When you are downloading online videos, you must have come across various file formats of videos. MKV file format is one of the most used formats for HD movies.
Similar to that of the MP4 and AVI file format, MKV is also widely used for storing large HD files to excellence.
Let us see what MKV file formation is and how to play them on your PC, Smartphone, and any other devices.
What is an MKV File
MKV files are also called the Matroska Video files. These files are mainly useful for playing videos. The MKV is the implementation of a standard free container format called Matroska.
It helps store multimedia content in large files. This file format is mainly designed for storing videos with high quality and video subtitles.
MKV supports more number of audio and video codecs, so it is suitable for easily accessing every platform. These are also quite a suitable option for accessing the USF, SRT, and SSA subtitles.
The MKV is quite similar to that of the MOV, MP4, and AVI. This open standard video format was initially developed by Lasse Kärkkäinen and Steve Lhomme in 2002. The Matroska format is also called the Matryoshka doll in Russia.

With the use of this MKV file, it is easier to access several audios, pictures, videos, and even the subtitle tracks without any hassle. The restriction of license or patents does not cover MKV. Another most important factor is that MKV is supported by many players along with its special features such as
MKV is also similar to other file formats, such as MP4 and many others. This MKV has a structured system mainly helpful for maintaining multimedia data. Therefore, it is a quite easier option for streaming the video/audio files along with the subtitles.
The MKV platform is also a quite easier option for storing multimedia files with information retrieval aspects. Since this is one of the universal formats, this is mainly useful for supporting the Codecs. MKV files store encoding methods so that the multimedia files are quite safer to access.
MKV formats are mainly useful for the HD videos as well as video streaming features online. In fact, the WebM format is also based on the Matroska container profile.
What Is An MKV File And How Do You Play Them
Why Use MKV
MKV is quite a popular option among users in the anime fan-subbing community. The main reason is that this is widely helpful for supporting multiple audios with subtitle tracks. MKV is not a video compression format, it is only a multimedia container format.
Of course, the MKV container files have been mainly designed for increasing performance and storing more data. Some of the key features of this MKV format files are-
What Applications Can Access the MKV File Format
How Do You Play MKV files on Windows OS
MKV is not the industry standard platform, so, all the media players do not support it. For playing MKV files, you can use an MKV-compatible media player. Alternatively, you can download appropriate Codecs for Multimedia players.
When the MKV supported software is not available, then you can simply download and install the file format from the internet.
How to Open the MKV File in MAC OS X
Accessing MKV files on Mac OS X is quite a simple process as you can simply follow the below instructions
How to Convert MKV File
For converting the MKV file, you can simply use free video file converters as this is quite an efficient option for gaining better access. Usually, the video files are large, hence, it is important to use online MKV converters such as ConvertFiles- which is the most recommended option.
Alternatively, programs such as Freemake Video Converter are also good for converting MKV into an AVI, MOV, MP4, or DVD file. Therefore, it is quite a simple option for easily converting the file into the preferred format with the use of Freemake Video Converter.
How to Edit MKV Files
MKV file format allows the user to edit video files instantly. It is easier to add or remove subtitles from the video file. Another most important aspect is that the MKV file format allows the user to add chapters for the preferred video.
There are various tools available for quick editing features, such as the MKVToolNix program. The MKVToolNix program supports various subtitle formats such as PGS/SUP, SRT, VobSub as well as SSA. Users can simply add or even delete the subtitles in the soft-coded MKV file.
Chapter Editor also comes with a program allowing you to quickly start and end the custom video chapters.
How to Use VLC Media Player to Open an MKV File
Most people like to use the quicker option for accessing MKV file formats. The VLC media player is the best option for playing MKV files. The main reason is that the VLC media player has built-in support. There is no need to install any extra plug-in for the VLC media player to play MKV files.
Downloading and installing the VLC player is also quite easy. If you do not have the VLC player in your Windows OS or Mac OS, then you can simply follow the below instructions.
Make VLC Player as the Default Option for Playing the Video Files
For making the VLC Media player as the default option for watching any movies or videos on MKV files, follow the below instructions
How to Copy MKV Files with VLC Media Player
How to Make VLC the Default Player for MKV Files on Windows
How to Make VLC Player Default for MKV Files on Mac OS
Use of Media Codecs to Play MKV Files on both PC and MAC
Codecs are computer programs mainly used for encoding or decoding the digital media files. For plating the MKV files, it is quite essential to use the Codecs. You can find several codecs online for free.