Format at a glance
- Full name
- Audio Video Interleave
- File extensions
- .avi
- MIME types
- video/x-msvideo
- Category
- Video
- Compression
- Depends on the contained codec
- Transparency
- Not applicable
- Animation
- Not applicable
- Properties
- Multiple media tracks
Suitable tools
What is this format?
AVI means Audio Video Interleave. RIFF chunks organize the data and interleave audio and video blocks for playback.
The extension does not identify the codec. MPEG-4 Part 2 with MP3 was common, while H.264, MJPEG, DV, uncompressed video and PCM audio also occur.
What is it used for?
- Legacy Windows video archives
- Camera and capture software
- Uncompressed or MJPEG intermediate video
- Exchange with older applications
Which programs can open it?
- VLC and mpv
- Windows Media Player with matching codecs
- VirtualDub and legacy video software
- FFmpeg and current editors with AVI import
Support across devices and browsers
VLC, mpv and matching system codecs play AVI; the contained codecs determine compatibility.
QuickTime supports selected combinations, while VLC and FFmpeg cover additional AVI variants.
VLC, mpv and FFmpeg handle many AVI codec combinations.
Playback and hardware decoding depend on the device and contained codecs.
Apple devices primarily support common H.264, HEVC and AAC combinations.
The container alone is insufficient: the browser must support every contained video and audio codec.
Advantages
- Broad support in older Windows software
- Can carry many different codecs
- Suitable for simple intermediate and capture files
Disadvantages
- Weak support for modern container features
- Old files may require codec packages
- Some variants have large files or timestamp problems
Comparison with alternatives
MP4 is more modern, streaming-friendly and usually more compatible on current devices.
MKV handles tracks, subtitles, chapters and modern codecs more flexibly.
M4V uses MPEG-4 structures and is common in Apple-oriented workflows.
LocalFileLab support
AVI is recognized as an input. Containers and media streams are read locally depending on their codecs.
AVI is available as a local output; available settings depend on the format.
LocalFileLab can compress AVI locally or package it in a supported archive; already compressed content will not necessarily become smaller.
A local preview is available when the browser can display or play the content.
Existing metadata can be retained or removed depending on the selected path.
Container and codecs
The LocalFileLab statements below come from the FFmpeg/WASM and WebCodecs paths actually configured in the repository. Decoders or tracks not explicitly evidenced in code are marked unverified.
- Container
- AVI
- Typical video codecs
- MPEG-4 Part 2, H.264 / AVC, MJPEG, WMV2
- Typical audio codecs
- MP3, PCM, AC-3
| Codec | Type | Input | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPEG-4 Part 2 | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| H.264 / AVC | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| MJPEG | Video | Unverified | Not supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. This codec is not offered as an output for this container. |
| WMV2 | Video | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| MP3 | Audio | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| PCM | Audio | Unverified | Supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository. |
| AC-3 | Audio | Unverified | Not supported | The project does not enumerate the FFmpeg/WASM input decoder per codec. This codec is not offered as an output for this container. |
| Text and subtitle tracks | Subtitle | Unverified | Not supported | This track is not mapped explicitly during export. |
Tracks and metadata
- Subtitle tracks
- Unverified
- Multiple audio tracks
- Not supported
- Chapters
- Unverified
- Metadata
- Configurable
Known combinations
A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository.
A concrete FFmpeg/WASM encoder is configured in the repository.
Related formats
Frequently asked questions
Why does an AVI file not play?
The container may be recognized while the required audio or video codec is missing from the system or browser.
Is AVI a codec?
No. AVI is a container that may carry MPEG-4 Part 2, H.264, MJPEG, MP3 or PCM, among others.
Should AVI be converted to MP4?
MP4 with H.264/AAC is normally better for current devices and web playback. Editing or archiving may call for a different lossless target.