How to convert MKV to MP4 (step by step)
This tutorial will show you step by step how to convert an MKV video file to an MP4 video file using VLC media player or HandBrake.
The steps on this page work on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Methods:
How to convert MKV to MP4 using VLC media player
VLC media player is a free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player for Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS. It plays most video and audio files, and it offers a lot of extra features, like, for example, converting videos.
1. Open VLC media player.
2. Click on Media located in the top left corner.
3. Click on Convert / Save.
A “Open Media” window will appear.
4. In this window, you click on the Add button.
A “Select one or multiple files” window will appear.
5. In this window, you go to the location on your computer where the MKV video is.
6. Select the MKV video file.
7. Click on the Open button.
8. Click on the Convert/Save button at the bottom of the window.
A “Convert” window will appear.
9. At Profile, you click on the selection menu button and select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) or Video - H.265 + MP3 (MP4). H.265 is a newer video streaming protocol and is more advanced in comparison to H.264, but it's not yet as widely supported as H.264.
10. Click on the wrench/tool button next to the profile selection menu button.
A “Profile edition” window will appear, and in this window, you'll have several advanced video and audio settings.
11. Click on the Video codec tab.
12. Check the checkbox next to the Keep original video track option.
13. Click on the Audio codec tab.
14. Check the checkbox next to the Keep original audio track option.
15. Click on the Save button at the bottom of the window.
16. In the “Convert” window, you click on the Browse button.
A “Save file” window will appear.
17. Select a location on your computer where you want to save the new MP4 video file.
18. At File name, you type a name for the video file.
19. Click on the Save button.
20. When you're ready, you click on the Start button at the bottom of the window.
VLC media player will now convert your MKV video file to an MP4 video file.
The result will be a new MP4 video file.
The original MKV video file will not be affected.
You can see the progress at the bottom of VLC.
Note: If you get the following error: Streaming / Transcoding failed: VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder, then you can visit the following page: Fix: VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder to solve the problem.
How to convert MKV to MP4 using HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source cross-platform video converter for Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS.
1. Open HandBrake.
A “Source Selection” panel will appear.
Note: If the “Source Selection” panel doesn't appear, then click on the Open Source button in the top left corner.
2. Click on File.
A “Open” window will appear.
3. In this window, you go to the location on your computer where the MKV video is.
4. Select the MKV video file.
5. Click on the Open button.
HandBrake will now load the video file.
6. At Format, you make sure that MP4 is selected.
7. Click on the Filters tab.
8. Disable all filters.
9. Click on the Video tab.
10. At Video Codec, you select H.264 (x264).
11. At Framerate (FPS), you select Same as source.
12. Make sure the Variable Framerate option is selected.
13. At Quality > Constant Quality, you can change the quality.
A lower RF number produces higher quality video, and a higher RF number produces lower quality video.
In this example, I'm using a 720p video, so I'm setting the RF to 20.
Begin by making small adjustments. Plus or minus 1 or 2 RF is usually noticeable.
Recommended settings for x264 and x265 encoders:
- RF 18-22 for 480p/576p Standard Definition
- RF 19-23 for 720p High Definition
- RF 20-24 for 1080p Full High Definition
- RF 22-28 for 2160p 4K Ultra High Definition
14. Click on the Audio tab.
15. Set the bitrate to 256.
16. Click on the Browse button in the bottom right corner of HandBrake.
A “Save As” window will appear.
17. Select a location on your computer where you want to save the video file.
18. At File name, you type a name for the video with .mp4 at the end of the file name.
19. Click on the Save button.
20. When you're ready, you click on Start Encode located at the top of HandBrake.
HandBrake will now convert your MKV video file to an MP4 video file.
The result will be a new MP4 video file.
The original MKV video file will not be affected.
You can see the progress at the bottom of HandBrake.
Related:
How to convert video files using HandBrake or VLC
How to convert MP4 to MP3 using VLC media player (step by step)
