Convert MP4 to AVI Online Free

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

Quick Answer

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.

Free No signup required Encrypted transfer · Auto-deleted Under 2 minutes Updated March 2026

Convert MP4 to AVI

Drop your MP4 file here to convert it instantly

Drag & drop your .mp4 file here, or click to browse

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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 uploading to YouTube, TikTok, or social media platforms
Transform MP4 screen recordings to AVI for sharing in blog posts or tutorials

Choose AVI at 1080p or higher for the best quality-to-size ratio on social platforms

Preview the converted AVI file before uploading to ensure audio sync is maintained

Video Editors

Convert MP4 raw 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

Maintain the original resolution and frame rate during MP4 to AVI conversion to avoid quality loss

Use a high bitrate when converting to AVI if the footage will undergo further editing

Social Media Managers

Convert MP4 brand videos to AVI to meet platform-specific format requirements
Transform MP4 ad creatives to AVI for cross-platform publishing campaigns

Check each platform's recommended AVI specs (resolution, bitrate, duration) before uploading

Keep the MP4 original archived for future re-exports at different resolutions

How to Convert MP4 to AVI

1

Upload your MP4 file

Drag and drop your .mp4 file onto the converter, or click to browse. Files up to 500MB are supported.
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.
3

Download the result

Click Download to save your converted .avi file. The original and converted files are automatically deleted from our servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quality lost when converting to AVI?

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.

Why is AVI no longer popular?

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.

What codec is used in the AVI output?

The AVI output uses MPEG-4 Part 2 video (similar to DivX/Xvid) with MP3 audio, providing broad compatibility with older players.

Can I play AVI on Mac?

Yes, using VLC Media Player. QuickTime Player on Mac does not natively support all AVI variants.

Are my files kept private?

Yes. Files are transferred over HTTPS and automatically deleted from our servers after conversion.

Will the AVI file play on my TV?

Many smart TVs and Blu-ray players with USB support play AVI files. Refer to your device manual to confirm supported formats and codecs.

What is the maximum file size?

Files up to 500MB are supported. Note that AVI files may be larger than the source MP4.

Is the service free?

Yes, completely free with no signup or subscription required.

How long does conversion take?

Re-encoding MP4 to AVI takes a bit longer than remuxing. Expect 10–30 seconds for most files, longer for high-resolution content.

Does AVI support 1080p video?

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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Need to convert programmatically?

Use the ChangeThisFile API to convert MP4 to AVI in your app. No rate limits, up to 500MB files, simple REST endpoint.

View API Docs

Read our guides on file formats and conversion

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