How do I convert MKV to MP4 without re-encoding?

If you have a large collection of MKV (Matroska Video) files and you want to convert them to the MP4 format without going through the time-consuming process of re-encoding, you're in luck! There are several tools available that allow you to convert MKV files to MP4 without any loss in quality or re-encoding. In this article, we will explore some of these methods.

Method 1: FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful command-line tool that can be used for various multimedia tasks, including converting video files. To convert MKV to MP4 without re-encoding using FFmpeg, follow these steps:

1. Download FFmpeg from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the folder where your MKV file is located.
3. Run the following command to convert the MKV file to MP4:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c:v copy -c:a copy output.mp4

In this command, input.mkv is the name of your MKV file, and output.mp4 is the desired name for the output MP4 file. The -c:v copy and -c:a copy options ensure that the video and audio streams are copied without re-encoding.

4. Wait for the process to complete. The time it takes to convert the file depends on the size and complexity of the video.

Once the conversion is finished, you will have an MP4 file that is equivalent to the original MKV file, but in a different container format.

Method 2: HandBrake

HandBrake is a popular open-source video transcoder that supports converting MKV to MP4 without re-encoding. Here's how you can use it:

1. Download and install HandBrake from the official website.
2. Open HandBrake and click on the "Source" button to import your MKV file.
3. Once the file is loaded, choose a destination folder for the output MP4 file.
4. Under the "Output Settings" section, select the "MP4" container format.
5. In the "Video" tab, make sure the "Video Codec" is set to "Copy" to avoid re-encoding.
6. Adjust any other desired settings, such as resolution or bitrate.
7. Click on the "Start" button to start the conversion process.

HandBrake will use the "Copy" option to retain the original video and audio streams without re-encoding them. This results in a fast conversion process and no loss in quality.

Method 3: Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter (formerly known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is a comprehensive video converter that offers a user-friendly interface and various conversion options. To convert MKV to MP4 without re-encoding using UniConverter, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Wondershare UniConverter on your computer.
2. Launch the program and click on the "Add Files" button to import your MKV file.
3. Choose the output format as MP4 from the menu at the top-right corner.
4. Click on the "Settings" icon next to the format selection to open the settings window.
5. In the settings window, make sure the "Video Codec" is set to "Copy" to avoid re-encoding.
6. Customize any other desired settings, such as resolution or bitrate.
7. Select a destination folder for the converted file.
8. Click on the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.

Wondershare UniConverter will utilize the "Copy" option to convert the MKV file to MP4 without re-encoding, ensuring that the quality remains intact.

Conclusion

Converting MKV to MP4 without re-encoding is a convenient way to save time and maintain the original quality of your video files. Whether you choose to use FFmpeg, HandBrake, or Wondershare UniConverter, the process is straightforward and efficient. Give these methods a try and enjoy hassle-free MKV to MP4 conversions!