How To Watch An MKV File On A Mac

What is an MKV file?

An MKV file, also known as Matroska Video file, is a popular multimedia container format that can hold various types of audio, video, and subtitle tracks. It is widely used for storing high-definition videos and movies with multiple language tracks and subtitles. MKV files are known for their flexibility and ability to contain large files, making them ideal for preserving the quality of high-resolution videos.

MKV files differ from other video formats, such as MP4 or AVI, in that they are not limited to a specific codec or compression algorithm. This means that an MKV file can hold videos encoded with different codecs, allowing for a wide range of compatibility with various media players and devices. MKV files also support advanced features like chapter markers, menu navigation, and multiple audio tracks, making them a preferred choice for video enthusiasts and professionals.

The flexibility of MKV files can also be seen in their support for various subtitle formats. Whether it’s a simple SRT file or a more complex ASS or SAA subtitle format, MKV files can include subtitles that can be turned on or off during playback. This makes it easier for viewers to follow along with dialogue or understand foreign language films.

Furthermore, MKV files offer the advantage of being open-source, meaning that the format is not proprietary and can be freely used and modified by developers. This has led to widespread adoption and support for MKV files across different operating systems and media players.

Option 1: Use VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a versatile and popular media player that can handle a wide range of file formats, including MKV files. It is available for free on Mac and offers a simple and user-friendly interface.

To watch an MKV file using VLC Media Player on your Mac, follow these steps:

Open VLC Media Player on your Mac.
Click on the “File” tab in the top menu and select “Open File” from the drop-down menu.
Navigate to the location where the MKV file is saved and select it.
Click on the “Open” button to start playing the MKV file.

VLC Media Player provides a seamless playback experience for MKV files, with support for various audio and video codecs. You can also customize the playback settings, such as adjusting the volume, subtitle synchronization, and playback speed, to suit your preferences.

Additionally, VLC Media Player offers advanced features like the ability to capture screenshots, convert media files, and stream content from the internet. This makes it a reliable and versatile choice for watching MKV files on your Mac.

Option 2: Convert with HandBrake

HandBrake is a popular open-source video transcoder that can be used to convert various video formats, including MKV, into a format compatible with your Mac. This option is useful if you encounter playback issues with an MKV file or if you prefer to convert it to a different format for better compatibility.

To convert an MKV file using HandBrake on your Mac, follow these steps:

Download and install HandBrake from the official website (handbrake.fr).
Open HandBrake and click on the “Source” button to select the MKV file you want to convert.
Choose a destination folder where you want to save the converted file.
Select the output format for the converted file. HandBrake offers a variety of format options, such as MP4, AVI, and MOV.
Adjust the settings if needed, such as video quality, dimensions, and audio settings.
Click on the “Start” button to begin the conversion process.
Once the conversion is completed, you will have a converted file that can be played on your Mac using a compatible media player.

HandBrake provides a straightforward interface and allows you to customize various video and audio settings during the conversion process. It also offers advanced features like batch conversion and the ability to add subtitles to the converted file.

Keep in mind that converting an MKV file with HandBrake may take some time, depending on the file size and your computer’s processing power. However, it can be a useful option if you encounter playback issues or need to convert the file for compatibility purposes.

Option 3: Install Perian Plugin

If you prefer to use your default media player on Mac to watch MKV files, you can install the Perian plugin. Perian is a free, open-source QuickTime component that adds support for many popular video formats, including MKV.

To install the Perian plugin on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the official Perian website (perian.org) and click on the “Download” button to download the plugin.
Once the download is complete, locate the Perian disk image file (.dmg) in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to open.
Double-click on the Perian installer package (.pkg) file to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may be prompted to authenticate with your administrator password.
Once the installation is finished, restart your Mac to ensure that the changes take effect.

After installing the Perian plugin, you should be able to play MKV files using your default media player, such as QuickTime Player or iTunes. Simply double-click on the MKV file, and it should open and start playing without any issues.

It’s important to note that Perian is no longer being actively developed or updated, and it may not be compatible with the latest versions of macOS. However, for older versions of macOS and compatible media players, the Perian plugin can provide a convenient solution for playing MKV files without the need for additional software or conversions.

Option 4: Install IINA media player

If you’re looking for a feature-rich media player specifically designed for macOS that supports various formats, including MKV, IINA is a great option to consider. IINA is a free, open-source media player that offers a sleek and modern interface along with a wide range of features and customization options.

To install IINA on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the official IINA website (iina.io) and click on the “Download” button to download the latest version of the media player.
Once the download is complete, locate the IINA disk image file (.dmg) in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to open.
Drag and drop the IINA application icon into your Applications folder.
Open the Applications folder and double-click on the IINA icon to launch the media player.
You can now use IINA to play MKV files on your Mac. Simply click on the “File” tab in the top menu, select “Open…” or “Open URL…”, and navigate to the location of the MKV file you want to play.

IINA offers a wide range of features, such as customizable keyboard shortcuts, video playback settings, subtitle support, and streaming capabilities. It also supports advanced functionalities like picture-in-picture mode, touch bar integration, and streaming media from popular websites.

With its user-friendly interface and robust performance, IINA provides an excellent option for watching MKV files on your Mac. Its extensive format support ensures that you can enjoy your favorite videos without the need for additional software or conversions.

Option 5: Convert online with Zamzar

If you prefer a hassle-free method to convert MKV files without installing any software on your Mac, you can use an online file conversion service like Zamzar. Zamzar allows you to convert files easily and quickly, including MKV files, into different formats that are compatible with your Mac.

To convert an MKV file using Zamzar, follow these steps:

Visit the Zamzar website (zamzar.com) in your web browser.
Click on the “Choose Files” button or drag and drop the MKV file you want to convert onto the webpage.
Select the output format for the converted file. Zamzar supports a wide range of formats, so choose a format that is compatible with your Mac.
Enter your email address to receive the download link for the converted file.
Click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process.
Wait for Zamzar to convert the file. The conversion time will depend on the file size and your internet connection speed.
Once the conversion is complete, check your email for the download link provided by Zamzar.
Download the converted file to your Mac.

Zamzar offers a free version with limitations on file size and conversion time, as well as a premium version with faster conversion and larger file size limits. It’s important to note that online file conversion services may have restrictions and privacy concerns, so make sure to use a reputable service like Zamzar.

Using Zamzar to convert your MKV files is a convenient option when you don’t want to install additional software on your Mac. However, keep in mind that internet connection speed and file size limitations may affect the overall conversion experience.

Option 6: Use Elmedia Player

If you’re looking for a dedicated media player specifically designed to handle various formats, including MKV files, Elmedia Player is a great option for Mac users. Elmedia Player offers a rich set of features and a user-friendly interface, making it a reliable choice for watching MKV files on your Mac.

To use Elmedia Player to watch MKV files on your Mac, follow these steps:

Go to the Elmedia Player website (mac.eltima.com/elmedia-player.html) and download and install the application on your Mac.
Open Elmedia Player from your Applications folder or from Launchpad.
In the main interface, click on the “File” option in the top menu and select “Open” or “Open URL”.
Navigate to the location of the MKV file on your Mac and select it.
Click on the “Open” button to start playing the MKV file.

Elmedia Player supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including MKV, and provides a smooth and seamless playback experience. It also allows you to customize various settings, such as aspect ratio, subtitle font and position, and audio equalizer settings.

In addition to its playback capabilities, Elmedia Player offers other useful features like the ability to download videos from popular websites, stream content to AirPlay-enabled devices, and adjust playback speed. It also supports hardware acceleration for smooth playback of high-resolution videos.

With its extensive format support, customization options, and additional features, Elmedia Player is a reliable choice for playing MKV files on your Mac.

Option 7: Install QuickTime components

If you prefer to use the default media player on your Mac, QuickTime Player, to watch MKV files, you can install additional components that add support for MKV playback. These components enhance the functionality of QuickTime Player and allow you to play MKV files without the need for additional software or conversions.

To install QuickTime components for MKV file support on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the Perian website (perian.org) and download the Perian QuickTime component.
Locate the downloaded Perian component file (.pkg) in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may be prompted to authenticate with your administrator password.
Once the installation is finished, restart your Mac to ensure that the changes take effect.

After installing the Perian component, you should be able to play MKV files using QuickTime Player. Simply double-click on the MKV file, and it should open and start playing without any issues.

It’s worth noting that Perian is no longer actively developed or updated, and it may not be compatible with the latest versions of macOS. In such cases, you can explore alternative QuickTime components or use other media players mentioned in previous options.

Installing QuickTime components to add MKV file support to QuickTime Player can be a convenient option if you prefer to use the default media player on your Mac. However, it’s important to ensure compatibility with your operating system version before installation.

Option 8: Use Macgo Blu-ray Player

If you’re looking for a dedicated media player that offers comprehensive support for various video formats, including MKV, Macgo Blu-ray Player is a reliable choice. This software is specifically designed for Mac and provides a seamless playback experience for MKV files.

To use Macgo Blu-ray Player to watch MKV files on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the Macgo website (macblurayplayer.com) and download and install the Macgo Blu-ray Player application on your Mac.
Launch Macgo Blu-ray Player from your Applications folder.
Click on the “Open File” button on the main interface or go to the “File” menu and select “Open File” to navigate to the location of the MKV file on your Mac.
Select the MKV file and click on the “Open” button to start playing it with Macgo Blu-ray Player.

Macgo Blu-ray Player offers a user-friendly interface and supports seamless playback of MKV files, along with various other video formats. It also provides additional features such as subtitle support, customizable video settings, and the ability to play Blu-ray discs and ISO files.

One notable feature of Macgo Blu-ray Player is its support for full HD 1080p and 4K Ultra HD playback, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for your HD MKV files. It also supports Dolby TrueHD audio and DTS-HD Master Audio for immersive audio playback.

Whether you’re watching a movie or a video clip, Macgo Blu-ray Player offers a reliable and feature-rich solution for playing MKV files on your Mac.

Option 9: Install Plex Media Server

If you want to have a centralized media library and stream MKV files to different devices within your home network, installing Plex Media Server is a great option. Plex is a powerful media server software that allows you to organize, manage, and stream your media collection, including MKV files, to various devices.

To set up Plex Media Server on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the Plex website (plex.tv) and download the Plex Media Server software for Mac.
Locate the downloaded Plex Media Server package file (.dmg) in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to open.
Drag and drop the Plex Media Server icon into your Applications folder to install it.
Open Plex Media Server from your Applications folder or from Launchpad.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup and create a Plex account if necessary.
Add your media library to Plex by clicking on the “Add Library” button and selecting the folder where your MKV files are stored.
Once your media library is added, Plex will automatically scan and organize the MKV files and retrieve metadata, such as movie posters and plot summaries, to enhance the browsing experience.
Install the Plex app on your other devices, such as smart TVs, smartphones, or tablets, and sign in to your Plex account to access and stream your MKV files from the Plex Media Server.

Plex provides a user-friendly interface for managing and streaming your media collection. You can easily browse your MKV files, create playlists, and customize settings for a personalized experience. It also allows for media transcoding, ensuring that your files are optimized for smooth playback on different devices.

With Plex Media Server, you can enjoy the convenience of accessing your MKV files from anywhere within your home network, streaming them to various devices, and even remotely accessing your media library when you’re away from home.

Installing Plex Media Server on your Mac transforms it into a powerful media hub, providing a seamless and convenient way to organize and stream your MKV files and other media content.

Option 10: Play with MPlayerX

MPlayerX is a lightweight and powerful media player for Mac that offers support for a wide range of video formats, including MKV. It is known for its smooth playback, rich feature set, and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for Mac users looking to watch MKV files.

To play MKV files with MPlayerX on your Mac, follow these steps:

Visit the MPlayerX website (mplayerx.org) and download the latest version of the application.
Once the download is complete, locate the MPlayerX disk image file (.dmg) in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to open.
Drag and drop the MPlayerX icon into your Applications folder to install it.
Open MPlayerX from your Applications folder or from Launchpad.
Click on the “File” tab in the top menu and select “Open File” or simply drag and drop the MKV file onto the MPlayerX window.
The MKV file will start playing in MPlayerX, and you can use the player controls to pause, rewind, fast forward, and adjust the volume as needed.

MPlayerX offers a range of features to enhance your viewing experience, including the ability to toggle subtitles, change aspect ratios, adjust audio tracks, and take screenshots. It also supports advanced features such as AirPlay streaming and subtitle customization.

In addition to its support for MKV files, MPlayerX can also play other popular video formats, making it a versatile media player for your Mac. Its lightweight nature ensures smooth playback even on older Mac models.

With its intuitive interface and robust playback capabilities, MPlayerX is a reliable option for enjoying your MKV files on your Mac. Whether it’s watching movies or streaming videos, MPlayerX provides a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.