.aviWhat is AVI?
Audio Video Interleave
Microsoft's 1992 format — legacy but still widely encountered
- Container standard
- Microsoft RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format)
- Typical video codec
- H.264, DivX, Xvid, MPEG-4
- Typical audio codec
- MP3, AC3, PCM
- File extension
- .avi
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of Windows 3.1. For over a decade it was the dominant video format on Windows PCs, used by camcorders, screen recorders, and video editing software. While largely superseded by MP4 for modern use, AVI files remain common in corporate archives, older media collections, and legacy industrial systems.
AVI is a container format that supports various video codecs (H.264, DivX, Xvid) but lacks many modern features: it has poor streaming support, produces large files, and doesn't handle variable frame rates well. Most new software still accepts AVI input, but for any kind of sharing, uploading, or archiving, converting AVI to MP4 reduces file size dramatically while improving compatibility.
Technical Specifications
| Container standard | Microsoft RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) |
| Typical video codec | H.264, DivX, Xvid, MPEG-4 |
| Typical audio codec | MP3, AC3, PCM |
| File extension | .avi |
| MIME type | video/x-msvideo |
| Streaming | Limited — no progressive download support |
| Platform origin | Microsoft (1992) |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- Universally recognised by video software written in the last 30 years
- Windows Media Player opens AVI natively without codecs
- Simple structure — easy to parse in legacy systems
- Good compatibility with older industrial and CCTV equipment
Limitations
- Large file sizes compared to MP4 or MKV
- No native streaming support
- Doesn't handle variable frame rates (VFR) well
- Lacks subtitle and chapter support
- Largely obsolete for new content creation
Common Use Cases
- Legacy corporate video archives
- Old camcorder footage digitisation
- CCTV and security camera exports
- Industrial systems requiring AVI input
- Older Windows-based software compatibility
- DVD authoring workflows
Compatible Software & Platforms
AVI is natively supported by:
Convert AVI Files — Free Online Tools
Convert from AVI
Convert to AVI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a AVI file?
A AVI file is a video file using the Audio Video Interleave format. AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of Windows 3.
What programs open AVI files?
AVI files are supported by: Windows Media Player, VLC, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Most Windows video software, and most modern media players and editors.
What are AVI files used for?
Common uses include: Legacy corporate video archives; Old camcorder footage digitisation; CCTV and security camera exports.
AVI vs MP4: what is the difference?
MP4 is smaller, streams better, and is universally supported — AVI is a legacy format. AVI is typically chosen for legacy corporate video archives, while MP4 is preferred for uploading to youtube, tiktok, instagram, and vimeo.
How do I convert a AVI file?
Convert AVI files online for free at MediaFormatter. Upload your file, choose a target format, and download the result — no installation or sign-up needed.