Computer Tricks and Secrets

Short answer: the free VLC media player you already use to watch videos can also convert them, change MKV to MP4, extract audio to MP3, and more, all offline and free, no extra software or sketchy converter sites needed. Here is how to use VLC's built-in Convert feature and keep good quality. How to convert a video in VLC Open VLC and go to Media > Convert / Save (Ctrl+R). Click Add and select your video file, then click Convert / Save . Choose a Profile (the output format), e.g. "Video, H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" for a widely-compatible MP4. Set the destination filename (add the correct extension like .mp4). Click Start . VLC converts the file; the progress shows on the playback bar. Common conversions Goal Profile to pick MKV to MP4 Video H.264 + MP3 (MP4) Extract audio to MP3 Audio - MP3 For a specific device A matching device profile Keep the quality up Click the wrench/edit icon next to the profile to adjust the bitrate and resolution. Higher b...