A Comprehensive Guide on How to Convert Video Files Using VLC

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Convert Video Files Using VLC

VLC Media Player is a versatile and popular open-source multimedia player that offers more than just the ability to play audio and video files. One of its lesser-known features is its capacity to convert video files into different formats. Whether you want to compress a video for easier sharing or ensure compatibility with a specific device, VLC's built-in converter can get the job done. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of converting video files using VLC.

Step 1: Download and Install VLC

If you don't have VLC Media Player installed on your computer, you can download it from the official VLC website (https://www.videolan.org/). The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile option for users across different platforms.

Step 2: Open VLC Media Player

Launch VLC Media Player by double-clicking its icon. If you don't have a shortcut on your desktop, you can find it in your system's applications or programs menu.

Step 3: Access the Media Conversion Window

Click on the "Media" tab in the top-left corner of the VLC player.
From the drop-down menu, select "Convert/Save."

Step 4: Add the Video File You Want to Convert

In the "Open Media" window, click on the "Add" button to select the video file you want to convert.
After you've added your file, click "Convert/Save" at the bottom of the window.

Step 5: Choose the Destination and Output Format

In the "Convert" window, you will see various options to configure your conversion settings.

In the "Profile" dropdown menu, select the desired output format for your video. VLC offers a wide range of format options, such as MP4, AVI, MKV, and more

Click the "Browse" button next to the "Destination file" field to choose where you want to save the converted video and give it a name.

Step 6: Customize Video and Audio Settings (Optional)

VLC allows you to further customize your conversion settings. To access these options, click the "Edit Selected Profile" button next to the "Profile" dropdown menu. Here, you can adjust parameters like video codec, bitrate, resolution, and audio codec. If you're unsure about the optimal settings, you can often leave them at their default values.

Step 7: Start the Conversion

Once you've configured all the settings to your satisfaction, click the "Start" button at the bottom of the "Convert" window.

Step 8: Monitor the Conversion Progress

VLC will start converting your video, and you can monitor the progress in the VLC player itself. A progress bar will show you how far along the conversion is, and you can also see the estimated time remaining.

Step 9: Access Your Converted Video

When the conversion is complete, you can find your converted video in the location you specified earlier. It's ready for use or sharing in its new format.


VLC Media Player is a powerful and free tool for playing and converting multimedia files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily convert video files to different formats, making them compatible with various devices and applications. Whether you need to shrink the file size, change the format, or simply want to ensure playback on a specific device, VLC's conversion feature is a reliable solution that doesn't require any additional software or cost.