Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.AVI
File Type
Audio Video Interleave
Category
Video
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .avi file format
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for Windows technology. It is a widely used format for storing video and audio data, interleaving the two streams within a single file. AVI files can contain various video and…
File extension
.AVI
File type
Audio Video Interleave
Category
Video
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .avi file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .avi.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .avi file?
File extension details and usage information
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for Windows technology. It is a widely used format for storing video and audio data, interleaving the two streams within a single file. AVI files can contain various video and audio codecs, making them versatile for different purposes. However, this flexibility also means that not all AVI files are compatible with every media player, as the player needs to support the specific codecs used within the file. AVI is often used for storing movies, TV shows, and other video content. While it was initially a popular format, it has been largely superseded by more modern container formats like MP4 and MKV, which offer better compression, support for more advanced features, and wider compatibility. Despite this, AVI remains a common format, especially for older video content and for situations where compatibility with older systems is a priority.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .avi files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .avi files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .avi file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .avi file.
Why can't I open a .avi file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .avi format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .avi files
To open a .avi file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- Windows Media Player
- PotPlayer
- GOM Player
- MPC-HC
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .avi file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.