MKV File Extension

Matroska Video Format

File Type mkv
Developer Matroska
Popularity
4.4 (40 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 compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux as well as mobile platforms such as Android, Windows Phone and Apple iOS. When working with MKV files, you can rely on 42 programs, including VLC media player, Zoom Player and Plex.

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?

If you can’t open a MKV file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.

VLC media player, Zoom Player and Plex are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with MKV files. To install the most up-to-date edition of iSkysoft Video Editor, visit the official iSkysoft Studio website. You can download the build that works across all operating systems.

Once setup is done, your operating system should assign iSkysoft Video Editor as the default app for MKV files.

Set iSkysoft Video Editor to open MKV by default

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

Right-click on your MKV file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
Find the iSkysoft Video Editor application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening MKV files.

Change default apps on Mac

Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired MKV file to access the file’s context menu;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to iSkysoft Video Editor. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

How to edit a MKV file?

Editing MKV files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit video files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated Matroska Video Format programs.

List of Top MKV editors 2026

Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended MKV editors.

MKV Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
AVS Video Editor	OMT	Windows	4.6 out of 5 (43 reviews)
iSkysoft Video Editor	iSkysoft Studio	Windows, Mac OS, Linux	4.3 out of 5 (45 reviews)

Convert to and from MKV

When a MKV file is not easy to work with, converting it to formats like AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, WAV or other comparable types may help.

Converting a MKV file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.

SUPER 3D Video Converter, Any Video Converter FREE and FFmpeg are offline tools that convert MKV files to other formats seamlessly and without quality loss.

Convert MKV to other file formats

Converting Files to MKV Format

Easy MKV Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with MKV files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.

Are there any techniques or tools available to repair a damaged MKV file?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged MKV file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged video files.

What are the warning signs that my MKV file may be corrupted?

Corrupted MKV video files may show the following signs:

Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
Editing the archive in AVS Video Editor is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MKV file;
Opening the file in iSkysoft Video Editor or other programs causes them to hang or crash;

What factors contribute to iSkysoft Video Editor crash?

iSkysoft Video Editor crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your iSkysoft Studio products up to date by installing the latest updates.

Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.