By Ashish Dwivedi Video editing is a creative process, but it is also a bit technical. Before you start cutting frames, applying effects, or color correction, it is important to prepare the file you will be working with. One of the first steps is choosing the right video format. It affects the quality of the final video, the speed of the software,e and the ease of editing.
Let’s figure out how to choose the right video file format so as not to encounter surprises in the process.
Why does the format matter?
A video format is a kind of “package” in which your data is stored. That’s why a lot of various forms have been modified here for specific tasks. Some preserve image and sound quality but require a lot of storage space. Others save space but may lose detail.
If you choose the wrong format, this can result in:
- A long time to load the file into the editing program.
- Limited functionality (for example, the inability to add subtitles).
- Loss of quality when exporting.
Overview of popular formats
MP4 (H.264)
The most popular and universal format. Suitable for most editing programs and devices. In addition, it allows you to compress the video effectively while maintaining a decent quality. MP4 is the best choice if you want to work quickly and without problems, especially for projects that you plan to upload to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
MKV
A format created for those who value flexibility. High-resolution files, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks are all supported here. It is especially popular among professionals working on large projects. For example, if you are creating an archive of a film or TV series, MKV will save all the data without loss. A free MKV editor from Movavi is perfect for editing such files. It will assist you in trimming, merging, and even converting files while maintaining their quality.
MOV
A format developed by Apple. If you work on a Mac or with iMovie or Final Cut Pro, then your first choice should be MOV. This is because MOV offers high-quality video which is really and only ideal for professional work. However, due to the large file sizes, it can be difficult to process.
AVI
One of the oldest formats used back in the 90s. Because of its outdated compression technology, it is hardly utilized today. AVI files take up a lot of space and are not always supported by modern editors.
WMV
A format from Microsoft, which is often used for presentations. WMV is effective in terms of compression, but loses quality, especially when working with high resolutions.
MP4 remains the standard for bloggers today. This is because MP4 works on all platforms and is easy to upload to social networks.
MKV is perfect for film studios that allow you to maintain high quality including audio and subtitle tracks. For example, Netflix often uses MKV in workflows to preserve the original quality of the video before final processing.
Formats like WMV and MP4 are optimal for lectures, as they take up less space.
What factors to consider when choosing a format?
Project goal. If you are editing videos for social media, choose MP4. MKV or MOV are better for preserving source materials.
Compatibility with the program. Make sure that your editor supports the selected format. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve work with almost all popular formats, but some free programs may have limitations.
Video resolution. For working with 4K or 8K, it is better to use lossless formats such as MKV or MOV to preserve maximum detail.
File size. If you have limited disk space, choose formats with efficient compression, such as MP4.
What to do if the format is not suitable?
If your file does not open in the editor or is too large to work with, you can convert it. For this, there are tools such as HandBrake, VLC, or even built-in functions of some editing programs. However, it is important to remember that each conversion may slightly degrade the quality of the video.
Let’s sum it up
Choosing a video format is a key step before you start editing.
For social networks and blogs, choose MP4. For complex high-resolution projects, use MKV or MOV. AVI is suitable for archiving old recordings, but for editing, this format is outdated.
And don’t forget that even if you are working with “complex” files, there are tools that will make your life easier.
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