┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : Matroska.org
│ CATEGORY : Video
│ MIME TYPE : video/x-matroska
│ MAGIC BYTES : 1A45DFA3
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is an MKV file?
MKV (Matroska Video) is an open, free container format that can hold unlimited video, audio, subtitle, and metadata tracks in a single file. Created in 2002, it has become the preferred format for high-definition video content and media archival.
How to open MKV files
- VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free
- MPV (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Lightweight
- PotPlayer (Windows) — Feature-rich
- MPC-HC (Windows) — Lightweight
- Kodi (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Media center
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Container | Matroska (EBML-based) |
| Video Codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1 |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, FLAC, DTS, Dolby |
| Subtitles | SRT, ASS/SSA, PGS, VobSub |
| Chapters | Full chapter support |
| Attachments | Fonts, cover art |
Common use cases
- HD/4K video: Preferred for high-quality media
- Anime fansubs: Multiple subtitle/audio tracks
- Media archival: Lossless video preservation
- Streaming rips: Common format for media collections