How To Convert Video To Mp4 On Vlc

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23-11-2024

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VLC media player is a powerful, free, and open-source tool capable of much more than just playing videos. One of its handy features is the ability to convert video files to various formats, including the widely compatible MP4 format. This guide will walk you through the process of converting your videos to MP4 using VLC.

Why Convert to MP4?

The MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) format is a popular choice for video storage and sharing due to its:

• Wide Compatibility: MP4 files are playable on almost all devices and media players.
• Good Compression: MP4 offers a decent balance between file size and video quality.
• Broad Support: Most video editing software and online platforms support MP4.

Step-by-Step Guide: Converting Video to MP4 with VLC

Here's how to convert your videos to MP4 using VLC media player:

Step 1: Open VLC and Go to Media

First, open the VLC media player application. Then, click on "Media" in the menu bar located at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Select "Convert/Save"

In the dropdown menu that appears, select the "Convert/Save" option. This will open a new window.

Step 3: Add Your Video File

Click the "Add" button to browse your computer and select the video file you want to convert. You can add multiple files at once if desired. Once you've selected your file(s), click "Convert/Save".

Step 4: Choose MP4 as the Output Profile

This is the most crucial step. In the new window that opens, click on the "Profile" dropdown menu. You’ll see a vast list of different output formats. Search for and select "Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)". This profile creates a standard MP4 file with good quality and compatibility. If you need a smaller file size, explore other MP4 profiles offering different compression levels; however, higher compression usually means a decrease in video quality.

Step 5: Set the Destination and File Name

Click the "Browse" button next to the "Destination file" field. Choose the folder where you want to save your converted MP4 file and give it a descriptive name. Make sure the file name ends in ".mp4".

Step 6: Start the Conversion

Finally, click the "Start" button to begin the conversion process. The time it takes will depend on the length and size of your video file and the processing power of your computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Conversion taking too long? Ensure your computer has sufficient resources (RAM and processing power). Large video files can take a considerable amount of time to convert.
• Error messages? Make sure you've selected a valid output file path and that you have the necessary write permissions for that location.
• Low quality output? Experiment with different MP4 profiles in step 4 to find a balance between file size and quality.

Alternative Methods for Video Conversion

While VLC is a powerful and free option, several other video conversion tools are available, both free and paid. Some popular alternatives include:

• HandBrake: A free, open-source video transcoder with extensive features and options.
• FFmpeg: A command-line based tool offering advanced control over video conversion parameters (steeper learning curve).
• Online Converters: Numerous websites offer free online video conversion services, but be mindful of uploading sensitive files to unknown websites.

Conclusion

Converting videos to MP4 using VLC is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the compatibility and shareability of your video files. Follow the steps above, and you'll be enjoying your videos on a wider range of devices in no time. Remember to explore the different profile options within VLC to optimize the quality and file size to your specific needs. Now you can easily share your videos with friends and family, knowing they can view them without any compatibility issues!