Can I re-encode my MOV file when converting to MKV?

This tool primarily muxes streams into MKV without re-encoding to preserve quality, but re-encoding might be needed if compatibility issues arise.

Will the MKV file play on all devices?

Playback depends on the codecs inside the MKV; some devices and platforms may not support all contained codecs or MKV format itself.

Can I include multiple subtitle and audio tracks in the MKV?

Yes, MKV supports multiple audio, subtitle tracks, chapters, and attachments within a single file.

Convert Your Video from MOV to MKV Format Easily

Learn how to convert your MOV videos to the MKV format, preserving quality and enabling flexible playback with multiple audio and subtitle tracks. Perfect for archiving and distribution.

Upload Your File | Maximum Size Upto 25MB

Quick Access To 37 MOV File Conversion Pairs

What Is This Tool?

This tool converts videos from the MOV format, a flexible and edit-friendly Apple QuickTime container, into the MKV format, an open and versatile multimedia container that supports multiple tracks and extensive metadata. It helps you archive, distribute, or play your videos with enhanced flexibility while maintaining original stream quality.

How to Use This Tool?

Upload your MOV video file to the converter
Choose MKV as the desired output format
Optionally add or manage audio tracks, subtitles, and attachments
Start the conversion process and wait for it to complete
Download the converted MKV file and use it for playback or archiving

Key Features

Converts MOV video files to MKV container format without re-encoding when possible
Preserves multiple audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata during conversion
Supports high-quality codecs like ProRes, H.264, HEVC in original streams
Produces open, royalty-free MKV files suitable for playback and archiving
Enables bundling of attachments and advanced subtitle formats (e.g., ASS/SSA)

Examples

Muxing a ProRes MOV file containing video, timed subtitles, and chapter metadata into an MKV without re-encoding for long-term storage
Converting a camera-recorded H.264 MOV file to MKV to combine multiple subtitle files and alternate audio tracks for distribution
Archiving finished edits with multiple audio languages and subtitles into a single MKV container

Common Use Cases

Archiving high-quality, edit-friendly MOV files into MKV to consolidate various tracks and metadata
Preparing screening or distribution copies with selectable audio and subtitle languages without quality loss
Converting home or professional screen captures from MOV to MKV for flexible playback and storage

Tips & Best Practices

Verify the codecs inside your MOV file are supported by your target MKV player or device
Avoid re-encoding if possible to preserve original video and audio quality
Use MKV for archiving complex projects that include multiple subtitle and audio tracks
Test the output MKV file on your intended playback devices to ensure compatibility
Be aware some advanced MKV features may not function on all players

Limitations

Playback depends on codecs contained within the MKV; unsupported codecs may prevent viewing
MKV container does not reduce file size; high-bitrate or lossless streams can result in large files
Certain hardware devices and platforms lack native MKV support
Some advanced features like attachments and uncommon subtitles may have limited player compatibility
Professional editing and streaming tools may not fully support MKV, requiring format adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I re-encode my MOV file when converting to MKV?: This tool primarily muxes streams into MKV without re-encoding to preserve quality, but re-encoding might be needed if compatibility issues arise.
Will the MKV file play on all devices?: Playback depends on the codecs inside the MKV; some devices and platforms may not support all contained codecs or MKV format itself.
Can I include multiple subtitle and audio tracks in the MKV?: Yes, MKV supports multiple audio, subtitle tracks, chapters, and attachments within a single file.

Key Terminology

MOV: A multimedia container format developed by Apple, supporting multiple tracks including audio, video, subtitles, and metadata.
MKV: An open and flexible multimedia container format that can hold multiple audio, video, subtitle tracks, chapters, attachments, and metadata.
Muxing: The process of combining multiple streams such as audio, video, and subtitles into a single container file without re-encoding.

Quick Knowledge Check

What type of format is MOV?

An open multimedia container based on EBML

A QuickTime container format developed by Apple

A codec for compressing video streams

What is a key advantage of MKV format?

Supports multiple audio/subtitle tracks and metadata in one file

Has built-in video compression codecs

Only supports a single video and audio track

What should you verify before converting MOV to MKV?

That the MOV file size is under 100MB

That codecs in the MOV file are supported by your target MKV player

That MKV files are always smaller than MOV files