What is .avi?
.avi (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of Video for Windows. It can hold both audio and video data in a single file but lacks many of the modern features and compression efficiencies found in newer formats like MP4 or MKV.
This quick guide explains when to use .avi files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .avi files
- You are dealing with legacy video archives or old camcorder footage.
- You are working with older Windows-based workflows or capture software that still outputs AVI.
- You need maximum compatibility with very old Windows systems and players.
How to open .avi files
AVI files open natively in older versions of Windows Media Player and many third-party players like VLC, MPC-HC, and KMPlayer. On macOS and Linux, you typically need VLC or another modern media player. You can upload .avi files to FileXhost, but transcoding to MP4 is recommended for smooth browser playback.
Algorithm details
AVI is based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) and stores audio and video as interleaved 'chunks'. It was originally designed for simple playback and does not natively support modern features like B-frames, advanced subtitles, or multiple audio tracks. Many different codecs (DivX, Xvid, MJPEG, uncompressed) can be used inside AVI, leading to compatibility issues when specific codecs are missing.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Limited native support in modern browsers. Most browsers will prompt to download the file instead of playing it directly unless it has a browser-friendly codec and is served via a compatible player.
- Mobile: Generally not supported in mobile browsers; playback usually requires a dedicated app or conversion.
- OS: Historically well-supported on Windows; support on macOS and Linux is mostly via third-party players like VLC.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | One of the oldest widely used video container formats, predating MP4 and MKV. |
| Features | Lacks native support for modern features like soft subtitles, chapters, and efficient streaming. |
| Compatibility | Good with older Windows software, but less reliable for web and modern devices. |
| File Size | Often larger than equivalent MP4 files when using older or less efficient codecs. |
How to create avi files
- Legacy Capture: Older screen recorders, webcams, and DV/HDV capture tools.
- Editing Software: Some Windows editors and tools still allow exporting to AVI for specific workflows.
- Transcoding: Converting from other formats to AVI for compatibility with legacy systems.
How to convert avi files
- FileXhost: Upload AVI, but for best web playback you should convert it to MP4 locally first.
- Desktop: HandBrake, VLC, Any Video Converter (AVI to MP4, MKV, etc.).
- CLI: FFmpeg (ffmpeg -i input.avi output.mp4).
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Well-understood legacy format with widespread support in older Windows environments
- Can store uncompressed or lightly compressed video for specific workflows
- Supported by many free media players (VLC, MPC-HC)
Disadvantages
- Inefficient compared to modern containers and codecs
- Poor fit for streaming and web video
- Inconsistent support for advanced features and modern codecs
- Larger file sizes for similar quality compared to MP4
Tools & software
Players
VLC, Windows Media Player (legacy), MPC-HC, KMPlayer
Editors
Older versions of Adobe Premiere, VirtualDub, Sony Vegas (legacy projects)
Converters
HandBrake, FFmpeg, Format Factory
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my AVI file play on my device?
AVI is just a container; the video inside might use a codec your device doesn't support. Converting the file to MP4 (H.264/AAC) using a tool like HandBrake or FFmpeg usually resolves playback issues.
Is AVI better than MP4?
No for most modern use cases. MP4 provides better compression, streaming features, and compatibility with web and mobile platforms. AVI is mainly useful for legacy workflows and archival material.
Can I upload AVI files to the web?
You can, but it's not recommended for direct playback. Convert AVI to MP4 for best compatibility with HTML5 players and browsers. FileXhost is optimized around modern formats like MP4 for streaming.
How do I shrink a large AVI file?
Use tools like HandBrake or FFmpeg to re-encode the video using H.264 or another efficient codec and save it as MP4 or MKV. This can dramatically reduce file size while preserving acceptable quality.
Technical specs
- File type
- Video
- Extension
- .avi
- MIME type
- video/x-msvideo
- Compression
- Lossy
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .avi files instantly
Upload your .avi file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .avi file