What is AVI?
Audio Video Interleave
AVI is a legacy Microsoft container format that preserves high video quality with minimal compression. It remains popular for archival and Windows-based workflows where compatibility with older software matters.
History of AVI
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of Windows. It's one of the oldest still-used video containers — simple, well-documented, and widely supported by Windows software. AVI's age shows in its lack of modern features (chapters, subtitles, streaming), which is why it's mostly used today for archival or legacy workflows.
Technical specs
- Format name
- Audio Video Interleave
- File extension
- .avi
- MIME type
- video/x-msvideo
- Category
- Video
- Compression
- Compressed
When to use AVI
Reach for AVI when you need windows-based playback and editing, archival of high-quality footage, legacy software compatibility. It excels at these scenarios because high video quality and wide windows compatibility.
Pros
- +High video quality
- +Wide Windows compatibility
- +Simple structure
When to avoid AVI
Avoid AVI when very large file sizes, and poor support on modern mobile devices. In those cases, look at the alternatives below.
Cons
- −Very large file sizes
- −Poor support on modern mobile devices
- −No native streaming support
Common uses for AVI
- Windows-based playback and editing
- Archival of high-quality footage
- Legacy software compatibility
Alternatives to AVI
AVI is dated for most modern uses. Switch to MP4 for general video, or MKV for multi-track / archival.
AVI — Frequently Asked Questions
Is AVI still used in 2026?
Is AVI still used in 2026?
Yes, AVI is actively used. Windows-based playback and editing keeps it relevant.
Can I open a AVI file on my phone?
Can I open a AVI file on my phone?
Most phones can't play AVI natively. Install VLC, or better, convert to MP4.
Why is my AVI file so large?
Why is my AVI file so large?
AVI is uncompressed or lightly compressed — every detail of the original signal is preserved. That fidelity costs disk space. To shrink files significantly, convert to a more compressed format from the same category.
Can I convert AVI to another format for free?
Can I convert AVI to another format for free?
Yes — Zen Convert converts AVI files to every other video format we support, for free, in your browser. No signup, no watermark.
Is AVI open-source?
Is AVI open-source?
AVI is openly documented and very simple — anyone can read or write it without licensing.