Learn how to convert movies to MKV format easily. Explore reasons, manual methods, and the best possible way to have this conversion quick.

Summary: Movies can be available in the form of MP4, AVI, MOV, or WMV. Although they are quite popular formats like MKV (Matroska Video). It is considered better and preferred by many users as it offers far more flexibility for multiple audio tracks, subtitles, chapters and so forth. If you’re interested in customization with better quality movies, then converting to MKV is a great option.

In this blog, we’ll discuss:

  • Why people prefer the MKV format for movies

  • Various approaches on how to turn movies into MKV

  • Limitations of manual methods

  • A professional way

  • Conclusion

Reasons to Export Movies to MKV 

Let’s discuss some of the common reasons behind why people wish to convert movies to MKV format:

  • MKV files contain multiple video/audio/subtitle tracks, which makes it great for movies.

  • It allows you to keep the original quality of the movie while decreasing the file size.

  • Most media players support MKV natively. Although some require codec packs to be installed.

  • This video format is capable of storing your long-term films. As. it is efficient to keep the metadata, chapters, and subtitles.

  • Instead of dealing with separate subtitles, use MKV which helps you to store all this in a single container.

Also Read: Convert Video to MP4

Convert Movies to MKV - Manual Methods

There are two free methods to export your movies to MKV format. Follow these steps from below:

1. Use VLC Media Player 

It is simply a great media player and can handle basic format conversions.

  1. Open VLC Media Player.

  2. o to Media > Convert / Save.

  3. Click on Add and then navigate to your movie file.

  4. Hit on Convert/Save.

  5. Choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4) under Profile.

  6. But modify the profile to switch the container to MKV.

  7. Select a targeted folder and click Start.

Downside: VLC’s conversion is not the fastest of all and may not preserve original quality.

2. Through FFmpeg Method

For the advanced user, FFmpeg is one of the quickest movie conversion tools.

ffmpeg -i inputmovie.mp4 -c copy outputmovie.mkv

This command rewraps the movie to MKV without (re)encoding (if a codec supports).

Drawback: Requires quite a bit of command line knowledge and might not run seamlessly for those who are unfamiliar with the terminal controls.

Limitations of Manual Methods

However, there are several drawbacks to the above methods.

  • The conversion of the bigger ones takes hours.

  • Apps like FFmpeg are a bit technical.

  • Dealing with multiple movies at once is awkward.

  • Subtitles, meta or even multiple audio are lost during the conversion.

Advanced Movie to MKV Conversion Using Professional Tool

For those who are looking for a fast and effective method to convert movies to MKV, the SysTools Video Converter is the ideal choice. Compared to free tools, it has an easy to use interface and has quick video performance.

Advantages:

  • Change movies to MKV with original quality.

  • Support to batch list multiple movies at one.

  • Keep subtitles, audio tracks and more.

  • It supports high-speed conversion and advanced compression.

  • Easy to operate, suitable for new users and skilled ones.

  • Support almost all popular video files input such as MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV.

End Note

If you are here to convert movies to MKV which helps them become more compatible with various devices. This conversion is done to preserve quality and organize media collection in a better way. Free tools such as VLC, FFmpeg can do the task, but they usually will take more time. It may not retain the quality of your video file. If you’re really seeking a fast, easy and dependable method then give a try to a professional converter. It will take care of your quality of the movies. There is no limit regarding batch conversion and it has extra features too.