- Xvid is a codec that compresses video files using the MPEG-4 Part 2 ASP format.
- Xvid files will play on many DVD or Blu-ray players and Windows 10 or later by default; Mac users will need to install a compatible player.
- You can convert files from Xvid to other popular formats with an online converter or a program like Handbrake.
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One of the disadvantages of working with audio and video files is that there are many different file formats, and not all of them are easily read or universally compatible with the software you commonly use.
Xvid is a codec designed to highly compress video files using the MPEG-4 Part 2 ASP format. Xvid is a free file format distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), so it’s not uncommon to come across this type of file when downloading videos online.
How to Play Xvid Files
The good news is that playing Xvid files isn’t particularly complicated; there are a plethora of devices and apps that can decode and play Xvid.
- DVD and Blu-ray players: If you copy the Xvid file to a CD or DVD, many popular DVD and Blu-ray players can play Xvid files. In particular, most Xvid files will play correctly on devices bearing the DivX logo because they are based on the same underlying technology.
- the Windows: Windows 10 and later can natively play Xvid files using the default video player – just double click on an Xvid file and it should play. Additionally, any video player capable of playing a standard MPEG-4 file will be able to play a file encoded with Xvid. This includes VLCWindows Media Player and the appropriate name Free Xvid PlayerJust to name a few.
- mac: While Apple computers do not have a default application with the ability to play Xvid files, there are a number of third-party applications that support Xvid for Mac. You can install VLC or get advertising Elmedia playerwhich offers a free and paid Pro version.
You should have no problem playing Xvid files on Windows using the built-in video players.
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How to Convert Xvid Files
If you want to convert an Xvid file to another format, you have several options. If you are looking for a quick and free option, try one of the many online converters. These converters are hosted on a website; just upload the Xvid file, click the button to start the conversion process and upload the converted file. The conversion usually takes a few minutes, depending on the size of the original Xvid file. Two common converters include Conversion and desktop converter.
You can easily convert Xvid files to other formats using the Convertio web service.
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The downside of these online converters is that they usually limit the maximum file size you can upload and convert. To convert large files, you may need to purchase a commercial video utility like Hand brake Where Miro.
Troubleshooting Tips for Xvid Files
If you are unable to play a video file, the file may not actually be an Xvid file – you may have misinterpreted the file extension or the file may be mislabeled. Keep in mind, for example, that while Xvid and Divx files share a common history and have a lot of technology in common, they are different file formats and not all Xvid files will play on Divx devices.
If you can’t play a file, try converting it using one of the tools described in the previous section. It’s possible that a file converter can turn it into a more common file format that works fine.