MKV File Type

- The quick facts

What are MKV files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MKV file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a MKV file?

A .MKV file is a Matroska Video file.

MKV stands for Matroska Video Stream and is a video file format. The name "Matroska" is derived from the Russian word for "nesting doll" because MKV files can "nest" several multimedia files into one single file. This type of file is often referred to as a "container" file.

MKV files are container files that are similar to the .mov and .avi formats. MKV files are able to support a variety of audio and video codecs. The format for the MKV file format was based on the Extensible Binary Meta Language, which is a binary derivative of XML. MKV files allow for unlimited storage of multimedia streams in one single file. MKV files commonly contain multimedia content, such as movies and TV shows.

How to open MKV files

We have identified 2 MKV openers that are compatible with this specific type of MKV file.

Programs that open Matroska Video files

Last updated: March 17, 2022

Suggest another file format using extension MKV

While we know of one file format using the .MKV file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .MKV file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of MKV files. Remember, different programs may use MKV files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.