AVI to MP4 Converter
Step-by-step guide for converting AVI video files to MP4 using FFmpeg, VLC, and HandBrake, plus a client-side AVI file metadata inspector.
Video File Inspector
Select any video file to read its metadata instantly — 100% client-side, nothing uploaded.
Detected Metadata
Preview frame
AVI vs. MP4 — Format Comparison
Know what you are converting and why
| Feature | AVI | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft (1992) | MPEG group / ISO (2001) |
| Common codecs | Xvid, DivX, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 | H.264, H.265, AV1, AAC |
| Platform support | Legacy Windows software | Universal — every device |
| Streaming | Not supported | Supported (faststart) |
| Subtitles / chapters | Limited | Full support |
FFmpeg (Recommended — full codec control)
Free, cross-platform, most flexible
FFmpeg is the fastest path. If the AVI already contains H.264 video, use -c copy for a lossless rewrap. Otherwise re-encode to H.264 with libx264 and AAC audio.
brew install ffmpeg
# Install on Windows via winget
winget install ffmpeg
# Fast lossless rewrap (only if AVI contains H.264 + AAC/MP3)
ffmpeg -i input.avi -c copy output.mp4
# Re-encode Xvid/DivX AVI to H.264 MP4 (most common case)
ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v libx264 -crf 22 -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mp4
# High quality + web streaming (moov atom at start)
ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -preset slow -c:a aac -b:a 192k -movflags +faststart output.mp4
CRF 18 = near-lossless (larger file). CRF 28 = smaller file with more visible compression. Default CRF 22–23 is a good balance for most content.
HandBrake (GUI — quality-focused encoding)
Free, Windows / Mac / Linux
- Download and open HandBrake from handbrake.fr.
- Drag your AVI file onto the HandBrake window to load it as the source.
- In the Summary tab, set Format to MP4.
- Choose a preset — Fast 1080p30 works well for most AVI files.
- In the Video tab, set the encoder to H.264 (x264) and adjust the RF quality slider (lower RF = higher quality; RF 20 is a good default).
- In the Audio tab, set the encoder to AAC.
- Click Browse to set a destination MP4 file, then click Start Encode.
VLC Media Player (GUI — no command line)
Free, Windows / Mac / Linux
- Open VLC and go to Media → Convert / Save.
- Click Add, select your AVI file, then click Convert / Save.
- Click the Edit selected profile wrench icon next to the Profile drop-down.
- In the Encapsulation tab, select MP4 / MOV.
- In the Video codec tab, choose H-264 and set a bitrate (e.g., 4000 kb/s).
- In the Audio codec tab, choose MPEG 4 Audio (AAC).
- Set the destination file with an .mp4 extension and click Start.
VLC re-encodes the AVI and writes the output MP4 file to your chosen destination path.
Summary
Step-by-step guide for converting AVI video files to MP4 using FFmpeg, VLC, and HandBrake, plus a client-side AVI file metadata inspector.
How it works
- Click "Choose Video File" and select any AVI or video file from your computer.
- The tool reads basic metadata locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server.
- Review the detected file name, size, duration, resolution, and MIME type.
- Choose a desktop conversion method from the guides below (FFmpeg, VLC, or HandBrake).
- Run the provided command or follow the GUI steps to produce your MP4 file.
- Drop the resulting MP4 file back here to verify its metadata.
Use cases
- Convert legacy AVI files from camcorders or surveillance systems to MP4 for modern players.
- Make Xvid or DivX-encoded AVI clips playable on iPhones, Android phones, and smart TVs.
- Upload AVI recordings to YouTube, Facebook, or Vimeo, which prefer MP4 input.
- Shrink large AVI files by re-encoding to H.264 MP4 at a lower bitrate.
- Convert AVI files for editing in Final Cut Pro, Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve.
- Batch-convert a folder of AVI recordings to a streaming-friendly MP4 format.
- Inspect AVI metadata — codec, resolution, duration — before deciding on conversion settings.
- Verify that a converted MP4 file has the correct resolution and codec after conversion.