Browse Tools Top 100
M4V MKV
File conversion

Convert M4V to MKV

Convert now
Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 20, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert M4V to MKV?
Yes - M4V converts to MKV.

You can do it right here with our free converter - no sign-up, and your file is deleted right after.

Upload your M4V above for a fast, free conversion; your file is deleted after processing. For DRM-free files you can also use MKVToolNix or FFmpeg to remux with zero quality loss. Important: M4V files purchased from the iTunes Store carry Apple FairPlay DRM and cannot be converted by any standard tool.

Also to MKV: USM · TP · MPEG4

On this page

Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

More free converters

HEIC, PNG, WEBP, MP3 and more - every tool here is free.

Open the toolbox
M4V → MKV converterFREE

Why convert M4V to MKV?

M4V is Apple's proprietary container, closely tied to iTunes - non-Apple players and devices often struggle with it or refuse to play it at all. .MKV is an open, widely supported container that works natively with Kodi, Plex, VLC, and most smart TVs. Converting also gives you better support for multiple audio tracks, embedded subtitles, and chapter markers.

How to convert M4V to MKV

MKVToolNix FREE

Drag your .m4v into MKVToolNix GUI and click Start multiplexing - it remuxes without re-encoding so quality is identical to the source.

Command line - FFmpeg CLI

Run ffmpeg -i input.m4v -c copy output.mkv to remux in seconds with no quality change.

HandBrake FREE

Open your .m4v, set Format to MKV File, and start the encode - use this when you also want to change resolution or codec.

Freemake Video Converter FREE

Add your .m4v, choose MKV as the output format, and convert with a straightforward GUI and no command-line required.

Programs that convert M4V

Aimersoft iTransfer for Windows
Freemake Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter Personal
SUPER
MediaCell Video Converter
Aimersoft iTransfer for Mac
Movavi Video Converter for Mac Personal
iVI - iTunes Video Importer

About these formats

.M4V iTunes Video File

An M4V file is an iTunes/Apple TV video - movies, TV shows, and music videos sold or rented through Apple's store. Non-DRM M4V files open in VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime.…

Open .M4V details →
.MKV Matroska Video

An MKV file is a Matroska multimedia container that holds video, multiple audio tracks, subtitles and chapters in one file. Open it for free with VLC media player, or on Windows 11 with the…

Open .MKV details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Apple FairPlay DRM on iTunes Store purchases blocks any standard conversion - only M4V files you ripped yourself or exported from iMovie or Final Cut Pro can be converted.
  • A remux (MKVToolNix or FFmpeg -c copy) moves streams unchanged into the new container; file size and quality are identical to the source.
  • Renaming .m4v to .mkv produces an unreadable file - they are completely different container formats and require a proper conversion tool.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert a DRM-protected M4V to MKV?
No - Apple FairPlay DRM prevents any standard tool from accessing the video stream. Only M4V files without DRM can be converted.
Does the video quality change when converting to MKV?
Not with a remux using MKVToolNix or FFmpeg -c copy. HandBrake re-encodes the video, which changes the data even at high quality settings.
Will subtitles and multiple audio tracks carry over?
Yes. MKVToolNix and FFmpeg copy all tracks by default, and MKV natively supports multiple audio, subtitle, and chapter tracks.
How long does conversion take?
A remux finishes in seconds regardless of file size. HandBrake re-encoding takes minutes to hours depending on resolution and settings.