In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, converting multimedia files to different formats has become an essential task. When it comes to converting AVI files to the widely compatible MP4 format, many users struggle to find a simple and reliable solution. Fortunately, with the help of a versatile software like VLC media player, this conversion process can be easily achieved. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the simple yet effective method of converting AVI to MP4 using VLC, ensuring that your multimedia files are ready for playback on any device or platform.
Introduction To AVI And MP4 File Formats
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) and MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) are two popular video file formats used for storing and playing videos. AVI files were developed by Microsoft in 1992 and are widely supported by various media players. MP4, on the other hand, is a more modern file format that supports high-quality videos and offers better compression.
AVI files typically have larger file sizes and may not be compatible with certain devices or media players. This is where the need for AVI to MP4 conversion arises. Converting AVI files to MP4 format allows for better compatibility, smaller file sizes, and improved video quality.
In this step-by-step guide, we will explore how to convert AVI to MP4 using VLC media player, a free and versatile software for video playback and conversion. So, if you have AVI files that need to be converted to MP4, follow the steps outlined in this article to achieve seamless and hassle-free conversion.
Understanding the need for AVI to MP4 conversion
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) and MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) are both popular video file formats, but there are several reasons why you may need to convert AVI to MP4. One of the main reasons is compatibility. MP4 is a widely supported format that can be played on various devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and media players. On the other hand, AVI may not be compatible with certain devices or software.
Another reason is file size. AVI files tend to be larger in size compared to MP4 files of the same quality. This can be a concern if you’re running out of storage space or if you want to upload a video online, as smaller files are easier to handle and upload.
Furthermore, MP4 supports better video compression algorithms, which means you can achieve the same video quality with a smaller file size compared to AVI. This can be beneficial if you want to reduce bandwidth usage when streaming videos over the internet.
In summary, converting AVI to MP4 improves compatibility, reduces file size, and allows for efficient video compression.
Step 1: Downloading And Installing VLC Media Player
VLC media player is a versatile and popular media player that can also be used for converting video file formats. To begin the AVI to MP4 conversion process, the first step is to download and install VLC media player on your computer.
Go to the official website of VideoLAN, the developer of VLC media player, and navigate to the downloads section. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and click on the download button.
Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install VLC media player on your computer.
After the installation is complete, launch VLC media player by double-clicking its desktop icon or finding it in the programs list. Once VLC is open, you are ready to proceed with the AVI to MP4 conversion process.
Step 2: Launching VLC And Opening The AVI File
After successfully downloading and installing VLC media player on your computer, it’s time to launch the program and open the AVI file you want to convert to MP4. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the VLC media player icon on your desktop or in your applications folder and double-click to open it.
2. Once VLC opens, go to the top menu and click on “Media.” A drop-down menu will appear.
3. From the drop-down menu, select “Open File” or use the shortcut “Ctrl + O” on your keyboard. This will open the “Open Media” dialog box.
4. In the “File” tab of the dialog box, click on the “Add” button and navigate to the location where your AVI file is saved.
5. Select the AVI file you want to convert and click on the “Open” button. The file will now appear in the “File” tab of the dialog box.
6. Finally, click on the “Play” button at the bottom right corner of the dialog box. VLC will now start playing the AVI file, indicating that it has been successfully opened.
By following these simple steps, you have now launched VLC media player and opened the AVI file that you are ready to convert to MP4.
Step 3: Choosing The MP4 Format For Conversion
In the third step of converting AVI to MP4 using VLC media player, you will learn how to choose the MP4 format for conversion.
Once you have launched VLC and opened the AVI file, go to the top menu bar and click on “Media.” From the dropdown menu, select “Convert / Save.”
A new window will open, showing the “File” tab. Here, click on the “Add” button to select the AVI file you want to convert. Once you have added the file, click on the “Convert / Save” button located at the bottom-right corner of the window.
In the next window, navigate to the “Profile” section and choose “MP4” as the desired format for conversion. VLC supports a wide range of video formats, but for converting AVI to MP4, this selection is crucial.
You can also customize the conversion settings by clicking on the “Edit selected profile” button. This allows you to adjust aspects such as the video codec, audio codec, and bitrate. However, these advanced settings are optional, and you can proceed without making any changes.
After selecting the MP4 format and making any necessary adjustments, click on the “Browse” button to choose the destination folder where you want to save the converted file.
Once you have completed these steps, you are now ready to proceed with the AVI to MP4 conversion process using VLC media player.
Step 4: Selecting The Destination Folder To Save The Converted File
When converting AVI to MP4 using VLC, it is important to choose the right destination folder to save the converted file. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth conversion process:
1. After selecting the MP4 format in step 3, click on the “Browse” button next to the “Destination file” field. This will open a file explorer window.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the converted MP4 file.
3. Once you have reached the desired folder, click on the “Save” button to select it as the destination folder.
4. After choosing the destination folder, double-check that the correct path is displayed in the “Destination file” field.
It is recommended to choose a folder location where you can easily locate the converted file later. Additionally, make sure that the destination folder has sufficient storage space available to accommodate the converted MP4 file. Once you have selected the destination folder, you are now ready to proceed with the AVI to MP4 conversion process.
Step 5: Adjusting Advanced Settings (if Necessary) For The Conversion Process
When converting AVI files to MP4 using VLC, you have the option to adjust advanced settings to optimize your conversion process. While the default settings will work well in most cases, tweaking these settings can enhance the output quality or reduce file size.
One of the important settings to consider is the video codec. By default, VLC uses H.264 codec for video conversion, which is widely supported and provides good quality. However, if you have specific requirements or want to use a different codec, you can change it from the settings.
You can also modify the audio codec, bitrate, frame rate, and resolution based on your preferences or the device you intend to play the MP4 file on. It’s important to note that increasing the bitrate or resolution can improve quality but may also result in a larger file size.
Additionally, VLC allows you to add subtitles or modify subtitle settings during the conversion process. If your AVI file contains subtitles and you want them to be included in the MP4 file, you can enable the subtitle option and customize its appearance.
Remember, adjusting advanced settings is optional and should mainly be done if you have specific requirements or preferences for the output MP4 file.
Step 6: Initiating The AVI To MP4 Conversion Process And Monitoring Progress
After selecting the destination folder and adjusting advanced settings (if necessary), it is time to initiate the AVI to MP4 conversion process using VLC media player.
To do this, simply click on the “Start” or “Convert” button, depending on the version of VLC you are using. VLC will then begin converting your AVI file to MP4 format.
During the conversion process, a progress bar will appear on the VLC interface, indicating the percentage of completion. This allows you to monitor the progress of the conversion.
It is important to note that the conversion time will depend on several factors, such as the size of the AVI file, the hardware specifications of your computer, and the selected advanced settings (if any). Generally, smaller files and less complex settings will result in faster conversions.
Once the conversion is completed, VLC will notify you with a pop-up message or a sound alert. At this point, you can close the VLC media player and locate your newly converted MP4 file in the destination folder you specified earlier.
FAQ
FAQ 1: Can I convert AVI files to MP4 using VLC?
Yes, you can definitely convert AVI files to MP4 using VLC. VLC is a versatile media player that also functions as a video converter. It supports a wide range of media formats, including AVI and MP4, and allows you to convert files from one format to another with ease.
FAQ 2: Is VLC a free software?
Yes, VLC is completely free and open-source software. You can download it for free from the official VLC website or other trusted sources. VLC is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and various other platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
FAQ 3: Is the AVI to MP4 conversion process difficult?
No, the AVI to MP4 conversion process using VLC is quite straightforward and user-friendly. With the step-by-step guide provided in the article, you can easily convert your AVI files to MP4 in just a few simple steps. VLC’s intuitive interface and convenient options make the conversion process easy even for beginners.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the step-by-step guide provided in this article showcases the ease and convenience of converting AVI to MP4 using VLC media player. With just a few simple clicks and adjustments, users can successfully convert their AVI files to the universally compatible MP4 format. VLC’s user-friendly interface and wide range of customization options make it a versatile tool for all conversion needs. Whether for personal or professional use, this guide ensures a seamless and hassle-free AVI to MP4 conversion process.