Xvid Files: File Format for Video Editors (How to Play & Convert)

Source: Music Gateway Video files have become a ubiquitous part of our lives, and we encounter them in various formats and codecs. One of the lesser-known codecs is Xvid, which has been around since 2001. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Xvid files.

What is an Xvid File?

Xvid is a codec used to compress video files, rather than a file format or extension. The format or container of a video file sets the standards for the video, such as how it can be played, how audio and video are stored, how subtitles are handled, and which codecs are supported. The choice of codec determines the quality of the video, which affects the file size. A good codec compresses the video while keeping the quality high, which is what Xvid aims to do. Xvid is based on the MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile compression format, on which codecs can be built. Xvid is open source and free to use, and was developed as an alternative to the proprietary DivX codec. Xvid was widely used in the 2000s when computers and internet connections could not handle large video files. Also Read: Passkey: What Is It and Can It Be Used?

How does Xvid work?

Xvid uses a variety of tricks that the human eye cannot see to compress video files. For example, it only stores the differences between two video frames, rather than storing each frame in its entirety. Xvid can reduce the size of raw video files by as much as 200 times without any visible loss in quality. Source: Filmmaking Lifestyle

Is Xvid still used?

Although Xvid has been around for over 20 years, it is no longer widely used. Newer and improved codecs such as H.264 have taken over, and unless you’re dealing with legacy files or a specific use case, you probably won't need to deal with Xvid. However, if you do find yourself with an Xvid file, it should be fairly easy to play on most devices.

How to play Xvid files?

Xvid files can be played on most devices, including some DVD players. If you’re struggling to play an Xvid file, VLC Media Player is your best option. It can play a wide range of video formats and codecs without breaking a sweat. QuickTime for macOS does not support Xvid files, but they should run fine in the Media Player included with Windows. Also Read: What is VGA? Video Graphics Array that is widely used today 

How to convert Xvid files?

If you need to convert files from a format that uses the Xvid codec, FFmpeg and Handbrake are the options we’d suggest. However, your chances of success will depend on several other factors, including the video format. We wouldn't recommend converting or creating videos using the Xvid codec since it's now an outdated technology replaced by better options, and software tools have abandoned it as a result. Xvid is a codec used to compress video files. It was widely used in the 2000s, but newer and improved codecs have taken over. Xvid files can be played on most devices, and VLC Media Player is the best option for playing them. If you need to convert Xvid files, FFmpeg and Handbrake are the recommended options. However, Xvid is now an outdated technology, and it's better to use newer codecs for better video quality and smaller file sizes.