Convert AVI to MKV Online
No native support for modern codecs like H.265 or AV1, variable frame rates, or embedded subtitles. Converting to MKV gives you a key advantage: the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file. MKV is best for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file.
Why Convert AVI to MKV?
No native support for modern codecs like H.265 or AV1, variable frame rates, or embedded subtitles β converting to MKV overcomes this by providing the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file
MKV is the right choice when you need to: archiving blu-ray rips with original audio tracks (dts-hd, truehd) and subtitle streams
Gain broader compatibility β MKV works with VLC, MPC-HC, mpv, Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin; partial support on Android and some smart TVs
Your AVI files were created for capturing uncompressed video from screen recording tools and frame grabbers, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
AVI vs MKV β Format Comparison
Audio Video Interleave (.avi)
Matroska Video Container (.mkv)
How to Convert AVI to MKV
Upload your AVI file
Drag your .avi file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept AVI files up to 2 GB.
Choose MKV as output format
Select .mkv (Matroska Video Container) from the format list. Configure any format-specific settings to match your requirements.
Convert and download
Click Convert and wait for processing. Your MKV file will be ready to download in seconds. The result is optimized for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AVI to MKV conversion lossless?
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When both formats support lossless data, the conversion preserves all content. Container-agnostic: supports any codec (H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9) at any quality level.
How large will my MKV file be compared to the original AVI?
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AVI files are typically 50 MB β 20 GB, while MKV files are typically 50 MB β 30 GB. The actual size depends on content complexity and any quality settings you choose.
What software can open the converted MKV file?
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MKV is compatible with: VLC, MPC-HC, mpv, Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin; partial support on Android and some smart TVs.
What is the maximum file size I can convert?
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PureConverter accepts AVI files up to 2 GB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between AVI and MKV?
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AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is best for storing uncompressed or lightly compressed video for editing on windows-based workflows. MKV (Matroska Video Container) is best for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file. Key tradeoff: AVI's advantage is extremely simple container structure that every windows media tool has supported since 1992, while MKV's advantage is the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file.
Pro Tips for AVI to MKV Conversion
Review the output MKV file to ensure all formatting and content transferred correctly from your AVI source
Keep a backup of your original AVI file β while our conversion is reliable, having the source is always recommended
MKV works especially well for: storing anime with multiple subtitle tracks (soft-subs) for different fan translations
Did you know? Matroska is named after Russian nesting dolls (ΠΌΠ°ΡΡΡΡΠΊΠ°) because the format is based on EBML, which nests data structures inside each other like layers of a doll.
Ready to Convert?
Upload your AVI file above and get your MKV in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.