Convert MP4 to AVI Online Free
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Convert MP4 video to AVI format for compatibility with older Windows software, legacy DVD players, and hardware that does not support modern MP4 codecs.
By ChangeThisFile Team · Last updated: March 2026
ChangeThisFile converts your MP4 video to AVI format using FFmpeg on our secure servers. AVI is sometimes required by older video editing software, legacy media players, or specific hardware devices. Your file is encrypted during upload, processed quickly, and auto-deleted afterward, completely free.
MP4 vs AVI: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | MP4 | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | MPEG (ISO) | Microsoft |
| Compression | H.264/H.265 (modern codecs) | DivX, Xvid, or MPEG-4 (older codecs) |
| File size | Efficient compression | Often larger for same quality |
| Streaming | Designed for streaming | Not designed for streaming |
| Subtitle support | Limited but functional | Limited (requires separate file) |
| Compatibility | Universal modern support | Legacy software and older hardware |
| Metadata | Rich MPEG-4 metadata | Minimal RIFF metadata |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Legacy video editing software
Older versions of Windows Movie Maker and other legacy video editors import AVI more reliably than MP4. Convert footage to AVI for use in legacy editing workflows.
Older DVD player compatibility
Some older DVD and Blu-ray players with USB playback only support AVI. Convert MP4 to AVI to play videos on older home media devices.
Windows XP and older OS compatibility
Windows XP and early Windows 7 systems may not have MP4 codec support installed. AVI with DivX/Xvid codecs was the standard on these systems.
Security camera and DVR export
Some security DVR systems record and export in AVI format. Converting MP4 files to AVI ensures consistent file format for archiving or review in DVR software.
Video kiosk and display systems
Embedded display systems and digital signage players sometimes have limited codec support. AVI with MPEG-4 is often supported where MP4 H.264 is not.
Who Uses This Conversion
Tailored guidance for different workflows
Content Creators
- Convert MP4 footage to AVI for playback in software and devices that expect the AVI format
- Transform MP4 recordings to AVI to match the format an existing workflow or player requires
Video Editors
- Convert MP4 footage to AVI for importing into editing software like Premiere or DaVinci Resolve
- Transform MP4 project exports to AVI for client delivery or final distribution
Social Media Managers
- Convert MP4 videos to AVI for compatibility with legacy players or archival systems that use AVI
- Transform MP4 source files to AVI when a specific tool only accepts AVI input
How to Convert MP4 to AVI
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1
Upload your MP4 file
Drag and drop your .mp4 file onto the converter, or click to browse. The free tier accepts files up to 25MB; eligible paid browser access accepts up to 100MB.
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2
Server-side conversion
Your file is securely uploaded and re-encoded using FFmpeg with MPEG-4 video codec and MP3 audio wrapped in the AVI container. Processing typically takes a few seconds.
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3
Download the result
Click Download to save your converted .avi file. The original and converted files are automatically deleted from our servers.
Developers: convert via API →
Frequently Asked Questions
The video is re-encoded from H.264 to MPEG-4, which involves some quality loss. For lossless conversion, the same quality parameters are used to minimize degradation.
AVI was developed in 1992 and lacks modern features like streaming optimization, efficient compression, and rich metadata. MP4 and MKV are superior for modern use cases.
The AVI output uses MPEG-4 Part 2 video (similar to DivX/Xvid) with MP3 audio, providing broad compatibility with older players.
Yes, using VLC Media Player. QuickTime Player on Mac does not natively support all AVI variants.
Yes. Files are transferred over HTTPS and automatically deleted from our servers after conversion.
Many smart TVs and Blu-ray players with USB support play AVI files. Refer to your device manual to confirm supported formats and codecs.
The free tier accepts files up to 25MB; eligible paid browser access accepts up to 100MB. Note that AVI files may be larger than the source MP4.
Yes, completely free with no signup or subscription required.
Re-encoding MP4 to AVI takes a bit longer than remuxing. Expect 10–30 seconds for most files, longer for high-resolution content.
Yes. AVI supports up to 1080p (and higher) resolution, though modern codecs like H.264 in MP4 achieve better compression at the same quality.
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