Video and audio guide

Convert MKV files for playback or editing

Choose an MKV conversion workflow that preserves the required video, audio, subtitle, and chapter information.

Updated September 4, 2026By

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later

The free version limits many processing operations to the first three minutes. Check compatibility and trial limits.

  • Media filesVideo or audio files
  • Choose MP4Output matched to this workflow
  • General playback or sharing checkVerify before batch processing

Before you begin

Match the output to its destination.

Check the codecs inside the source container and the requirements of the target player, editor, or device before converting.

Inspect the tracks inside MKV

MKV can contain many video, audio, subtitle, attachment, and chapter formats. A player may support the MKV container but reject one track inside it, so identify the actual codecs before converting the complete file.

Preserve or convert only what is needed

Use a lossless or remux workflow when the destination supports the original streams and only the container needs to change. Transcode video or audio only when its codec, profile, resolution, or channel layout is incompatible. Select required subtitle tracks explicitly so they are not omitted from the output.

A container change is different from a video transcode. Remuxing can preserve compatible streams, while re-encoding creates new streams and may change quality, file size, color, or channel layout.

Verify track selection

Open one result in the destination and check picture, audio language, channel layout, subtitles, chapters, and sync. Keep the source MKV until every required track has been confirmed.

Workflow direction

Follow the intended workflow below.

Choose an MKV conversion workflow that preserves the required video, audio, subtitle, and chapter information.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Choose an MKV conversion workflow that preserves the required video, audio, subtitle, and chapter information.

01

Add the source

Load the MKV files that the destination cannot decode

Open LosslessConverter and select Add Files. Add the MKV files that the destination cannot decode and select the files required for this workflow.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible
Source toolbarLoad the source from the main toolbar.
02

Create a broadly compatible file

Choose Video > MP4

Open Output Format, select the Video group, and choose MP4. Start with Same as source, then change resolution only when the destination requires it.

LosslessConverter Output Format menu with Video and MP4 selected
MP4Select Video, then choose MP4.
03

Create the current output

Select Start All, then verify in general playback or sharing

Choose an output folder and select Start All. When processing finishes, open the MP4 file in the destination and verify picture, audio language, subtitles, chapters, and sync.

LosslessConverter main window with Start All ready at the lower right
Start AllRun the task, then verify the result.

Try it with your own media

Process one file, verify the result, then run the full batch.

The free version limits many processing operations to the first three minutes. Check compatibility and trial limits.

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later Browse Video & Audio Solutions

Continue exploring

Compare a nearby format, device, or editing workflow before choosing the final output.