Mkv. How can you open MKV file on Windows? Comparison with analogues

The format allows you to store multiple video and audio tracks as well as subtitles in one file. MKV stores various volumetric multimedia content such as movies or TV programs. The format is open source, unlike similar AVI and MP4.

Matroska, like most formats, uses XML to store binary data. In most cases, MKV can be opened with any media player, below is a selection of the best free programs for watching MKV videos.

What free programs can open MKV format?

1. - provides the user with a huge number of functions, from setting up external displays, to fine-tuning audio and video. The VLC media player has learned to open and play a large number of formats over its long history. All these advantages are emphasized by a beautiful, elegant, simple and clear interface, in which there is nothing superfluous.

2. is a universal player for audio and video files for Microsoft Windows, it has the same appearance as Windows media player 6.4, it is small and lightweight, but at the same time it can play a huge number of formats. Media Player Classic has many options and features not found anywhere else. The application supports such formats as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DirectShow, QuickTime, RealPlayer, Matroska and Ogg containers, TV tuners.

3. is a compact media player that allows you to view various video and audio file formats such as VCD, DVD, avi, mkv, ogg, ogm, 3gp and MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, RealMedia, QuickTime and many others. It displays subtitles and allows you to take screenshots, capture audio and video streams.

4. - A very popular player in Russia with a huge number of settings, ranging from localization to the choice of codecs, both external and internal. The interface is not overloaded and intuitive; when you right click on the playback area, an extensive menu with playback settings appears.

5. - A small media player with a large number of playable formats. The seemingly simple and pleasant interface is actually not very user-friendly. New users are saved by tooltips, so getting used to the interface is easy. A great feature of this player is Winamp plugin support. During video playback, you can take screenshots and save them in bmp or jpeg format.

6. - Convenient free player. Almost an entire media center is hidden behind a modest and laconic design. Here you have an equalizer, and customizable playlists, video zoom in / out and much more. The utility supports subtitles, a huge number of supported formats, flash support. QuickTime, HTML.

7. - Multifunctional media player with a nice minimalistic interface, which can be changed thanks to the support of skins. In addition to all popular formats, including mkv, there is support for the AVCHD format, which is used in modern professional digital camcorders. There are functions for grabbing frames and slow-motion playback, displaying and editing subtitles.

In this article, we will tell you what you need to know about files with the .mkv extension and answer the question that arises for everyone who downloads video in high quality for the first time - how to open an MKV file? Standard players do not reproduce it, so the issue remains relevant from year to year. We will show you 10 players that have proven themselves in playing this format on different operating systems.

Format Description

MKV is a video container, similar in architecture to AVI, and capable of storing large amounts of information. The feature of the code configuration helps to refine and adapt it, complementing and expanding the functionality. The development of the MKV format was carried out within the framework of the Russian project "Matryoshka", designed to eliminate the imperfections of AVI that arose after the release of the blu-ray format. Due to the prohibitive quality of the footage, it was not possible to compress it to BD-rip: the quality suffered, it was not possible to add subtitles and the option to change languages. The MKV format took into account and eliminated these shortcomings - which is why it was so often used when downloading movies and TV series on torrent trackers.

Open MKV on PC

Over a hundred players and thousands of plugins have been developed to extend their functionality. For each operating system, it is better to choose a program that matches the configuration and required options. It all depends on the operating system installed. Most of the players are designed for Windows, we'll talk about them further. In the meantime, let's analyze programs for Mac and Linux.

The largest number of players are designed for Windows 7 and older. The choice is a matter of taste and the necessary functionality. Let's note the programs that lead thematic ratings and remain the most downloaded on the Runet:

- does an excellent job with the .mkv extension and many others.
- The main advantage of Media Player Classic is the ability to quickly play hundreds of video formats.
- a simplified player with adapted functionality.
- copes with "broken" files, helps to take screenshots, download audio sequences and subtitles.
- one of the most popular video players, reads dozens of formats, in particular MKV files.

The presented players are free, however, some programs have paid versions. When you pay, you will get access to open all video formats, advanced functionality and a well-thought-out interface. But for watching videos in MKV format, the free version is enough.

On macOS, you should use adapted software to avoid video footage defects and loss of image quality. Keep our TOP 5 players for watching MKV on Mac:

- a free player to read dozens of extensions, in particular MKV.
- a similar omnivorous program with a simple interface.
- lightweight program adapted for playing MKV files.
- the player is similar to XBMC, but has a functional interface.
- a universal solution, supports all popular formats.

As far as Linux is concerned, the universal solution will be to download the "native" video container from the developer.

MKV - what is the format? It is a video container, similar to MOV and AVI, that supports unlimited audio, picture and subtitle tracks (like SRT or USF).

This format is often viewed as a medium for high-definition online video as it supports descriptions, ratings, cover art, and even chapters. It is for these reasons that it has been chosen as the default video content format for the popular DivX Plus software.

Description

MKV - what is the format? The Matroska Multimedia Container is an open standard, free file format that can contain an unlimited number of video, audio, images, or subtitle tracks in a single container. Designed to be used as a universal format for storing general multimedia content such as movies or TV shows. Compared to the AVI format, MKV is conceptually similar to the technological solution of formats such as MP4 or Advanced Systems Format (ASF). The content of the file is fully disclosed in the specification: the implementation consists of open source software. Matroska file extensions:

MKV - for video (with subtitles and audio);

MK3D - for stereoscopic video;

MKA - for audio files;

MKS - for subtitles.

History

MKV files, also known as Matroska videos (from the name of the Russian souvenir toy "Matryoshka"), appeared in Russia in 2002. Lead Developer Lasse Kärkkäinen worked with project founder Steve Lomme and a team of programmers to create a comprehensive multimedia container file format.

Objectives

The Matroska team has expressed some of their long-term goals on the Doom9.org and Hydrogen Audio forums:

creation of a modern, flexible, expandable, cross-platform format for multimedia containers;

developing reliable streaming support;

the development of a menu system similar to the EBML-based DVD system;

invention of a set of tools for creating and editing MKV files;

extending the gallery of libraries that can be used to provide developers with Matroska support for their applications;

work with equipment manufacturers includes support for Matroska in embedded multimedia devices;

mKV support on various operating systems and hardware platforms.

Development

MKV - what kind of format and what are its features? The project is supported by a non-profit organization in France and is free to use by the standard. Its specifications are available for private and commercial use. The Matroska development team licenses their projects under the LGPL, with parsing and reproducing libraries available under BSD licenses.

Version support

Contrary to popular belief, MKV files are multimedia container formats and not an audio or video compression format. The container can wrap audio, video and subtitles into one file, even if these elements use different types of encoding. For example, you might have an MKV file that contains H.264 video and something like MP3 or AAC for audio.

The Matroska developers have included several key features to prevent data aging:

quick search;

support for chapters, menus and metadata;

selection of various audio and video streams;

compatibility with streaming data;

subtitle support;

error recovery, which allows you to reproduce damaged files.

The MKV container itself also supports almost any audio and video format, making it highly responsive and easy to use.

MKV format: how to open?

Since this extension is not an industry standard, not all media players support it, but their list is expanding due to the growing popularity of the format. There are two main options for playing these files:

using the MKV media player;

If you are using Windows, you can use the following software to work with this format - MPV, MPC-HC, KMPlayer, DivX Player, MKV File Player, or The Core Media Player (TCMP).

Some of these applications can be used to open MKV file on macOS. Elmedia Player and Roxio are also written specifically for this operating system.

On Linux, MKV files can be played using xine and some of the above programs that work with Windows and Mac, such as VLC.

Playback on iPhone, iPad and iPod is possible with the free PlayerXtreme Media Player or VLC for mobile apps, which also works with Android devices

You can use CorePlayer mobile software to open MKV files on Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices.

The best option is VLC Media Player

MKV - what is this format and how to open it? The best choice for playing MKV files is the VLC media player, mainly because it has built-in support and does not require additional components to be installed. It is easy to download and install the program. You need to go to the official download page and run the exe file to install VLC. The whole process takes no more than two to three minutes.

Beware of downloading the installation file from other resources, as there are fake VLC download sites that spread the virus.

After the installation is complete, you can watch any MKV movies. Please note that although VLC binds to all supported video and audio formats during installation, including MKV, it does not register itself as the default application for these file types.

To watch an MKV file using VLC, right-click on the file you want, select "Open With" and then select VLC Media Player.

To make VLC the default player for MKV files, right-click any file, choose "Open With" and click "Choose another application". In the application selection window, select "VLC Media Player", enable the "Always use this application to open .mkv files" option, and then click "OK".

After that, you can simply double-click the MKV file to open it in VLC.

Download codecs

The Matroska website offers several Windows offerings with built-in support. Alternative option: download codecs for compatibility of the .MKV file with a third party media player.

If you prefer to use Windows Media Player or another Windows player, you need to install some support files known as codecs. These components help the video player understand how to decompress files that it does not support.

How to change MKV to MP4 format?

The MP4 format is a much more popular media standard, compatible with most modern devices. Quite often, users have a question about how to change the MKV format. There are several options. Let's consider each of them step by step.

Convert with VLC (for Windows / MacOS)

VLC media player can recognize and play almost any video format including MKV. It can also convert them to something more versatile like MP4. Before changing the MKV format, you must complete the following list of steps:

Go to VideoLAN homepage and download VLC. Be sure to read the fine print when installing to avoid virus infection.

Open the software, click the “Media” tab in the upper left corner and select “Convert / Save” from the drop-down menu that appears.

Click the Add button and locate the file you want to convert on your computer. After selecting it, click the "Convert / Save" button at the bottom of the window.

Specify the desired video format (in this case “H.264 + Mp3 (MP4)”) using the drop-down menu next to the “Profile” button. Clicking on the tool icon will also allow you to fine tune the file options.

Then specify in the "Destination" section where to store the converted file. Click Start. The timeline will turn into a progress bar, and once it finishes, the video is ready.

Converting with Cloud Convert (Web Based)

If you don't want to install any file conversion software, you can use a web service. There are several different options, but Cloud Convert is the most requested because it is simple and supports a huge array of formats.

It is important to note that you need to upload video files to your server before converting. Cloud Convert's privacy policy states that the content of the files remains inaccessible. Step by step algorithm:

Go to the Cloud Convert home page and upload the file via the "Select Files" button, or simply drag and drop it into your browser window.

Scroll through the list of video formats and select MP4. The default settings should be optimal, but you can further tweak the quality and other aspects. Then click the "Start Conversion" button at the bottom of the page.

When the conversion process is complete, a green Download icon appears. Click to upload a new video.

Now that your video files are in your preferred format, make sure they are protected.

How to open the mkv format is a very popular question among users, and therefore I decided to answer it in a separate article. Since the mkv file is a video file, you need to use players to see what is in this file. Some players refuse to open this file, and therefore it is possible that your player, which you have been using for a long time, cannot open this file.

The note: If you use popular video players, you won't have any difficulties with new video files. Before you start installing anything, it is better to read the article to the end. Most likely, you already have everything installed or you need to make settings. Below is a video from which you will learn how to convert MKV format.

This format can be viewed in different players, but you need to configure the codecs for everything to be played. We will consider the players to try each one, because if you have an old computer, then this format can slow down on your computer, usually the sound is late.

Note: if you already have any player installed and the computer is not old, then go down below.

Turntables

I want to note that I did not rate the players, because I would not like to impose my opinion. Choose the one you like and install. I will make a small review of the players so that you do not think about the question - how to open mkv.

The first video player that we will consider in this article is KMPlayer, which was developed by the guys from Korea. Most users believe that there is no better program and there never will be. But as practice confirms, sometimes there are exceptions 😉. I used this player, so feel free to install it if you like it.

Number two is GOM Player. I have used this player very little, so I can not say anything about this player. You can install it on your computer and evaluate the player yourself.

The honorable third place in our list is occupied by Light Alloy, which means light alloy. This program feels great on a weak "office" computer. Sometimes, when watching a large video file size, the player may feel bad.

At the beginning of the article, I said that you don't need to install anything! Here's why: you can open mkv in the standard Windows player. This is exactly what I will talk about in the next chapter of this article.

You don't need a fancy player to play video on a computer or laptop. I have 3-4 players installed on my PC and laptop, but usually I use Media Player Classic, which is installed with codecs.

Codecs and built-in player

So, above I reviewed several players so that you don't have a question about how to watch mkv. If you have problems opening the mkv file in any player, then let's configure / install the codecs. Now we will install the K-Lite Codec Pack - codecs that have a simple player for reading different video formats.

In the event that you are not familiar with the concept of codecs and have no idea what function they perform in Windows, then read the blog article: "". This information is required reading for users who have just started to master the computer. Also in this article I told how you can install codecs, if you do everything according to the instructions, then you will no longer have the question of how to open the mkv file on your computer.

First, download the codecs and install them. To do this, go to the developer site. Then go down a little lower and in the line "Full", on the right, click "Download Full".

To download codecs, you can use different mirrors where these codecs are located.

As an example, I will choose the first mirror. On the page that opens, click "Click Here To Download".

After downloading, open the codec installation file. Click Next.

In the next window, leave everything by default, click "Next".

In the next window you will be asked to select a profile, for a regular user nothing needs to be changed, just click "Next".

By checking the box in the next window, you will not add data on codecs. It makes no sense to change anything, and therefore click "Next".

So, now we go down to the bottom of the page and uncheck the box so that after installation the developer's site does not open.

In the next window you can specify additional information about the "Decoding Method", if you are confused, then leave it as it is, and in the future you can change these settings if you need it.

Note: if you have an old computer that slows down when playing video, then you should think about this setting. If the computer has normal characteristics, then this is not necessary. This is what the developers say!

At this stage, you select the player to associate with the video files.

In the next window, you can select the file extensions that will open through the Media Player Classic.

Now choose your audio system. If you have a simple audio system, you don't need to change anything.

Click "Install" and the installation of the codecs will begin.

After installing the codecs, now you will have no problems opening this file. By the way, you can also use the VLC player. It is really a very good player and if you have problems opening files, for example mov, then this program will cope with such files once or twice. You may ask why you need to install another player, because there is no difference, since the codecs are the same! But no!

This player has built-in codecs! That is, even if there are no codecs on your computer, then you can view video files through it. We used this player to open video files when I was working on television. So be sure to install it and you will have a choice, if your codecs do not open some kind of video file, then you can open it through VLC.

Small conclusion. You don't need to install many players! It is enough to install the one that you like the most and that's it. It's all about the codecs. If the codecs are not installed on your computer or laptop, then you will have problems opening video files. In the event that your computer or laptop has weak characteristics, but you need to watch a video file with the mkv extension, then install several players and it is possible that the video will not freeze while watching.

Some users asked me - how to open the mkv file, now I think it became clear that the main thing is the installed codecs on your system.

Happy viewing!

If your player or TV does not read MKV files, then you can convert:

I wrote you a letter in which I briefly outlined my problem, namely how to open mkv file Or is it more correct to say which codec needs to be installed in order for a movie in mkv format to play the Windows Media Player built into Windows 7? You explained to me that you need to download and install the free K-Lite Codec Pack and it will solve all my problems. On the official site you specified www.codecguide.com, the K-Lite Codec Pack program exists in four or, if I'm not mistaken, in five versions. Which one I need, I don't want to install something that is not needed in advance. I ask you to answer another question. Why the image in the movies, mkv format, looks much better than the image in AVI format, because they have the same size. Anatoly.

And the second letter that friends came to our mail with a different problem, but it also concerns files with the mkv extension.

Tell me which program to open the mkv file to edit it? My TV turns out to be able to show films in this format from a flash drive and the quality is just Oh. They say that despite the small size of this file (on average 2 GB), it can be further reduced, without loss of quality, by removing the audio tracks with a foreign language and subtitles I do not need from there. And another question. Is it possible to add an audio track taken from a purchased DVD to a movie in mkv format? In many video editors, this can be done only with complete re-encoding of the film and, accordingly, deterioration of its quality.

How to open mkv file

Contents of our article: First, I will answer the second question. How to open and edit an mkv file, with the free MKVToolnix program, it is very simple and no doubt useful to you more than once if several movies in mkv format do not fit on your USB flash drive, when you go to your friends on a weekend, watch movies in this format on their new and big TV. By the way, now more and more digital TVs support this format, and their owners do not even know about it. Then together we will download and install the K-Lite Codec Pack and we will ensure that our Windows Media Player will show movies with the mkv extension.

By the way, the K-Lite Codec Pack has its own Media Player Classic - a pretty good multimedia player that can play anything.

A file in mkv format is a kind of container, it is also called "Matryoshka", containing various video and audio data processed by various high-quality codecs (for example, the latest video codec H.264 and AAC audio), as well as audio tracks, subtitles, video chapters, menus and so on. Sounds like a DVD, doesn't it? The now widespread AVI format cannot accommodate this in itself, that is, mkv is the same container for video and audio files as AVI, but much more modern and of higher quality. Most importantly, the mkv file is very easy to edit without complete processing, for example, we can easily remove and remove unnecessary audio track and subtitles from it, thereby significantly reducing its size.

Initially, in the installed operating system Windows 7 and Windows XP, there is no codec that supports the mkv format, so many novice users face the problem of playing movies on their computer in this format.

Editing the mkv file with MKVToolnix

Open any movie in it in mkv format. File-\u003e Open or directly drag the movie file into the main program window. As we can see in our film, there is one video track, as well as three audio tracks and one with subtitles. We leave one video track and one audio track, uncheck the other tracks, click the Browse button and indicate the name and where exactly to save our future movie with one audio track and without subtitles. Press the button Start processing... In a few minutes, a file with the mkv extension will appear where we indicated. This will be our film. In my case, it became instead of 2.3 GB -\u003e 1.7 GB.

You can add an audio track in the same way, for example, it can be extracted from a DVD using the DVD Audio Extractor program, and inserted using the aforementioned MKVToolnix. You can experiment. Unfortunately, I cannot discuss in this article all the subtleties of this and interesting question, since we will greatly deviate from the topic.
Well, we got to our main question how to open mkv file... We go to the official site of the K-Lite Codec Pack program. The K-Lite Codec Pack consists of ffdshow decoder libraries that can play almost any audio and video file.
Well, here we are on the site- www.codecguide.com

Click download.

As we can see, 5 options are waiting for us.
Basic - the package contains everything you need to play the most common formats - AVI, MKV, FLV, MPEG, MOV, HDMOV, MP4 and so on.
Standart - I personally chose him, not only does he know how to play almost all media files, he still has a very good Media Player Classic, for him you will thank me more than once again.
Full - for especially picky users and professionals.
Mega - additional filters, codecs and so on, those who choose this package know why they need it.
K-Lite Codec Pack 64-bit - for 64-bit players.
So we are advanced and experienced users, choose –Standart and click Download Standard.