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XVID MKV
File conversion

Convert XVID to MKV

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jun 28, 2026
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Is it possible to convert XVID to MKV?
Yes - XVID 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 .xvid file to our converter above, or drag it into MKVToolNix for an instant remux - both are free and no re-encoding happens, so quality is identical. If you want a smaller file in a modern codec, HandBrake can re-encode to H.264 inside MKV, but that conversion is lossy.

8 programs
Also to MKV: USM · TP · MPEG4

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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XVID → MKV converterFREE
Drop a .XVID file here
or pick one - we convert it to .MKV and give you the file to download

Why convert XVID to MKV?

Most .xvid files sit inside an AVI container, which has poor support for multiple audio tracks, chapters, and soft subtitles. Moving the same streams into .MKV unlocks those features instantly via a remux, with no quality loss. MKV also plays cleanly on virtually all modern players and devices, making it a better long-term archive format than AVI.

How to convert XVID to MKV

MKVToolNix - lossless remux OPEN-SOURCE

Drag your .xvid file into MKVToolNix GUI and click Start multiplexing - it copies the streams into .mkv in seconds without re-encoding, so quality is unchanged.

HandBrake - re-encode to H.264 FREE

Load your .xvid file in HandBrake, set the container to MKV and the encoder to H.264, then click Start Encode.

Freemake Video Converter FREE

Add your .xvid file, choose MKV as the output format, and click Convert.

Command line - ffmpeg CLI

Run ffmpeg -i input.xvid -c copy output.mkv to remux without re-encoding, or swap -c copy with -c:v libx264 to re-encode to H.264.

Programs that convert XVID

Miro Video Converter
HandBrake
ConvertXtoDVD
Freemake Video Converter
ImTOO DPG Converter
MediaCoder
Movavi Video Converter Personal
Sothink Movie DVD Maker

About these formats

.XVID Xvid-Encoded Video File

An XVID file is a video encoded with the Xvid codec (MPEG-4 Part 2), typically stored inside an AVI container. The .xvid extension is informal - the file is functionally an AVI. VLC media…

Open .XVID 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

  • A remux keeps the Xvid video bit-for-bit - file size stays the same and quality is identical to the source.
  • Re-encoding to H.264 is lossy; you can shrink the file but cannot improve on the original Xvid quality.
  • If a tool rejects the .xvid extension, rename the file to .avi - the underlying container is the same.

Frequently asked questions

Will converting XVID to MKV lose quality?
Not with a remux - MKVToolNix copies the compressed video stream unchanged. Re-encoding with HandBrake is lossy but lets you trade quality for a smaller file.
How do I add subtitles to the converted MKV?
Open the output .mkv in MKVToolNix and drag in an .srt file to embed it as a soft subtitle track - no re-encoding required.
Why won't my software open the .xvid file?
The .xvid extension is informal; rename the file to .avi and virtually any video tool will open it without issues.
Is MKV better than AVI for storing Xvid video?
Yes - MKV supports multiple audio tracks, chapters, soft subtitles, and per-block checksums, making it a more capable and reliable archive container than AVI.