What is MKV and How to Play MKV Files?
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26 February 2019 Senior Product Manager
Summary
You may sometimes see MKV files when downloading or watching videos online. Then what are MKV files? Now this essay will introduce you the MKV format and how to play and edit MKV files.
What are MKV Files
MKV files are open-source multimedia container formats and an MKV container can incorporate audio, video and subtitles into a single MKV file. Now, MKV format is widely used for some HD videos and online videos. Its key feature is that it can accommodate videos with different types of encoding, audio with different formats and subtitles in different languages.
How to Play MKV Files
Although MKV files are a very good container formats, they are not an industry standard and not all media players support this format. If you want to play MKV files, you can choose one of the following options.
1. Using an MKV Compatible Media Player
One of the most favorite choice for playing MKV files is VideoLAN VLC media player and it is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, IOS and Android system. You can download it from official website, App store or Google Play. After the install is done, you can play any of your MKV files. There are some other players which can also play MKV files including MPV, KMPlayer and DivX Player, etc.
2. Downloading the Appropriate Codecs for the Media Player
If you prefer to use your frequently-used or other player that doesn’t support MKV files, you’ll need to install some appropriate codecs, such as CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack), a set of free codecs. When it is installed, you will be able to play MKV files on the Windows Media Player or any other players based on DirectShow.
Beware: Free codes are bundled in crapware or malware, so do it carefully.
3.Converting MKV to MP4 or Other Common Video Format and Play on Desired Device
If you want a simpler method or free to play on any player, then it is recommended that convert the MKV files to MP4 format before playing.
File Format | MKV | MP4 |
| Supported Player | Only a few players support it | Almost all players support it |
| Supported Mobile Device | Only some devices support it | Almost all devices support it, like mobile phones and tablets |
| File Size | Large size and require more space | Small size, easy to copy, move and upload |
From the above comparison, you can see MP4 has a better compatibility than MKV, and almost all players and devices support the MP4 format. Renee Video Editor Pro can help to convert MKV to MP4 format. All you need to do is to follow the steps below.
① Download and install the Renee Video Editor Pro.
② Open the software, choose “Video Toolbox” and enter.
③ Click “Add files” and upload the MKV files that you want to convert.
④ Choose the MP4 format as the save path in the output format column, then click “Start” to save.
How to Edit MKV Files
If you want to edit the MKV files, such as cut, crop, add effect and subtitles, and change the background music. It is recommended that use the Renee Video Editor Pro which can edit videos in various ways.
Renee Video Editor Pro – Multi-function Video Editing Software
- Screen Recording – Record screen and webcam in Windows computer.
- Cut Videos & Audios – Users can record screen at will. User can customize the recording time, the size of the window, the resolution and the frame rate. While recording, users can adjust the speed, add customized watermark and set special effects for mouse.
- Video editing – Merge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. It can change and add background music, add subtitles, make the beginning and end of the film. It also can add and remove watermarks, add a variety of filter effects and so on.
- Format conversion – Support to convert videos and audios into different formats.
- Customize the compression mode – encoding and preservation of video and audio.
- Music Function – Add background music to videos. You can create the voice over by yourself or add local music as background music.
① First download and install Renee Video Editor Pro, then open it. Choose “Video Toolbox” and enter.
② After entering the video editing page, click “Add Files” and upload MKV files.
③ Click “Cut” function, drag the progress bar or set the start and end time, then the software can cut the files and save the highlights for you.
④ Click “Rotate and Crop”, you can drag the crop area or set the value for the crop area, and then partially crop the files. It also can be used to remove black and white borders, or any other undesired parts.
⑤ Click “Effects” function, to add different filter effects on the MKV files, zoom in or zoom out designated area, and decrease or increase volume of designated area.
⑥ Click “Watermark” function, to add picture, text, photograph and video watermark on your video. It also can be used to remove extra watermark from your video.
⑦ Click “Music”, to remove the original music of the video and add or record any background music you prefer.
⑧ Click “Subtitles”, to add subtitles for the video, set the showing position for the subtitles and typefaces.
⑨ Click “Opening/Ending”, to make your own opening and ending, making the video more attractive.
⑩ Check “Merge All Files into one file” option, to merge multiple MKV files into one file.
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