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How to convert MKV to MP4

Science & Technology

Introduction

Converting video file formats is a common necessity, especially when working with video editing software that primarily supports MP4 format. If you find yourself with an MKV video file that needs conversion to MP4, you're in luck! This guide will walk you through the process using two effective and free methods: VLC Media Player and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).

Why Convert MKV to MP4?

There are several reasons you might need to convert MKV to MP4. For instance:

  • Compatibility: Many devices and editing software require videos to be in MP4 format.
  • Space Saving: MP4 files often take up less space than MKV files while maintaining quality.

Method 1: Using VLC Media Player

  1. Download VLC Media Player: If you haven't already, download VLC from videoland.org (the link is also available in the description). VLC is free, open-source, and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

  2. Launch VLC: Open VLC on your computer.

  3. Open Conversion Menu: Go to the top left corner, click on the 'Media' menu, and select 'Convert / Save'. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + R.

  4. Select the File: In the dialog that appears, click 'Add' to select the MKV file you wish to convert. After selecting the file, click 'Open'.

  5. Start Conversion: Click the 'Convert / Save' button to open the convert dialog.

  6. Choose Format: Here, you can select the format for conversion. Under the 'Profile' section, select the MP4 option. If you're converting for a specific purpose, you can choose a preset option, such as 'Video for YouTube HD'.

  7. Select Output Destination: At the bottom of the dialog, click 'Browse' to choose where to save the new MP4 file and set a name for the file.

  8. Begin Conversion: Once you have everything set, click 'Start'. The progress of the conversion will be displayed at the bottom of the window.

  9. Check Your New File: When the conversion is complete, check your destination folder for the newly created MP4 file. Open it to ensure it works correctly.

Method 2: Using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

  1. Download OBS: If you don't have OBS yet, download it from obsproject.com.

  2. Open OBS: Launch OBS on your computer.

  3. Go to File Menu: Click on the 'File' menu, then select 'Remux Recordings'.

  4. Select MKV File: In the dialog that appears, click on the ellipsis (...) to open the file explorer. Choose your MKV file and click 'Open'. You should see your target file set to MP4.

  5. Remux the File: Click on 'Remux' to start the conversion.

  6. Verify Conversion: Once remuxing is finished, check your desktop or output folder for your new MP4 file, and open it to confirm its functionality.

Conclusion

Both methods illustrated above provide an easy way to convert MKV files to MP4 format for free. VLC Media Player is great for broader video conversions, while OBS can be a reliable alternative if you're already using it for screen recordings.

Keyword

  • MKV
  • MP4
  • Convert Video Formats
  • VLC Media Player
  • OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
  • Video Compatibility
  • Video Editing
  • Remux

FAQ

Q: Why do I need to convert MKV to MP4?
A: You might need to convert MKV files to MP4 for compatibility with video editing software, devices that only support MP4, or to reduce file size.

Q: Is VLC Media Player safe to use?
A: Yes, VLC Media Player is free, open-source, and does not require any additional codecs, making it a safe choice for media playback and conversion.

Q: What platforms is VLC Media Player available on?
A: VLC Media Player is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Q: Can I convert other video file types using VLC?
A: Yes, VLC can convert various video file formats, not just MKV and MP4.

Q: What is the advantage of using OBS for conversion?
A: OBS is a powerful screen recorder and can remux MKV files to MP4 without re-encoding, which preserves quality while reducing the conversion time.