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Convert AVI to MKV – Modern Container with Full Features

Transform AVI videos to MKV for subtitle support and multi-track audio.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Need Subtitles or Multiple Audio Tracks?

AVI is a legacy format that struggles with modern video features. It lacks proper subtitle embedding, chapter markers, and flexible multi-track support. If you want to add subtitles to your video or include multiple audio tracks, AVI simply cannot deliver.

MKV (Matroska) solves these limitations. It can hold unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks in one file while preserving your original video quality. Convert your AVI files to MKV and unlock features that modern video demands.

How to Convert AVI to MKV

  1. Upload your AVI file – Drag and drop or select your video file
  2. Confirm MKV output – MKV container preserves your original video and audio
  3. Download your file – Get your MKV with full modern container features

The conversion wraps your video in the more capable MKV container. Original quality is preserved since the video stream remains intact.

AVI vs MKV: Technical Comparison

Both AVI and MKV are container formats that hold video and audio streams. The key differences affect what you can do with your files:

  • Subtitle support – AVI has limited subtitle options. MKV supports SRT, ASS, SSA, and embedded subtitle tracks
  • Audio tracks – AVI typically holds one audio track. MKV can store multiple languages and commentary tracks
  • Chapter markers – AVI lacks chapter support. MKV includes full chapter navigation
  • Codec flexibility – MKV supports H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and other modern codecs AVI cannot handle
  • Metadata – MKV stores rich metadata including cover art, descriptions, and tags

MKV is an open-source format created in 2002 that has become the standard for high-quality video storage, especially for HD and 4K content.

When to Convert AVI to MKV

Adding Subtitles to Movies

You have a movie in AVI format and want to embed subtitles permanently. MKV lets you add multiple subtitle tracks that viewers can toggle on or off during playback.

Creating Multi-Language Versions

Need to include English, Spanish, and French audio tracks in one file? MKV handles multiple audio streams effortlessly. Viewers select their preferred language in the player.

Archiving Video Collections

Building a personal media library? MKV is the preferred format for video archiving. It supports virtually any codec and preserves quality without unnecessary re-encoding.

Upgrading Legacy Recordings

Old camcorder footage or screen recordings in AVI can be wrapped in MKV for better compatibility with modern media servers like Plex, Jellyfin, and Kodi.

MKV vs MP4: Which Should You Choose?

Both are modern container formats, but they serve different purposes:

  • Choose MKV when: You need multiple subtitle tracks, multiple audio tracks, chapter markers, or are building a home media library. MKV is the format of choice for enthusiasts.
  • Choose MP4 when: You need maximum device compatibility, plan to share online, or upload to social media. MP4 works everywhere but has fewer advanced features.

In our testing, MKV is ideal for personal collections and media servers, while MP4 is better for sharing and streaming.

Quality Preservation

Converting AVI to MKV does not degrade video quality when done as a container conversion. The video and audio streams are remuxed into the new container without re-encoding. Your original bitrate, resolution, and codec settings remain unchanged.

This means a 1080p AVI file becomes a 1080p MKV file with identical visual quality. The only change is the container wrapper, which enables MKV's advanced features.

Batch Convert Multiple Files

Converting an entire video collection? Upload multiple AVI files and convert them all to MKV in one batch. Essential for users migrating their media libraries to a modern format.

Works on Any Device

No software installation required. Convert AVI to MKV directly in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android

Pro Tip

If you need to add subtitles to your video, convert to MKV first, then use MKVToolNix to mux your SRT or ASS subtitle files. This preserves quality while giving viewers toggleable subtitle options.

Common Mistake

Converting to MKV expecting automatic subtitle generation. MKV provides the container for subtitles—you still need to create or download subtitle files separately before embedding them.

Best For

Building media libraries with multi-language support, archiving videos with chapter navigation, and preparing files for Plex, Kodi, or Jellyfin servers.

Not Recommended

If your goal is maximum sharing compatibility, choose MP4 instead. MKV may not play on older devices or some streaming platforms that expect MP4.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Container conversion (remuxing) preserves original quality. The video and audio streams transfer directly to the MKV container without re-encoding. Your resolution, bitrate, and visual quality remain identical.

Choose MKV when you need multiple subtitle tracks, multiple audio languages, chapter markers, or rich metadata. MKV is ideal for media libraries and home servers. MP4 is better for sharing and maximum device compatibility.

Yes. MKV supports embedded subtitle tracks in formats like SRT, ASS, and SSA. After conversion, you can mux additional subtitle files into your MKV using tools like MKVToolNix.

Most modern smart TVs support MKV playback. Samsung, LG, Sony, and other major brands include MKV support. However, codec support varies—H.264 encoded MKV files have the best compatibility.

MKV and AVI are containers, not codecs—quality depends on the video encoding inside. However, MKV supports modern codecs like H.265/HEVC that offer better quality at smaller file sizes than older AVI codecs.

VLC Media Player, PotPlayer, and MPV play MKV files on any computer. Most smart TVs and media servers (Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin) support MKV natively. Windows 10/11 includes built-in MKV support.

Yes. MKV can contain unlimited audio tracks—different languages, director's commentary, descriptive audio, and more. Viewers select their preferred track during playback.

AVI was created by Microsoft in 1992 and dominated for decades. It has been largely replaced by MP4 and MKV which offer better compression, modern codec support, and advanced features AVI lacks.

File size remains nearly identical in a container conversion since video and audio streams are not re-encoded. You may see minor differences due to container overhead, typically less than 1%.

Yes, but you may lose features. MKV extras like multiple subtitle tracks, chapter markers, and additional audio tracks cannot transfer to AVI. Only the primary video and audio streams convert.

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