MKV File Extension

Matroska Video Format

File Type mkv
Developer Matroska
Popularity
4.1 (43 votes)
Application iSkysoft Video Editor
Category Video Files
Format Binary

What is a MKV file?

Matroska Video Format, identified by the MKV extension, is a Video Files type and includes 445 files.

MKV files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Android, Windows Phone and Apple iOS. You can play a MKV file using one of 42 programs, for example VLC media player, Totem and MPlayer.

File Signature

HEX code: 1A 45 DF A3 93 42 82 88 6D 61 74 72 6F 73 6B 61 42. ASCII code: .E...B..matroskaB...B....S.g.

Mac OS

Linux

Android

Apple iOS

Windows Phone

Plex

How to open a MKV file?

The most common reason why a MKV file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

The most popular programs for working with MKV files are VLC media player, Totem and MPlayer. To install the latest version of iSkysoft Video Editor on your computer, visit the iSkysoft Studio website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After setup, the operating system should recognize MKV files and link them with iSkysoft Video Editor.

Set iSkysoft Video Editor as the default MKV handler

Changing the default program in Windows

Start by right-clicking on your MKV file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
In the pop-up window, find and select the iSkysoft Video Editor application from the available options;
Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening MKV files.

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

Right click or use Control + left click on the desired MKV file to launch the file options menu;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
Scroll down to the bottom of the window, and there you will find the "Enable" menu. The default selection is "Recommended Programs";
Choose "All Programs" within this menu and locate iSkysoft Video Editor. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

Convert to and from MKV

If you have trouble working with a MKV file, try converting it to AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, WAV or similar video files.

Please note that after converting a MKV file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.

Offline conversion tools, like SUPER 3D Video Converter, MediaCoder and Wondershare Video Converter, provide reliable and high-quality conversion of MKV files.

Convert MKV to other file formats

Converting Files to MKV Format

Effective solutions for MKV file problems

MKV files can sometimes be tricky, but minor software adjustments usually resolve the issues. Refer to the tips below for guidance.

What are the signs that my MKV file is damaged?

Corrupted MKV video files may have one or more of the following symptoms:

Poor performance when editing a file in AVS Video Editor;
Opening the file in iSkysoft Video Editor or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MKV file;
Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;

Why does iSkysoft Video Editor crash?

iSkysoft Video Editor crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for iSkysoft Studio products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.

How to repair a corrupted MKV file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged MKV file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged video files.

How to edit a MKV file?

To edit MKV files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify video files. Online MKV editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Matroska Video Format.

List of Top MKV editors 2026

Based on your described criteria, here is a list of available MKV editors.

MKV Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
iSkysoft Video Editor	iSkysoft Studio	Windows, Mac OS, Linux	4.8 out of 5 (46 reviews)
AVS Video Editor	OMT	Windows	4.2 out of 5 (44 reviews)