What VLC Player Can and Cannot Convert
VLC Player is a free media player that can convert video files from one format to another — for example, turning an MP4 into an AVI, or a MOV into an MKV. It does this by reading the video file, re-encoding it in a new format, and saving the result as a separate file. The original file stays unchanged.
VLC works best when you are converting between common formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and WebM. It can also handle audio extraction — pulling just the sound from a video and saving it as an MP3 or WAV file. However, VLC is slower at conversion than dedicated software, and it offers fewer fine-tuning options. If you need to adjust video quality, frame rate, or resolution during conversion, you will have limited control.
VLC cannot convert copy-protected videos, such as DVDs with encryption or streaming content from Netflix. It also cannot convert some proprietary formats used by certain cameras or phones without additional codec libraries installed on your computer.
Key Takeaways
- VLC converts video by opening the Media menu, selecting Convert/Save, choosing your input file, and picking an output format from the profile dropdown.
- The conversion process runs in the background and can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on file size and your computer's speed.
- You can extract audio from a video by selecting an audio-only profile like "Audio - MP3" instead of a video profile during conversion.
- VLC offers basic quality settings through the Tools menu under Preferences, but does not provide detailed control over bitrate, resolution, or frame rate during conversion.
- If VLC refuses to open a file, you may need to install additional codecs, which are available free through your operating system's package manager or VLC's website.
Opening the Convert Menu in VLC
Start by opening VLC Player on your computer. If you do not have it installed, read it free from videolan.org. Once VLC is open, click the Media menu at the top of the window.
From the Media menu, select Convert / Save. A dialog box will appear with several tabs and options. This is where you tell VLC which file to convert and what format you want it to become.
Click the Add button to browse your computer and select the video file you want to convert. Navigate to the folder where your video is stored, click the file once to highlight it, then click Open. The file path will now appear in the dialog box.
Choosing Your Output Format
In the Convert dialog, look for the Profile dropdown menu near the bottom. Click it to see a list of preset formats. VLC groups these by type: video formats like MP4, AVI, and MKV appear first, followed by audio-only formats and mobile device presets.
Select the format you need. For example, if you want to convert to MP4, click Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). If you want to extract audio only, scroll down and select Audio - MP3 or Audio - Vorbis (OGG) depending on whether you want an MP3 or OGG file.
Each profile has a small settings icon (usually a wrench or gear) next to it. You can click this to adjust bitrate, resolution, or frame rate, but these options are basic compared to dedicated conversion software. For most purposes, the default settings work fine.
Setting the Output Location and Starting Conversion
Below the Profile dropdown, you will see a field labeled Destination or Save as. Click the folder icon next to it to choose where you want the converted file to be saved. Navigate to your desired folder — your Desktop or Documents folder is usually easiest — and give the file a name.
VLC will automatically add the correct file extension based on your chosen profile, so you do not need to type .mp4 or .avi yourself. For example, if you name the file "my_video" and select MP4 as the profile, VLC will save it as "my_video.mp4".
Once you have selected your output location and format, click the Start button. VLC will begin converting the file. A progress window may appear showing how far along the conversion is, or it may run silently in the background. Do not close VLC until the conversion finishes.
Monitoring Conversion Progress and Troubleshooting Stalls
Conversion time depends on the file size and your computer's processing power. A small video under 100 MB might convert in a few minutes. A large file or older computer might take an hour or more. VLC does not always show a clear progress bar, so the best way to check is to look at the output folder and see if the file size is growing.
If VLC appears to freeze or stop responding, it is usually still working — conversion is processor-intensive and can make VLC seem unresponsive. Wait at least 10 minutes before assuming something went wrong. If the output file is not growing after 15 minutes, close VLC and try again with a smaller file to test whether the problem is specific to that video.
If VLC refuses to open your video file at all, the file format may not be supported or the codec may be missing. Try opening the file in VLC's main player window first — if it plays there, the codec is installed and the conversion should work. If it does not play, you may need to install additional codecs through your operating system or read them from the VLC website.
Extracting Audio Without Video
To save just the audio from a video as an MP3 or OGG file, follow the same steps as a normal conversion but choose an audio-only profile. Open Media > Convert / Save, add your video file, then click the Profile dropdown and select Audio - MP3 or Audio - Vorbis (OGG).
Set your output location and filename, then click Start. VLC will extract the audio track and save it as a standalone audio file. This is useful if you want to keep just the music or dialogue from a video without the video itself.
If your video has multiple audio tracks, VLC will extract the first one by default. You cannot choose which track to extract from the Convert dialog, so if you need a specific audio track, you will need to use dedicated audio editing software instead.
Common Reasons Conversion Fails or Produces Poor Quality
The most common reason a conversion produces poor quality is that VLC is using a low bitrate for the output file. Bitrate controls how much data is packed into each second of video — higher bitrate means better quality but larger file size. VLC's default profiles use moderate bitrates that work for most purposes, but if your output looks blurry or pixelated, you can increase the bitrate by clicking the settings icon next to the Profile dropdown.
Another reason conversion might fail is that the input file is corrupted or incomplete. If you downloaded the video from the internet and the read was interrupted, the file may be unplayable. Try downloading it again or testing it in VLC's main player first to confirm it works.
If VLC crashes during conversion, try closing other programs to free up memory and processing power, then attempt the conversion again. Very large files sometimes exceed what your computer can handle in one pass. If this happens repeatedly, you may need to use a dedicated conversion tool or split the video into smaller chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to convert a video with VLC?
Conversion time varies widely depending on file size, video resolution, and your computer's processor speed. A 500 MB video might take 15 to 45 minutes on a typical computer. Larger files or older computers can take several hours. VLC does not show a reliable progress bar, so check the output folder to see if the file is growing.
Can I convert a video while using my computer for other tasks?
Yes, but conversion will be slower. VLC runs in the background and shares your processor with other programs. If you are doing heavy tasks like gaming or video editing, conversion will take significantly longer. Closing other programs speeds up the process.
What if the converted video plays but has no sound?
This usually means the audio codec in your chosen profile does not match the audio in the original file. Try converting again with a different profile — for example, if you used "Video - H.264 + MP3", try "Video - H.264 + AAC" instead. The second attempt should include audio.
Can I convert a video to a format my phone can play?
Yes. VLC includes profiles for common mobile devices. Open the Profile dropdown, scroll down, and look for presets labeled with your phone type, such as "Video - iPhone" or "Video - Android". Select the one matching your device, then convert. The output file should play on your phone without additional steps.
Is it legal to convert videos I find online?
That depends on the video's copyright status and the terms of service of the website where you found it. Converting a video you own or have permission to use is legal. Converting copyrighted content without permission is not. VLC itself is legal and free; what you do with it is your responsibility.