🎬 Video Conversion Guides

Master video conversion with our comprehensive step-by-step tutorials for every scenario

📺
Convert Video for YouTube/Vimeo
Beginner
1
Choose Optimal Settings
Set format to MP4, codec to H.264, resolution to 1080p (1920x1080), and frame rate to 30fps or 60fps.
2
Configure Audio
Use AAC codec, 128-320 kbps bitrate, and 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rate for best compatibility.
3
Set Bitrate
Use variable bitrate (VBR) with 8-12 Mbps for 1080p, or constant bitrate (CBR) for consistent quality.
4
Export and Upload
Convert the file and verify it plays correctly before uploading to your platform.

Pro Tip

YouTube supports up to 4K resolution, but 1080p is perfect for most content and ensures faster upload times.

📦
Reduce File Size Without Quality Loss
Intermediate
1
Use Efficient Codec
Switch to H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 codec for 25-50% smaller files than H.264 with same quality.
2
Optimize Bitrate
Use CRF (Constant Rate Factor) mode with values 18-23 for high quality with smaller file sizes.
3
Adjust Resolution
Scale down resolution if original is excessive (e.g., 4K to 1080p) for significant size reduction.
4
Two-Pass Encoding
Enable two-pass encoding for optimal bitrate distribution and better quality-to-size ratio.

Pro Tip

Test different CRF values on a short clip first to find the sweet spot between quality and file size for your content.

📱
Convert for iPhone/Android
Beginner
1
Select Mobile-Friendly Format
Use MP4 with H.264 codec for maximum compatibility across all mobile devices.
2
Optimize Resolution
Use 720p (1280x720) for older devices or 1080p (1920x1080) for modern smartphones.
3
Set Mobile Bitrate
Use 1-3 Mbps for 720p or 3-6 Mbps for 1080p to balance quality with file size.
4
Audio Optimization
Use AAC codec with 128 kbps bitrate for efficient audio that works great with mobile speakers.

Pro Tip

Most mobile converters have device-specific presets (iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) that automatically optimize all settings.

🎵
Extract Audio from Video
Beginner
1
Choose Audio Format
Select MP3 for compatibility, FLAC for lossless quality, or AAC for modern devices.
2
Set Quality Level
Use 320 kbps for MP3, 256 kbps for AAC, or copy original bitrate to maintain quality.
3
Configure Sample Rate
Keep original sample rate (usually 44.1kHz or 48kHz) or choose 44.1kHz for CD quality.
4
Extract and Save
Start extraction process and save the audio file to your desired location.

Pro Tip

Many converters allow you to trim specific sections of audio during extraction, perfect for extracting just a song or speech segment.

🔄
Convert MKV to MP4
Beginner
1
Load MKV File
Import your MKV file into the converter and check its current codec and quality settings.
2
Choose Conversion Method
Use "copy streams" for fast conversion if codecs are compatible, or re-encode for maximum compatibility.
3
Handle Multiple Tracks
Select which audio tracks and subtitle tracks to include in the final MP4 file.
4
Convert and Verify
Start conversion and test the MP4 file on your target device to ensure compatibility.

Pro Tip

If your MKV already uses H.264 video and AAC audio, you can often "remux" it to MP4 in seconds without quality loss.

🎞️
Create GIF from Video
Intermediate
1
Select Video Segment
Choose a short segment (2-10 seconds) for optimal GIF size and loading time.
2
Optimize Resolution
Reduce resolution to 480p or lower for web use. Higher resolutions create very large GIF files.
3
Adjust Frame Rate
Lower frame rate to 10-15 fps to reduce file size while maintaining smooth motion.
4
Color Optimization
Reduce color palette to 256 colors or less for smaller file size while maintaining visual quality.

Pro Tip

Consider using WebP or MP4 for web instead of GIF - they offer better quality and smaller file sizes with modern browser support.

📐
Change Resolution & Frame Rate
Intermediate
1
Analyze Source Video
Check current resolution and frame rate to determine optimal target settings.
2
Set New Resolution
Choose standard resolutions (720p, 1080p, 4K) and maintain aspect ratio to avoid distortion.
3
Adjust Frame Rate
Use 24fps for cinematic feel, 30fps for web content, or 60fps for smooth motion and gaming.
4
Apply Scaling Algorithm
Use high-quality scaling (bicubic or Lanczos) for upscaling to maintain sharpness.

Pro Tip

Never upscale resolution beyond the original - it won't add detail but will increase file size. Only downscale when needed.

💬
Add/Remove Subtitles
Intermediate
1
Import Subtitle Files
Load SRT, ASS, or VTT subtitle files, or extract existing subtitles from the video.
2
Choose Integration Method
Burn-in subtitles for permanent display, or embed as separate tracks for optional viewing.
3
Customize Appearance
Adjust font, size, color, and position for optimal readability and visual appeal.
4
Sync and Export
Verify subtitle timing synchronization and export the video with integrated subtitles.

Pro Tip

Soft subtitles (separate tracks) are better for international distribution as viewers can toggle them on/off or choose languages.

✂️
Merge or Split Videos
Beginner
1
For Merging: Import Files
Load multiple video files ensuring they have compatible resolutions and frame rates for seamless joining.
2
For Splitting: Set Cut Points
Mark start and end times for each segment you want to extract from the original video.
3
Arrange Order/Segments
For merging: arrange clips in desired order. For splitting: preview each segment to verify timing.
4
Process and Export
Use "copy mode" for faster processing if no re-encoding is needed, or convert for format consistency.

Pro Tip

When merging videos with different properties, the converter will typically match the settings of the first video in the sequence.

🛠️ Recommended Tools

HandBrake
Free Desktop
Perfect for beginners with presets for all common scenarios. Excellent for YouTube, mobile, and file size reduction.
FFmpeg
Advanced/Command Line
Most powerful option for professionals. Handles any format and offers complete control over all parameters.
Online Video Converter
Web-based
Quick and easy for simple conversions. No installation required, perfect for occasional use.
Total Movie Converter
Professional Desktop
All-in-one solution with batch processing, device presets, and built-in editor for comprehensive workflows.

📚 Quick Navigation

Jump to any guide that matches your current needs: