MP4 to AVI Converter

How to convert MP4 to AVI

1. 1Drop your MP4 file onto the box above or click Browse to select it.
2. 2Wait for the file to load and check that the preview matches what you want to convert.
3. 3Press Convert. The tool will re-encode the video and show a progress bar.
4. 4Download your new AVI file when the process finishes. The output saves only to your device.

Why convert MP4 to AVI?

Most new phones, cameras, and editing apps write MP4. It’s the standard for web, social, and modern devices. But many older DVD players, legacy Windows XP or Vista computers, and some embedded systems only understand AVI. You might also have an old video editor or presentation system that refuses to open MP4, or a hardware player that won’t show anything but AVI.

Converting MP4 to AVI is mostly about compatibility. If you need to play a video on a 2008 TV with USB, a classroom projector, or an old PC, AVI is the safe choice. The preset here re-encodes your MP4 to the Xvid flavor of MPEG-4 Part 2 (a common AVI video codec) and MP3 for audio. This is what most standalone DVD players and Windows Media Player 9–12 expect.

File size will typically grow by 20–50% for a 4-minute video. For example, a 4-minute 1080p MP4 at 6 Mbps (about 180 MB) might become a 210–250 MB AVI, depending on motion and detail. AVI is less efficient than H.264 MP4, and the re-encoding cannot perfectly preserve quality. But the result will play where MP4 would not.

You should NOT convert to AVI unless you have a specific device or app that requires it. AVI is a legacy format: it lacks support for subtitles, chapters, modern codecs, and efficient compression. If you only need to play the video on a current phone, PC, or smart TV, keep it as MP4. AVI is for backward compatibility, not for archival or sharing on modern platforms.

Need to trim your MP4 before converting? Try the video trimmer. Or if you only want the audio as MP3, use the extract audio tool.

MP4 vs AVI: what's the difference?

MP4 is a modern multimedia container for compressed video and audio, widely supported by current devices and apps. AVI is an older Windows format, still required by many DVD players and legacy systems.

Does converting MP4 to AVI reduce quality?

Yes, some quality is lost. MP4 usually uses H.264 or HEVC, which are more efficient than the Xvid (MPEG-4 Part 2) codec used for AVI. When you convert, every frame is re-encoded to a simpler format. Fine details, gradients, and fast motion may look softer or show more blocky artifacts, especially at standard quality (scale 4).

There’s no bitrate slider in this preset. The tool uses FFmpeg's default Xvid quality scale 4 and MP3 audio at 192 kbps, which is a good balance for compatibility and file size. If you need lossless conversion, AVI is not the right target. Only use this if your device or app demands AVI, not for general archiving or editing.

When should you avoid converting to AVI?

Don’t convert to AVI if your device or app already plays MP4. You lose efficiency and quality for no benefit. AVI files are larger, less flexible, and can’t carry modern features like embedded subtitles or multiple audio tracks. Some newer editors and TVs may even refuse AVI or only play them with glitches.

If you only need to trim, crop, or compress your MP4, use a direct MP4 editor or compressor instead. Save AVI for legacy hardware, old projectors, or rare editors that truly reject MP4. Keep your original files in MP4 for best long-term compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t my DVD player or old TV play MP4 files?

Most DVD players and older TVs only support AVI files with MPEG-4 Part 2 (Xvid/DivX) video and MP3 audio. MP4 usually uses H.264 or HEVC video and AAC audio, which these devices can't decode. Converting to AVI with Xvid and MP3 makes the file readable for them.

Will the AVI file be larger than my MP4?

Usually yes. AVI with Xvid and MP3 is less efficient than modern MP4. Expect a 20–50% increase in file size for the same resolution and length. For a 4-minute 1080p video, the file often grows from 180 MB (MP4) to 210–250 MB (AVI).

Does this tool keep subtitles or chapters from my MP4?

No. AVI does not support embedded subtitles or chapters in a standard way. If your MP4 has soft subtitles, they will be lost in the AVI output. Only the main video and audio are kept.

Can I use built-in tools like VLC or Windows Photos to convert MP4 to AVI?

VLC can convert MP4 to AVI, but you must configure the codecs manually. Windows Photos and macOS QuickTime do not export AVI. Videozify presets the right codecs for you, but VLC is a good offline option if you need more control.

Will the AVI play on modern phones or web browsers?

Modern phones and browsers prefer MP4. Most will play AVI, but support is not guaranteed—especially on iOS and in Safari. For sharing or web upload, stick to MP4. Use AVI only for hardware or software that specifically asks for it.

Is there a limit to the file size or length I can convert?

The main limit is your computer’s RAM and browser. A 2 GB file is usually fine on a modern PC, but converting very long or 4K videos may crash the browser. Try shorter clips if you run into issues. Nothing is uploaded or stored.

Why is there no quality or bitrate slider?

This preset uses standard settings (Xvid quality scale 4, MP3 192 kbps) to maximize compatibility. Advanced bitrate tuning is not exposed to keep the tool simple. If you need fine control, use VLC or FFmpeg on your computer.

Can I convert back from AVI to MP4 later?

You can, but the quality lost in the first conversion cannot be recovered. Each re-encode introduces more artifacts. Always keep your original MP4 if you might need to convert again or edit in the future.

Related conversions

• AVI to MP4

  Modernize an old AVI file for phones and web

• MP4 to MKV

  Wrap MP4 into MKV for editors needing a different container

• MP4 to MP3

  Extract just the audio from your MP4 video