How to convert MKV to AVI
To convert MKV to AVI, upload your MKV file, choose AVI as the output format and press Convert. The finished AVI file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns MKV videos into AVI files in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. When the video and audio inside your MKV file can be placed in AVI as they are, the streams are copied without re-encoding, which is faster and keeps the original quality. Otherwise the video is re-encoded as MPEG-4 Part 2 video with MP3 audio.
Why convert MKV to AVI?
- Plays on very old software and hardware
- Simple structure
- Accepted by many classic DVD and USB players
- Plays on: Windows, VLC, many older TVs, DVD players and car media players
What to expect from this conversion
- Expect a larger file than the MKV original, because AVI is a less efficient format for the same quality.
- AVI output uses MPEG-4 Part 2 video and MP3 audio, the combination that old DVD and USB players read best.
- AVI is a legacy format. Convert to it only when an older player or device requires it, since MKV is better for everyday use.
- The first audio track is kept. Subtitle tracks, extra audio tracks and chapters are not included in the converted file.
MKV vs AVI
| Property | MKV | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matroska Video | Audio Video Interleave |
| Released | 2002, Matroska.org (open standard) | 1992, Microsoft |
| Generation | Modern | Legacy |
| Typical file size | Small | Large |
| Plays on | VLC, Plex, Kodi, most Android players and modern Windows; limited on iOS and older TVs | Windows, VLC, many older TVs, DVD players and car media players |
| Best for | movie and TV archives with multiple languages; keeping subtitles inside the file | older DVD or USB players; legacy editing software |
Steps to convert MKV to AVI
- Drop your MKV video file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that AVI is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new AVI file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Leave Fast mode on to keep the original quality whenever the streams can be copied.
- Pick a lower resolution if the file is for a phone or messaging app.
- Use Mute if you only need the picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert MKV to AVI?
Upload your MKV file, make sure AVI is the selected target and press Convert. When the progress bar finishes, download the AVI file. No account or software is needed.
Is the MKV to AVI converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no daily limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Will I lose quality when converting MKV to AVI?
Not necessarily. If the video and audio streams already fit inside AVI, they are copied without re-encoding, so quality stays identical. If the file has to be re-encoded, the High setting keeps almost all visible detail, while Small trades some detail for a smaller file.
Why is my AVI file larger than the MKV original?
Expect a larger file than the MKV original, because AVI is a less efficient format for the same quality. Choosing a lower quality or resolution reduces the size further.
Which devices can play AVI files?
AVI files play on Windows, VLC, many older TVs, DVD players and car media players.
How large a file can I upload?
You can upload videos up to 500 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.