Convert smarter.
Know the format before you press start.

Tutorials on converting video and music, notes on DRM-protected media, and a calculator that tells you how big a file will be — or what bitrate you need to hit a target size.

Open the calculatorRead the guides

Bitrate ⇄ file size

Estimates ignore container overhead (usually 1–2%). Variable-bitrate encodes land near, not exactly on, the target.

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Format cheat sheet

FormatTypeBest forWatch out for
MP4 (H.264 + AAC)Video containerPhones, TVs, browsers, social uploadsBigger than HEVC/AV1 at the same quality
MKVVideo containerMultiple audio tracks and subtitles in one fileSome TVs and editors do not open it
MOVVideo containerApple devices and editing workflowsLarge files from cameras and iPhones
WMVVideo containerLegacy Windows playbackPoor support on Mac and mobile; convert to MP4
WebM (VP9 / AV1)Video containerWeb video with small filesSlower to encode; older devices lack AV1 decoding
MP3Lossy audioUniversal music playbackNeeds higher bitrate than AAC for the same quality
AAC / M4ALossy audioApple Music, YouTube, phonesSome old car stereos only read MP3
FLACLossless audioArchiving CDs, editingFiles are 3–5× larger than MP3
WAVUncompressed audioRecording and productionAbout 10 MB per stereo minute at CD quality

A short guide to converting media without regrets

Every conversion is a trade between size, quality and compatibility. Decide which one matters most before you choose a format, and the right settings usually follow.

Start from the best source

Quality lost during compression cannot be restored. Convert from the original recording or the highest-quality copy you have, and avoid converting the same file over and over.

Container versus codec

A container such as MP4 or MKV is just the box; the codec inside (H.264, HEVC, AV1, AAC, MP3) decides quality and size. That is why two “MP4” files of the same length can differ wildly in size. If only the container needs to change, look for a “remux” or “copy stream” option — it is nearly instant and lossless.

Pick a bitrate on purpose

Bitrate is the amount of data per second. Higher resolution and fast motion need more of it. Use the calculator above to check that a 1080p export will fit on a USB stick or stay under an upload limit before you spend an hour encoding.

About protected media

Purchases from some stores are locked to an app or device by DRM. Rules about removing that protection differ between countries, so read the store's terms and your local law first, keep copies for personal use only, and support creators by buying legitimately.

FAQ

01How do I estimate the file size of a video?

Add the video and audio bitrates, multiply by the duration in seconds and divide by 8 to get bytes. For example, 8,000 kbps video plus 192 kbps audio for 10 minutes is about 614 MB. The calculator on this page does the math for you.

02Which format should I use for maximum compatibility?

MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio plays on almost every phone, TV, browser and editor. Use MKV when you need several audio tracks or subtitles in one file, and HEVC (H.265) or AV1 when smaller files matter more than compatibility.

03Does converting a file improve its quality?

No. Converting can keep quality the same at best. Re-encoding a lossy file (such as MP3 or H.264) always discards a little more information, so convert from the best source you have and avoid repeated conversions.

04Is it legal to remove DRM?

It depends on where you live and how you use the file. Many countries restrict circumventing copy protection even for personal backups. Check your local law and the terms of the store you bought from, and never share protected content.

05What audio bitrate is good enough?

For AAC, 128–192 kbps is transparent for most listeners; MP3 usually needs 192–320 kbps for similar results. Choose a lossless format such as FLAC only when you plan to edit or archive the audio.

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