How to Convert Video Files
Are you trying to play a video but having difficulty because it is in an ‘unsupported’ format? Do you want to make sure a video that you distribute to others can be viewed without any issues?
Being able to convert video formats can be very useful in both those situations – and others as well. And there are actually several methods that you can use to convert videos.
Web-Based Tools to Convert Videos
Typically web-based tools to convert videos are easy to use. All you need to do is visit a website, upload the video, and select the format that you want to convert it to – then download the video once it is converted.
The main advantage of this option is that you won’t need to install any software, and can use it on any device with internet access. However, the downside is that it typically takes longer as the video needs to be uploaded and downloaded, and the tool will have its own processing queue that will add to the wait.
Most web-based tools will have other limitations as well in terms of the range of formats, maximum file size, and a number of conversions. Some may have intrusive advertisements as well.
If you want one that is reliable you can use Online Video Converter. It is a web-based video converter that supports most popular formats, and you can even extract the audio from videos by following the steps at https://www.videoconverter.com/how-to-convert-webm-to-mp3.html.
Video Converter Software
Installing video converter software will generally provide you with a faster option to convert file formats. It will normally support a wider range of formats and will have no file size limit or the maximum number of conversions.
Free video converter software may have limitations, however, and some may even add a watermark to the converted video. Paid software should not have such limitations, and most will have additional features to adjust the video settings as well as edit videos in simple ways.
Other Types of Software
Some other types of software may include features that let them convert video formats – despite that not being their primary function.
The best example would be video editors that can be used to import videos and then export them in other formats. However not all video editors may support the input or output formats you require.
Another good example is some media players that can encode videos such as VLC Media Player or DivX Player.
Overall you probably won’t want to install one of these types of software just to convert videos. However if you already have one installed, it may be more convenient to use it than to pursue any other option.
Conclusion
When you are looking at any of the options described above, you should try to look for one that will fit your needs. Each one has advantages as well as limitations – so it is important that you figure out whether or not it will provide you with the means to convert your videos effectively.
