How to Play and Convert VMD Files?

VMD is a video format used in in a number of old Sierra FMV games, such as Phantasmagoria, SWAT, Lighthouse, Gabriel Knight 2, Leisure Suit Larry 7, etc., which is typically used for title, logo animations and in-game movies or cutscenes.

The problem is, VMD is definitely an old and rare video format that is not supported on most modern media players, programs and devices, but leaving some irksome errors that say: "Can't play the media file", "This file type is unsupported", "Cannot render the file" and the like. If you're in this trouble, I'll recommend a VMD player in the next paragraph and guide you through how to convert VMD files to universal MP4 format.

Few media players can handle VMD files, let alone those video converters. Based on my experience, none of alleged online VMD to MP4 converters worked for the conversion, they even failed to upload the VMD file. On the other hand, I also took a chance on multiple desktop video transcoders. As a result, the following three programs deserve their reputation.

Step 1. DownloadDownload and install Free HD Video Converter Factory on PC.

Step 2. Launch the freeware and open "Converter" on the start-up screen.

Step 3. Click "Add Files" button or just drag and drop your VMD files into the blank space. Press "Preview" button to play VMD file in built-in media player.

Step 4. Select "MP4" or other video format from 500+ presets on the right side.

Step 5. Specify an output folder on the bottom, and hit "Run" button to convert VMD to MP4.

Step 1. Install or update HandBrake from https://handbrake.fr/.

Step 2. Run HandBrake, open a VMD file or simply drag and drop it into the interface.

Step 3. After HandBrake scans and loads the video information, select a preset on the right side.

Step 4. Select "MP4" under "Summary" tab.

Step 5. Specify an output folder on the bottom.

Step 6. Press "Start Encode" button on the top bar to convert VMD to MP4.

Note: HandBrake only works for a portion of my VMD sample files. If it always shows "No valid source or titles found" message, try the Format Factory below.

Step 1. Download and install Format Factory from http://www.pcfreetime.com/formatfactory/index.php?language=en.

Step 2. Run Format Factory VMD converter, drag and drop your VMD files into the blank space on the right side.

Step 3. You're requested to select output video format and destination folder. Click OK and all VMD files will be listed and waiting for conversion.

Step 4. Finally, press "Start" button on the top bar to convert VMD files to MP4 format.

Note: If Format Factory error 0x00000001 occurs, try to select another output format.

I've tried most popular media players, after experiencing either "video is not recognized" or "the sound plays but no video", VLC is the only one that can successfully decode and play VMD video files. In order to make it work appropriately, you're advised to download the latest version of VLC from Official website: https://www.videolan.org/.

Step 1. Run VLC, click "Media" menu and select "Open File..."

Step 2. By default, it shows "No Items". You have to choose "All Files" option in the drop-down list of "Media Files (*.3g2, *.3gp...)" to display all your VMD files.

Step 3. Select one VMD file and press "Open" to play VMD videos in VLC. A much simpler way is to drag and drop VMD file into VLC's window directly.

Understanding how to play and convert VMD files is invaluable. With the tools mentioned in the article, you can ensure these vintage video files continue to be accessible and cherished for years to come. In addition to that, there may be some other workable tools that are able to handle VMD files. If you happen to know one, don't hesitate to share it with me. And I will update this post at my convenience.