How to open and play AVI files on Mac in 2025

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Figuring out how to open AVI files on Mac in 2025 is still strangely not as seamless as it should be, especially considering how long AVIs have been around.

A few weeks ago, I needed to edit some legacy footage and was tasked with figuring out how to open and play an old AVI file. So, here's everything I discovered, tested firsthand, along the way.

If you've been stuck with an unplayable AVI file, I'm hoping this guide will save you time, frustration, and a bit of guesswork. Let's go.

What is an AVI file?

Let's just get this part out of the way. AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave. It's a fairly old format that Miscrost made in the 90s.

You've probably seen it floating around if you've ever downloaded older videos or transferred files off a hard drive that hasn't been touched in years. AVI is a container for video, audio, and sometimes subtitles, all packed into one file. But what's actually inside depends on the codec. And that's where users start to run into trouble.

macOS and AVI? Well, it's still not the smoothest of combos. QuickTime might open one here and there, but more often than not, it just doesn't.

If you're reading this article, you might have already come across the missing codec message, or just not been able to open the file at all.

So yeah, if you're trying to play AVI files using just the tools that come with your Mac, you're probably going to run into a wall. Let's get into what actually works.

The best ways to open AVI files on Mac

After personally testing these tools over the last few weeks, here's what actually worked for me, without needing to tweak obscure settings or install sketchy plugins. In my opinion, these are three of the best options out there.

1. Use a free VLC media player for Mac

Honestly, VLC has been around forever, and it's still my first stop when I get an AVI file. On macOS Sequoia, it runs smoothly for me, and I find it plays almost every video format you throw at it. No converting, no downloading extra codecs. Just drag, drop, and play.

1. Download VLC from videolan.org

2. Drag it into your Applications folder.

3. Open your AVI file with VLC (right-click > Open With > VLC).

Bonus tip: Keep your Mac clean while working with video files

Working with large video files (especially uncompressed AVIs) can seriously clutter your Mac. Temporary cache, conversion leftovers, duplicate downloads, they all build up fast, especially if you're dealing with batch files or screen recordings. One more way to stay organized is to regularly clear up all that junk. I use the Cleanup feature from CleanMyMac. Here's how it works:

1. Test the app here (get a free trial).

2. Open CleanMyMac and click Cleanup > Scan.
    
   

3. Click Review All Junk to see what's hanging around.
   
4. Remove items by selecting them and clicking Clean Up.

Ok, now let's go back to how to open and play AVI files on Mac.

2. Open AVI videos with Elmedia Player

Elmedia has been gaining serious ground lately. It's more Mac-native in design than VLC, with a sleek interface and customizable playback, and it's perfect for those who want a cleaner experience. Downside: it's not completely free; there's a Pro version, but basic AVI playback works great on the free tier.

1. Download Elmedia Player from the App Store.

2. Install and open it

3. Drag your AVI file into the app window or right-click to open.

3. Convert AVI to MOV or MP4

If you prefer sticking with QuickTime or want to edit your AVI in iMovie or Final Cut Pro, you'll probably need to convert the file. I've tested a few apps, and Permute 3 remains my go-to converter in 2025.

It's not a free tool, but if you're looking for an app that is fast, polished, and doesn't mess with video quality, it doesn't come much better than this.

1. Download Permute 3 from the App Store.

2. Drag your AVI file into the app

3. Choose MOV or MP4 as the output

4. Click Start and let it do its thing

Tip: There are quite a few free online converter tools out there, too, but my advice is to avoid these if your file is over 500MB. They're usually slow, with low-quality conversion, and they often come with limitations, like annoying watermarks over your video.

Hopefully you've got the answers now to what's the best way how to open AVI files on Mac in 2025? For quick viewing, VLC is a no-brainer. If you want something more Apple-esque, go with Elmedia. If QuickTime is a must for your editing projects, convert the AVI using a clean, modern app like Permute.