VLC Player can convert video files, but it works differently than dedicated conversion software

VLC Media Player is primarily a video player, not a converter. However, it includes a hidden conversion feature called "Convert/Save" that lets you change a video's format, resolution, or codec without installing separate software. The process is straightforward but not obvious — the feature is buried in the File menu rather than displayed prominently.

This approach works well if you need to convert a few videos occasionally and already have VLC installed. If you convert videos regularly or need advanced controls like bitrate adjustment or batch processing, dedicated conversion software like HandBrake or FFmpeg will give you more options and faster processing. But for a one-off conversion from MP4 to WebM, or to reduce a video's file size, VLC's built-in converter is genuinely useful.

Key Takeaways

  • Open VLC, go to File > Convert/Save, and select your video file to start the conversion process.
  • Choose your output format from the Profile dropdown — common options include MP4, WebM, and MPEG — then click Browse to pick where to save the converted file.
  • VLC conversion is slower than real-time playback and ties up the application, so plan for the video to take longer to convert than its actual length.
  • If conversion fails or produces no output, check that your chosen format is installed on your system and that you have write permission to the destination folder.

Opening the Convert/Save dialog in VLC

Start by opening VLC Media Player. Click the File menu at the top left, then look for "Convert/Save" — it appears below "Open File" and "Open Folder". Click it to open a dialog box.

In the dialog, click the "Add" button to select the video file you want to convert. Navigate to your file, select it, and click Open. You'll see the filename appear in the list above the Add button. If you want to convert multiple videos at once, you can add more files here — VLC will convert them one after another.

Selecting your output format and destination

Below the file list, you'll see a dropdown labeled "Profile" or "Choose Profile". Click it to see available output formats. Common options include "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" for MP4 files, "Video - VP80 + Vorbis (WebM)" for WebM, and "Video - MPEG-2 + MP3 (MPEG)" for MPEG files. Select the format you need.

Next, click the "Browse" button to choose where to save your converted file. Navigate to your desired folder, type a filename (VLC will add the correct file extension automatically), and click Save. The destination path will appear in the text field next to Browse.

Starting the conversion and what to expect

Once you've selected your format and destination, click the "Convert/Save" button at the bottom right of the dialog. VLC will close the dialog and begin converting. A small window may appear showing conversion progress, or the conversion may run silently in the background.

Conversion speed depends on your video's length, resolution, and your computer's processor. A 10-minute video might take 15 to 30 minutes to convert, depending on the format and your system. VLC will be unresponsive during conversion — you can still use other applications, but VLC itself won't respond to clicks. When conversion finishes, the window closes automatically and your converted file appears in the destination folder.

Adjusting quality and codec settings

The Profile dropdown offers preset combinations of codec and quality, but they're limited. If you need more control — for example, to reduce file size further or increase quality — you can create a custom profile. Click the wrench icon next to the Profile dropdown to open the Preferences window.

Navigate to Tools > Preferences > Video Codecs > Encoding. Here you can adjust bitrate, frame rate, and other technical settings. These changes apply to future conversions using the profile you modified. If you're unfamiliar with these settings, the presets are usually sufficient; changing them incorrectly can produce unwatchable output or files that won't play on your target device.

Troubleshooting conversion failures

If VLC starts converting but produces no output file, or if the output file is empty or unplayable, check three things first. One: verify that the destination folder exists and that you have write permission to it — try saving to your Desktop or Documents folder if you're unsure. Two: confirm that your input file isn't corrupted by playing it in VLC first. Three: check that the output format you selected is actually installed on your system.

If the conversion still fails, try a different output format. Some formats require additional codec libraries that may not be installed. If you consistently need a format that VLC won't convert, HandBrake or FFmpeg are more reliable alternatives. You can also check VLC's log file for error messages: go to Tools > Messages to see what went wrong during conversion.

When to use VLC conversion versus dedicated software

VLC's converter is convenient for occasional use because it's free and requires no additional installation. Use it when you need to convert one or two videos, when you're already using VLC to play the file, or when you need a quick format change without fussing with settings.

Switch to dedicated software like HandBrake or FFmpeg if you convert videos regularly, need batch processing, require precise control over quality settings, or work with formats that VLC struggles with. HandBrake has a graphical interface similar to VLC's and handles most common formats reliably. FFmpeg is command-line based and more powerful but has a steeper learning curve. For most users, VLC's built-in converter handles the occasional conversion task without the overhead of learning new software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can VLC convert video to audio only, like MP3 or WAV?

Yes. In the Profile dropdown, look for options labeled "Audio" rather than "Video" — these extract the audio track and save it as a standalone file. Select "Audio - MP3" to convert video to MP3, or "Audio - WAV" for WAV format. The process is identical to video conversion.

Why is my converted video playing in the wrong aspect ratio or with black bars?

VLC's presets preserve the original video's aspect ratio, which sometimes includes letterboxing or pillarboxing from the source file. If the black bars are part of the original video, they'll appear in the converted file too. If you need to crop them, you'll need to use a dedicated editor or FFmpeg with cropping filters — VLC's converter doesn't include cropping options.

Can I convert a video while watching something else in VLC?

No. VLC can only do one thing at a time. If you start a conversion, you can't play another video in the same VLC window. You can open a second instance of VLC to play video while the first one converts, but this uses more system resources and may slow both processes down.

What does the "Deinterlace" option in the Profile settings do?

Deinterlacing removes the interlaced scan lines that appear in some older video formats, particularly DVDs and broadcast television. If your source video looks like it has horizontal lines or combing artifacts, enabling deinterlacing in the profile settings will smooth them out. Most modern videos don't need this, but it's useful for converting older or broadcast-sourced material.