---
title: ".m4v file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .m4v file is an iTunes Video. Apple's MP4 variant, used for films and TV episodes bought from iTunes. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/m4v/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .m4v files

**.m4v file: iTunes Video**

Apple's MP4 variant, used for films and TV episodes bought from iTunes.

## What opens a .m4v file

- **Windows:** Apple TV app, VLC (DRM-free files), Media Player (built in, DRM-free files)
- **macOS:** QuickTime Player (built in), Apple TV app, VLC
- **Linux:** VLC (DRM-free files), mpv

## What a .m4v file is

M4V is essentially MP4 with Apple extras such as chapter markers and, on purchased content, FairPlay DRM. Files without DRM play anywhere once renamed to .mp4; protected ones only play in Apple's own apps signed in to the account that bought them, and no converter can legally remove that. Home-made M4V files from iMovie or Handbrake are DRM-free.

## Converting it

A .m4v file is commonly converted to .mp4, .mkv, .mov or .avi. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .m4v
- **Full name:** iTunes Video
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** video/x-m4v
- **Created by:** Apple
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .m4v file?

On Windows use Apple TV app; on macOS use QuickTime Player (built in); on Linux use VLC (DRM-free files). Apple's MP4 variant, used for films and TV episodes bought from iTunes.

### What is a .m4v file?

iTunes Video. M4V is essentially MP4 with Apple extras such as chapter markers and, on purchased content, FairPlay DRM. Files without DRM play anywhere once renamed to .mp4; protected ones only play in Apple's own apps signed in to the account that bought them, and no converter can legally remove that.

### Can I convert a .m4v file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .mp4, .mkv, .mov or .avi, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.mp4 — MPEG-4 Part 14 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mp4/)
- [.mov — QuickTime Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/mov/)
- [.mkv — Matroska Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mkv/)
- [.avi — Audio Video Interleave](https://atoneplace.net/file/avi/)
- [.srt — SubRip Subtitle](https://atoneplace.net/file/srt/)
- [.webm — WebM Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/webm/)
- [.ts — MPEG Transport Stream](https://atoneplace.net/file/ts/)
- [.wmv — Windows Media Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/wmv/)
- [.mpg — MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mpg/)
- [.vtt — WebVTT Caption](https://atoneplace.net/file/vtt/)
- [.swf — Shockwave Flash Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/swf/)
- [.mts — AVCHD Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mts/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)