How to Import MKV Files to HitFilm?

Quick Navigation

1. Does HitFilm Support MKV Files?

2. HitFilm Supported Formats

3. Solution: Convert MKV to HitFilm-Compatible Format

4. Bringing It All into HitFilm

======FAQs======

What's the Deal with HitFilm and MKV Files?

So, you've imported your MKV file into HitFilm and bam - "File not supported". Frustrating, right? Let's unpack this.

Officially, HitFilm doesn't play nice with MKV files. Why? It's not about quality or potential; it's about compatibility and technical stuff like codecs and licensing.

MKV files are like a Swiss Army knife for video formats - they can hold a bunch of different types of video and audio tracks, subtitles, and more. This complexity makes them tricky to handle in more streamlined, editing-focused software like HitFilm.

HitFilm Supported Formats: Stick to the List!

What your files dress in determines if they waltz seamlessly into HitFilm or stumble at the door. To avoid the headache of unsupported files, no sound, or "There was an error conforming audio. Media audio samples will not be available", it's best to stick to HitFilm's preferred list. Here's a breakdown of what HitFilm likes:

Video formats:

AVCHD (M2T, MTS, M2TS)
AVI (including 10-bit and 12-bit GoPro CineForm) (Windows only)
DV & HDV
MP4 (AVC/H264 8-bit 4:2:0 & AAC)
HEVC (H.265) (Requires HEVC Video Extension installed on Windows)
MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 (TS, PS, MPE, MPG, MPEG, M2V)
MXF (DVCPro, DVCPro HD)
MOV (H264, Pro-Res and CineForm)
WMV (Windows Media Video) (Windows Only)
BRAW (Blackmagic Raw)

Audio formats:

MP3
M4A
MPA
WAV
WMA (Windows Only)
AC3 (Dolby Digital AC-3)

Solution: Convert MKV to HitFilm-Compatible Format

Since HitFilm won't accept MKV files, you need to convert them to a supported format. Below are step-by-step guides for both Windows and Mac users.

On Windows: Using Free HD Video Converter Factory

Enter WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory, a trusty sentinel standing ready to convert your MKV files to a HitFilm-friendly format at no cost. Here's how to make it work:

Step 1. Add MKV Files

DownloadDownload, install, and run the freeware on your PC.
Open the "Converter" module and add your MKV files.

Step 2. Choose HitFilm Supported Format

Expand the full list of 500+ presets on the right side.
Go to the "Video" category and select the "H.264" profile, which has been preset to MP4 (H.264/AAC). Alternatively, choose any other HitFilm-compatible format mentioned above.
Optionally, open "Parameter settings" to personalize the output quality.

Step 3. Start Conversion

Specify a location to save the converted files at the bottom.
Hit "Run" to start the conversion process.

On Mac: Using HandBrake

For the Mac crowd, HandBrake is a gem for converting files, known for its versatility and ease of use. Here's how you can utilize it for converting MKV files to MP4 or formats supported by HitFilm.

Step 1. Add MKV Files

Download, install, and open HandBrake on your Mac.
Click "Open Source" to add your MKV files or via a simple drag-and-drop.
Choose an option in the "Preset" dropdown.

Step 2. Choose HitFilm Supported Format

In the "Summary" tab, select "MP4" as the format.
Go to the "Video" tab and choose "H.264 (x264)" as the video codec.
Go to the "Audio" tab and choose "AAC (avcodec)" as the audio codec.
Optionally, adjust other settings to suit your needs.

Step 3. Start Conversion

Choose a destination for your converted files at the bottom.
Click "Start" to begin the conversion process.

Bringing It All into HitFilm

Now that you've tamed your MKV files into something HitFilm can digest:

Open HitFilm.
Head to the "Media" panel.
Hit "Import" and choose your freshly minted files.
The files will appear in the Media panel without a hitch.
Drag and drop them into your timeline and start your editing magic.

Add Converted Files to HitFilm for Hassle-Free Editing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I import MKV files directly into HitFilm?

A: No, HitFilm does not naturally accommodate MKV files. Conversion is necessary.

Q2: Why does HitFilm not support MKV files?

A: Because MKV is a complex container format that can include various codecs and tracks, making it less standardized in HitFilm.

Q3: Is there a quality loss when converting MKV to HitFilm format?

A: There can be minimal quality loss depending on the settings used during conversion. Using high-quality settings can help maintain the original quality.

Q4: What's the difference between HitFilm Free and HitFilm Express?

A: HitFilm Free and HitFilm Express are actually the same software. HitFilm Express was rebranded to HitFilm Free by FXhome (the company behind HitFilm) to better reflect its no-cost availability. Check the full comparison between the two on the official blog post.