Format Atlas

Guides

Choose a video container format

Do not infer playback support from the extension alone. Check container, internal codecs, subtitles, and delivery destination together.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • For sharing video widely → MP4, with compatible codecs
  • Web-focused delivery → WebM
  • Apple-oriented editing workflow → MOV
  • Managing multiple tracks → MKV
  • Existing AVI, 3GP, or FLV → inspect playback and codecs first

Distinguish container from codec

MP4 and WebM hold video, audio, and subtitles. Whether a file plays also depends on its video and audio codecs, player, browser, and platform.

Keep originals when migrating older videos

Retain source AVI, 3GP, or FLV files during conversion. Check picture, audio, subtitles, duration, and synchronization on target devices afterward.

Formats to consider

MP4

Good for: General video delivery after checking the target

Less suitable for: Blind conversion without checking internal codecs

WebM

Good for: Web delivery where WebM is supported

Less suitable for: Sole delivery without compatibility checks

MOV

Good for: Video production in a supported editing workflow

Less suitable for: Distribution without confirming recipient playback

MKV

Good for: Managing videos with multiple tracks

Less suitable for: Sending without checking support in restricted environments

AVI

Good for: Inspecting an existing AVI asset

Less suitable for: New general web delivery

FLV

Good for: Inspecting and migrating an existing FLV asset

Less suitable for: New general web video delivery

Before you export

  • The same extension can contain different codecs and fail to play.
  • Test playback in target browsers, devices, and apps before delivery.

Related comparisons

AVI vs MP4AVI and MP4 are video containers. Playback depends on the video and audio codecs inside, not the extension alone.OGV vs WebMOGV and WebM are video containers, not guarantees of a particular codec or playback result. The usable video and audio codecs, browser versions, and delivery setup determine compatibility.3GP vs MP43GP and MP4 are related ISO-based media container formats, but target uses and playback support differ. The codecs inside the container matter as much as the extension.MP4 vs WebMMP4 and WebM are containers for audio and video, not single codecs. MP4 is widely used across devices and services; WebM is a Matroska-based subset associated with web delivery. Size and quality depend on the encoded streams, settings, and playback environment.MOV vs MP4MOV and MP4 are container formats, not video codecs. MOV is common in QuickTime-oriented capture and editing workflows, while MP4 is widely used for general distribution. Playback depends on the actual video and audio codecs inside the file.MKV vs MP4MKV and MP4 are containers that can hold video, audio, subtitles, and metadata. MKV often supports a flexible mix of tracks, while MP4 is widely used for delivery across devices and services. Compatibility depends on the codecs and track features inside the file.

Guides

Choose a video distribution formatChoose the container and the codecs inside it according to the playback destination and production workflow.Choosing a Subtitle FormatUse WebVTT for web video text tracks, SRT for simple subtitle exchange, and TTML when a supported delivery workflow agrees on the profile.

References and specifications