What are MKV Files & How to Play them on Various Devices?
Mar 18, 2012 Also, it's because of what apple allows. The iPad is powerful enough to play 1080p, easily. But it's the fact that it's in an MKV container that causes access to the GPU to be cut off. So all work has to be done via the CPU. Mp4 etc has access to GPU. The first iPad was able to play 720p mkv through XBMC (Jailbrake app - able to use GPU). Click on the Add Files button to load MKV files you need to play after downloading and installing Wondershare UniConverter. Multiple files can be added at a time. Step 2: Play MKV files smoothly. Move your mouse to the added video thumbnail, and you'll see a Play icon, click on it to play MKV video easily. MKPlayer - MKV & Media Player for PC and Mac. Written by Rocky Sand Studio Ltd. Category: Video Release date: 2019-10-14 Licence: Free Software version: 1.4.1 File size: 56.55 MB Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista and Mac OS X 10.10.
If you download online videos on a regular basis, you might have come across an MKV file especially in case you save HD movies. This video format is not as popular as AVI or MP4. Thus, many users don’t have an idea what is it and how to play it. So let’s make it clear.
SEE ALSO: How to Convert MKV to MP4 [FREE]
What is an MKV file?
MKV is an open standard video format that was developed in 2002 by Lasse Kärkkäinen and Steve Lhomme. The format is also called Matroska, which refers to the wooden, Russian or Matryoshka doll since MKV can keep multiple media files inside it like the Russian doll.
MKV file is, in fact, a container that stores various multimedia files even if they use different encoding types. For example, there can be an h.264 or h.265 video file, AAC/MP3/OGG or any other audio format and a couple of SRT subtitles files.
Nowadays MKV format is widely used for HD videos and online video streaming. A popular WebM format is based on the profile of Matroska container. Learn how to convert MP4 to WebM here.
The main advantage of Matroska container is that it can hold an unlimited number of audio, video and subtitles tracks as well as meta data (cover art, comments, description, etc.) and chapter points. It means that one movie may come with several audio and subtitles tracks within a single file. You can easily switch to a foreign language track or director’s comments using your media player controls.
Whenever you need to rip a DVD to MP4 and keep all possible audio and video tracks, you should definitely choose MKV for output.
Another great advantage of MKV container is its error recovery. If for example, your Internet connection was lost during the downloading process, you can still watch the parts of the video that have already been downloaded. It also works for corrupted files.
SEE ALSO: Free Video Editor for Windows: 7 User-Friendly Tools
SEE ALSO: Free Video Editor for Windows: 7 User-Friendly Tools
How to Play an MKV file on PC, Mac, Android, iOS?
Although the MKV format seems to be a real treasure, it has not yet become an industry standard; not all the video players support it. Thus, to play an MKV file, you should choose one of the following options:
- download a special media player;
- download media codecs for your current video software;
- convert MKV to AVI or MP4.
App To Play Mkv Files Mac Download
Let’s explore each option separately.
Way 1. Download a Special Media Player for MKV Files (PC, Mac, Android, iOS)
One of the most popular media players capable of reproducing MKV files is VLC Media Player. It’s free and can be used on all popular operating systems: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
SEE ALSO: 5 Cool Video Players to Play MKV Files on iPhone & iPad
SEE ALSO: Best Video Player: Top 5 Windows Tools Compared
To reproduce MKV files with VLC Media Player, you need to do the following:
- download it from the official site, AppStore, or Google Play;
- install the freeware on your PC, laptop or mobile device;
- run VLC on your gadget;
- add your MVK files using a corresponding button or drag-n-drop option. For Apple devices, transfer the videos from a computer right into the app with the help of iTunes. Don’t forget to sync your device to apply changes;
- click the Play button to start the playback.
You can make VLC the default player for MKV files and open them with a double click. To do it on Windows, you need to:
- right-click on any MKV file that you have;
- move to Open With option, and then click Choose Another App;
- select VLC player from the list of software;
- enable the Always use this app to open .mkv files option;
- click the OK button to save the changes.
From now on, all your MKV files will be opened in VLC.
For Mac OS, follow the steps below:
- in the Finder, choose the MKV file;
- right-click on the file and then select Get Info;
- in the Info window, click the triangle sign next to Open with option;
- choose VLC from the app list;
- to open all MKV files with VLC, click Change All.
Way 2. Download Media Codecs to Play MKV (PC & Mac)
A codec is a computer program used to encode or decode any kind of digital media files. In our case, we need codecs that will let you play MKV videos with a default system player. There are a lot of free codecs online that you can use for this scope. All have their pros and cons.
The main pros of all codecs are:
- you can use your favorite media player to play all the video files;
- the media codecs usually provide you an option to reproduce a variety of video and audio files that you can come across online.
Among the cons you should pay attention to are:
- being free, media codecs usually come with adware and even malware that might harm your PC;
- since the codecs support a huge number of multimedia files, they might steal space from your hard drive. It’s OK in case you need all of them, but if you install a codec pack to play only one video format, it doesn’t seem to be worth it.
What codec pack to choose to play MKV files?
The MKV developers recommend using Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP) or K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows-based PCs. You can find a full description of each Pack on its official site. Choose the one you like and install in on your computer. Please be attentive during the installation process. The installer files may contain various ads. Read attentively all the offers and don’t accept those you are not interested in.
When the codecs are installed, you might be asked to restart the PC. However, usually, you can start playing the video files right away.
Mac users can also install codecs on their laptops to play files with a standard QuickTime Player. The codecs for Mac are available at K-Lite Codec pack official site.
Way 3. Convert an MKV file (PC, Mac)
Finally, if first two options don’t work for you for any reason, you can convert your MKV video to most popular formats like AVI, MP4 and play them with your favorite software or app or on a portable device without MKV support.
Convert an MKV File on Windows
To convert MKV files on Windows-based PCs, we recommend using Freemake Video Converter. It’s a free and beautifully designed tool with an astonishing number of output format options. Let’s see how it works:
- Download and install Freemake Video Converter onto your computer;
- Add MKV files via +Video button. You can also drag-n-drop the videos into the software;
- If necessary, edit your video. The software provides an inbuilt editor that lets you cut unnecessary video parts, rotate and join videos;
- Select an output format. We recommend choosing AVI or MP4 since they are supported by the majority of video players and devices. In case you want to play MKV on a DVD-player, burn a DVD here. Besides that, you can add subtitles to your video. Please note that Freemake Video Converter provides only hardsubs option what means that you won’t be able to turn the subtitles track off;
- Choose a ready preset or create your own one with a custom bitrate, frame rate, codec, and other settings;
- Click Convert to start the conversion process and transform your MKV file into another video format.
In a couple of minutes, you’ll get a converted file that you can later watch offline, upload onto a portable device or on your website.
App To Play Mkv Files Mac App
Please note that Freemake Video Converter doesn’t support multiple audio and subtitles tracks. Thus, preview the video and choose a necessary audio and subtitles option.
Open Mkv File On Mac
SEE ALSO: 6 Media Converters for Windows, Mac and Android
Convert an MKV File on Mac
Mac users can also benefit from a free video converter for MKV files. It’s called Handbrake. The software is a bit more complicated than Freemake, but don’t be afraid. Here is the how-to that will help you convert MKV files on Mac:
- download and install Handbrake for Mac from the official developer site;
- launch the software on your Mac computer;
- drag-n-drop an MKV file you need to convert or click the Source button to add files;
- choose an output format (MP4) and a ready preset, if necessary;
- then continue to the Audio and the Subtitles tabs. Here you can select what tracks you want to keep in your future file;
- besides that the software lets you customize bitrate, framerate, codec, and other settings;
- click the Start button to run the conversion process.
Depending on your Mac capacity, it may take some time to convert a video, especially if it’s huge.
Now you know what an MKV file is and how to play it. Please share this post with your friends to make them enjoy MKV videos, too.
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Get rid of daily confusion comes in the macOS user’s mind, how to play MKV file on Mac or Which are the best MKV players for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, macOS Sierra, Mac OS EI Capitan, Yosemite or Mavericks. As we know, MKV is the most favorite and perfect for watching the video in HD resolution. Also, open-source MKV standard video format available on the internet from the most prominent online websites. Also, Apple released HD resolution screen 4K and 5K iMac screen in the last two years. So don’t miss to enjoy rich media experience using the best MKV players for Mac OS X.
General Questions from Users are,
we are happy to help you, submit this Form, if your solution is not covered in this article.
- Can VLC play?MKV file on Mac?
- Best MKV extension for macOS X
- Can’t able to play.MKV file on my iMac, MacBook Pro or Air.
Best media players are playing MKV (Matroska), MOV (QuickTime), AVI, MP4, FLV (Flash video), and other supported video formats.
Get More: Top MKV Players to watch Videos on iPad
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Related Readings
After installing any of the MKV media players from the below list, you can open MKV video by right click on it > Open With > Choose installed Software.
Download guide: For all players, you should find the .dmg setup file, “Not .exe” from a given download source page for each media player.
Note: are you running the old version of a software, please try to update it for new features for HD video play. Otherwise, delete the app and re-install Software on your System.
Top 6 Best MKV video players for MacBook Pro, MBA, Apple iMac
1. VLC – Best MKV Player for Mac
VLC for macOS X available free for use on any Mac devices. Because it is open source so we can use it for personal and professional business use. This player is supporting most of the video file format, without lost picture quality on any screen resolution. Get the latest version of VLC player right now on your Mac using below download link,
Video LAN, New options for stream video channel into the VLC media player.
- Get VLC Software at here: Download VLC for Mac
- You might like this: Keep media file & Folders safe with Password protect Software.
2. Eltima – Best Video Player for Mac
Eltima Pro or free is one of the best players for Mac users. That’s compatible with most of the macOS version. Eltime player for Mac is not only for play.MKV file but also able to FLV, RM, and RV, XAP, SWF, MP4, AVI, WMV.
Features:
- For Batter quality and visualization adjust video color, Saturation, Brightness
- Choose audio language & Subtitle.
- The fit image in full screen
- Access favorite video channel to Eltima player: Vimeo, YouTube, Dailymotion
- Remotely control video using the armband. Also, learn how it works.
- Airplay mirroring (Airplay Supported Device – iOS & Mac)
- Flip, Rotate, revert video
Eltima available in Pro version added full features that are enjoyable while we watch movies or videos.
3. Perian: Best MKV Video Player for Mac
QuickTime doesn’t support MKV or any other media file to pay for it. Perian help to extend the ability to play the same data in QuickTime. After install on your Mac, Perian works like QuickTime extension.
- Download Perian for Mac and supported file formats.
- After successfully download and install, Play MKV file in QuickTime.
4. Plex – Best Media Player for Mac
Plex media server install on your Mac or iPad where you want to play the video file. Plex server connects any device and screen size depends on screen resolutions. So, the same video, TV shows, or movies we can browse on Apple TV, Mac, iPad, and other cross-platform devices.
So we can share with our family or friends so that they can see the same video at home or office. The Plex Pro features include access offline, Parental control, Support for all file format, Media Optimizer, Save online video to flex server for watching later, Cloud Sync, Direct camera upload to flex server, Access online channels.
5. MXPlayer: Best MKV Video Player for Mac
MXPlayer is a pro like a free (Spent just $1.99) tool for Mac, compatible with most of the OS X version (10.6 or later). Pro tools come up with all the features like Support most of the all file format, Stream video from online video channel, Simple connect, play, and Stream to your device or home theater. Also, other display settings and Volume equalizer customization.
Extra dose
6. Divx: Best MKV Video Player for Apple Mac
Enjoy one more in the list of top Best MKV players for Mac OS X, equipped to play 4k video on Windows and Mac. Supported file formats are MKV, HEVC, DivX.
Features
- Set custom frame rate
- Ad-free, Cloud Connect
- Play video directly from chrome cast
- Built-in converter, Set logo, Crop video border, Take snapshots
More info and Download Divx.
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If you’ve iPhone, then you can also try these easy to use Video Player Apps for iOS.
Above all is the trading best MKV players that running with today’s generation and people expect. What MKV Players you would like to use most?
Do you have any other good MKV video player for Mac free? Share it in the comments.