restricted |
Before you convert
- Keep a backup of your original file before converting so you can roll back if needed.
- Review known pain points: Some hardware devices (smart TVs, mobile) offer partial or no MKV playback. Adjust your source file accordingly.
- Note the target resolution and frame rate to avoid unexpected stretching or stutter.
Quality tips
- Trim clips and set the frame rate before converting to avoid double-encoding footage you do not need.
- Download the result immediately and open it in the target application to verify everything matches expectations.
Where AVI fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into legacy video archives needing migration, intermediate editing files in older workflows, and compatibility with industrial or scientific hardware that still outputs avi. AVI is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common AVI use cases
- Legacy video archives needing migration
- Intermediate editing files in older workflows
- Compatibility with industrial or scientific hardware that still outputs AVI
Tools that open AVI
- VirtualDub
- FFmpeg
- Avidemux
Frequently asked questions
Does converting MKV to AVI reduce quality?
No—AVI preserves the original fidelity. You still want to open the converted file once to confirm fonts, colors, or audio loudness survived the transfer.
How can I keep AVI file sizes reasonable?
Trim the clip, export with a constant or target variable bitrate, and align the frame rate with your footage. Dropping unused audio tracks also saves space.
Is there a file size limit for converting MKV?
Yes—uploads up to 150 MB convert reliably in the browser. For larger assets, split them into smaller segments first so the process stays responsive.