Apple apps such as QuickTime Player, Photos, and Keynote work with many kinds of audio and video formats. Some apps prefer specific formats, but QuickTime movie files (.mov), most MPEG files (.mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mpg), some AVI and WAV files, and many other formats usually work in most apps without additional software.

Older or specialized media formats might not work in your app, because the format requires software designed to support it. If that happens, your app won't open the file or won't play back its audio or video.

How to search for an app that works with your file

How to Convert AVI Files for Smooth Playback on Mac To begin with, free download the AVI video converter on your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro. Install and run it. Step 1: Click '+ Video' button to load the AVI file you want to convert for playback on Mac.

  • Converting AVI files for Adobe Premiere Pro. Step 1: Run AVI to Premiere Converter for Mac and you can import AVI clips to the program through “Add Video” button or “Add from folder” button. If you like, check the “Merge into one” box to join AVI clips together. Step 2: Choose output format.
  • Now let's start the process to edit AVI in iMovie with Leawo Video Converter for Mac. Step 1: Download Leawo Video Converter for Mac online and install it on your Mac computer. Step 2: Double-click on the icon to launch the AVI converter for Mac and add source AVI video files into this program. AVI files can be dragged directly onto the home area.
  • A very easy & simple way to convert.avi files(or any file) to be able to watch on your Mac computer or other devices. A very easy & simple way to convert.avi files(or any file) to be able to.
Opening Avi Files On Mac

You might already have an app that supports the format of your file. If you don't know which of your installed apps to try, your Mac might be able to suggest one:

  1. Control-click (or right-click) the file in the Finder.
  2. From the shortcut menu that opens, choose Open With. You should see a submenu listing all of the other installed apps that your Mac thinks might be able to open the file.

Playing Avi Files On Macbook Pro

If none of your installed apps can open the file, search the Internet or Mac App Store for apps that can play or convert the file:

  • Include the name of the media format in your search. To find the format, select the file and press Command-I to open an Info window. The format might appear after the label Kind, such as ”Kind: Matroska Video File.”
  • Include the filename extension in your search. The extension is the letters shown at the end of the file's name, such as .avi,.wmv, or .mkv.

Learn more

Opening Avi Files On Mac Os

  • QuickTime Player (version 10.0 and later) in OS X Mavericks through macOS Mojave converts legacy media files that use certain older or third-party compression formats.
  • Learn about incompatible media in Final Cut Pro and iMovie.