MKV to AVI Converter
Convert MKV to AVI online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality conversion with no sign-up or software required.
Maximum file size is 1GB
How it works
Three steps to your converted file
Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.
Upload your file
Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.
Choose an output format
Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.
Convert & download
Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.
What is an MKV file?
The Matroska Video (MKV) file is an open-standard, free container format capable of holding an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file. Unlike proprietary containers, Matroska is structured upon Extensible Binary Meta Language (EBML), allowing for significant flexibility and forward compatibility. It supports a vast array of codecs, including H.264, VP9, HEVC, AAC, Vorbis, and FLAC, and is particularly noted for its support of soft subtitles (SSA/ASS) and chapter entries, making it a standard for high-definition video distribution (HD) and anime fansubs.
How to open an MKV file
Native support for MKV is available in Windows 10/11 via the Movies & TV app and generally on Linux distributions. macOS requires third-party software, as QuickTime Player does not natively parse the Matroska container. The industry-standard solution for all operating systems is VLC Media Player, which includes built-in libraries for decoding the diverse codecs often encapsulated within MKV files. Alternative options include MPV and MPC-HC (Windows).
MKV Technical Info
- Full Name
- Matroska Video Container
- Developed By
- Matroska (non-profit)
- Initial Release
- 2002
- MIME Type
- video/x-matroska
What is an AVI file?
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of the Video for Windows technology. It adheres to the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) specification, storing audio and video data in tagged chunks (specifically 'movi' lists) to allow synchronous playback. While widely compatible, the legacy AVI architecture lacks native support for modern features found in MP4 or MKV, such as variable frame rates (VFR), B-frames, and sophisticated chapter markers. It typically utilizes codecs like DivX, Xvid, or MJPEG.
How to open an AVI file
AVI files enjoy broad compatibility on Windows via Windows Media Player. However, because AVI is a container that can hold various codecs (e.g., DivX, Xvid), playback may fail if the specific codec is missing. macOS users can view AVI files using QuickTime Player if the content is MJPEG, but third-party players are often required for other codecs. VLC media player and MPC-HC are standard recommendations for handling the vast array of codecs potentially encapsulated within an AVI file.
AVI Technical Info
- Full Name
- Audio Video Interleave
- Developed By
- Microsoft
- Initial Release
- 1992
- MIME Type
- video/x-msvideo
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Why RunConvert
The fastest way to convert any file
Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.
Convert MKV to AVI in seconds
Every MKV to AVI conversion runs on our servers, so your device stays fast and the output quality stays intact.
Fast, cloud-powered
No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.
Secure & private
Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.
Free - no account needed
Convert without creating an account - no credit card, no trial clock. Sign in only if you want history and higher daily limits.
Developer API
Convert MKV to AVI via API
Automate MKV to AVI conversions in three steps: create a job, upload your file, then poll for the result.
# 1. Create job
curl -X POST https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"tag": "mkv-to-avi",
"tasks": {
"upload-file": {
"operation": "import/upload"
},
"convert": {
"operation": "convert",
"input": "upload-file",
"output_format": "avi"
},
"export-result": {
"operation": "export/url",
"input": "convert"
}
}
}'
# 2. Upload your file (use upload_url from the response)
curl -X PUT "$UPLOAD_URL" --upload-file input.mkv
# 3. Poll for result
curl https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs/$JOB_ID?include=tasks \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your RunConvert API key. Get your free API key at runconvert.com/api.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about converting MKV to AVI with RunConvert.
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