2 simple ways to add AVI and MKV files to iTunes

iTunes is a great place to manage your video collection, but it only supports a limited number of videos. If you have a lot of MKV videos or want to add AVI files to iTunes you need to convert them first. This article will guide you how to convert AVI and MKV files to add to iTunes.

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ITunes video format

Can iTunes play MKV or AVI files? The answer is no, it can only play MP4, M4V and QuickTime videos. This is not only annoying when using iTunes media file management on the desktop, but also difficult to transfer these files to view on iPhone or iPad.

The easiest way is to convert the file into a playable iTunes format. But which format is best?

You should convert video into MP4 format with H264 codec. This is a format that brings a good balance between quality and file size, which can be played on almost any device.

iTunes can also handle H265 files (also known as HEVC). This format is even more efficient with higher quality and smaller file sizes. It is ideal for 4K movies.

However, the problem is that H265 only works on some devices. If you're planning to watch videos on an iPad or laptop, it's fine, but if there's an older device like a Roku or watching movies from a flash drive via the USB port of the TV, they won't work.

Conversion time varies depending on file size, settings, and computer configuration. Ideally, you should take a few hours to make the switch.

Re-encoding the video in another format may result in loss of quality. But if you use a high quality original file, you will not see this problem clearly.

1. Use HandBrake

HandBrake is free, open source software for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is also one of the best video converter software for all types of files.

Users can use HandBrake to convert DVD and Blu-ray videos and many other video file formats. You can choose the conversion setting and adjust it as you like.

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Convert videos with HandBrake

1. Download HandBrake for Windows
2. Download HandBrake for Mac
3. Download HandBrake for Linux

The interface of this software may be a little confusing at first but it is really easy to use. After installing and launching HandBrake, click the Open Source button on the toolbar and select the AVI or MKV file.

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Next, click on Preset . Here, you will see many pre-configured options that enable video conversion without having to understand the technical information.

If converting videos for specific devices like Roku or Apple TV, find them in the Devices list. In most cases, you will use the General settings.

First, choose the appropriate speed.Very Fast is the fastest and creates smaller file size but lower quality. Super HQ gives the best quality with the largest file but takes many hours to convert. Fast is medium settings.

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Then choose the resolution. You can choose the resolution as the original video or lower but not higher. Leave Format in MP4 format.

By default, these settings will convert the video into an H264 codec. If you want to use the newer H265, click on the Video tab and set Video Encoder to H.265 (x265) and keep the other default settings.

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Finally, click the Browse button next to Save as at the bottom and select the folder to save the new MP4 file. Name it and then click Start to begin the video conversion process.

When the conversion is complete, you can import this MP4 file into iTunes and transfer it to your mobile device.

2. Use VLC Media Player

You may have installed the free and open source VLC Media Player on your computer, so why do other applications need to be downloaded? VLC integrates many hidden features and video conversion is one of them. The process of using it varies depending on the operating system you use as Mac or Windows.

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On Mac, click the File menu and choose Convert / Stream .

1. Download VLC Media Player for Mac

On the next screen, add the media file you want to convert. Set Profile to Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) . It has no option to convert H265. You can also customize the configuration settings if desired, but this is not necessary.

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Finally, under Choose Destination select Save as File . When prompted, select the directory to save the converted file and give it a new name if needed.

Click Save to start conversion.

On Windows, go to Media> Convert / Save . Add video files, then click the Convert / Save button and choose Convert .

1. Download VLC Media Player for Windows

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In Settings , set Profile to Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) , then click Browse to choose where to save the file. Finally click on Start to begin the conversion process.

When VLC finishes converting the video, you'll get an MP4 or M4V file to add to iTunes and transfer to your mobile device.

Other software to convert AVI to MP4

HandBrake and VLC are perfect software for video conversion and allow using iTunes with AVI or MKV files. If you want you can skip iTunes and use these files right on your iPhone or iPad with WALTR2.

 https://softorino.com/waltr/ 

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This is a paid application that is well rated by users. It transfers files to devices via Wifi and converts all types of files. This is a fast, powerful tool with drag and drop feature. It works on both Mac and Windows.

I wish you successful implementation!