.avi — Audio Video Interleave
An older Windows video container that still appears in legacy cameras, screen recorders, and archives.
About this format
AVI is a Microsoft container from the early Windows multimedia era. It can hold many codec combinations, which is why old AVI files often need VLC or conversion.
Use AVI for compatibility with legacy devices. Convert to MP4 or WebM for modern sharing.
Real-world samples & file sizes
AVI samples should be judged in the sizes people actually receive, upload, or export. These reference cards show the common shapes and settings to check before choosing a conversion target.
landscape video
The baseline export for web players and presentations.
vertical video
Used by stories, reels, shorts, and phone captures.
square post
Useful where feeds crop landscape video too aggressively.
portrait feed
A feed-friendly alternative to full vertical video.
Reference dimensions are platform-style targets. Compatibility and format facts are verified from the linked online sources below.
Pros
- +Recognized by many desktop tools
- +Common in legacy archives
- +Simple container model
Cons
- −Poor fit for modern streaming
- −Codec support is unpredictable
- −Large files are common
AVI vs other formats
| vs | Size | Quality | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 | MP4 is usually smaller | Depends on codec | MP4 is better for modern playback and uploads. |
| MKV | Varies | Depends on codec | MKV is more flexible for subtitles and modern metadata. |
Where it works
- Windows native for supported codecs
- macOS via VLC/IINA
- Linux via VLC/mpv
- Browsers generally do not use AVI for web playback
- VLC
- VirtualDub
- FFmpeg
- HandBrake
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
- Why does AVI need a codec?
- AVI can contain many older codecs. The player must support the codec inside, not just the .avi extension.
- Is AVI still useful?
- Mostly for legacy files. MP4 or WebM are better for new exports.
Sources
- Microsoft AVI RIFF file reference - AVI container structure and RIFF basis
- Library of Congress file format descriptions - archival format descriptions and sustainability notes
Other video formats
- .mkv MKVA flexible open video container often used for high-quality movies, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks.
- .mov MOVApple's QuickTime movie container, common in camera exports, editing apps, and macOS workflows.
- .webm WebMGoogle's open, royalty-free video format for the web — typically 30-50% smaller than equivalent MP4 / H.264.