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Convert MPG to MKV

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 30, 2026
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Is it possible to convert MPG to MKV?
Yes - MPG 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 .mpg file to the converter above and download the .mkv - it is free and your file is deleted after conversion. If you prefer a local tool, ffmpeg remuxes in seconds with no quality loss; only re-encoding to H.264 will reduce the file size, at the cost of a small quality dip.

Also to MKV: USM · TP · MPEG4

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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Why convert MPG to MKV?

MKV is a flexible modern container that supports multiple subtitle tracks, chapter markers, and a wider range of audio codecs than the older MPEG program-stream format. Most media players and streaming servers such as Plex and Kodi handle .MKV files without additional codecs, whereas raw MPEG-2 streams can cause compatibility problems on some devices.

How to convert MPG to MKV

Command line - ffmpeg CLI

Remux without re-encoding using ffmpeg -i input.mpg -c copy output.mkv, or add -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -c:a aac to re-encode to H.264.

HandBrake FREE

Open your .mpg in HandBrake, set the output format to MKV, choose H.264 or H.265, and click Start Encode - always re-encodes but gives full control over quality and file size.

MKVToolNix FREE

Drag your .mpg into MKVToolNix GUI and click Start multiplexing to remux to .mkv with no re-encoding and no quality loss.

Freemake Video Converter FREE

Add your .mpg file, choose MKV as the output format, and click Convert - straightforward GUI conversion on Windows.

Programs that convert MPG

Aimersoft iTransfer for Windows
AviDemux
ConvertXtoDVD
Free Studio
Freemake Video Converter
ImTOO DPG Converter
MediaCoder
Movavi Video Converter Personal

About these formats

.MPG MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Video File

An MPG file is a video compressed with the older MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 standard - the format behind Video CDs, DVDs, and recorded TV. To play it, use the free VLC media player on any platform.…

Open .MPG 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

  • Remuxing with stream copy (ffmpeg -c copy or MKVToolNix) is completely lossless; re-encoding to H.264 reduces file size but causes a slight quality drop.
  • AC-3 audio tracks common in DVD-sourced .mpg files pass through unchanged when remuxing; HandBrake can re-encode audio to AAC if needed.
  • MPEG-2 video inside .mkv plays correctly in VLC and Kodi but may not be supported on older smart TVs or budget hardware - re-encode to H.264 for maximum compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

Is converting MPG to MKV lossless?
It can be. Using ffmpeg with -c copy or MKVToolNix remuxes the video and audio without any quality change. HandBrake always re-encodes, so it is not lossless.
Why is my MKV the same size as the original MPG?
If you remuxed with stream copy the video data is identical - only the container changed. To reduce size, re-encode to H.264 using HandBrake or ffmpeg with -c:v libx264.
Can I convert MPG to MKV on a Mac?
Yes. HandBrake and MKVToolNix have native macOS builds. ffmpeg is available via Homebrew with brew install ffmpeg. QuickTime Player does not support this conversion.
Will the converted MKV play on my TV?
MKV is supported by most modern smart TVs, Kodi, VLC, and Plex. Re-encoding to H.264 gives the broadest hardware compatibility.