---
title: ".mpg file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .mpg file is a MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video. The original MPEG video file, from Video CDs, DVDs and old digital cameras. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/mpg/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .mpg files

**.mpg file: MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video**

The original MPEG video file, from Video CDs, DVDs and old digital cameras.

## What opens a .mpg file

- **Windows:** VLC, Media Player (built in), MPC-HC
- **macOS:** VLC, QuickTime Player (built in), IINA
- **Linux:** VLC, mpv, Videos / Totem (built in)

## What a .mpg file is

MPG (also written .mpeg) holds an MPEG program stream, the format behind Video CD and DVD video. The compression is decades behind H.264, so files are large for their quality, but every player still reads them. VLC opens one directly; converting to MP4 will usually shrink the file dramatically at the same visual quality.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .mpg
- **Full name:** MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** video/mpeg
- **Created by:** ISO/IEC (MPEG)
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use VLC; on macOS use VLC; on Linux use VLC. The original MPEG video file, from Video CDs, DVDs and old digital cameras.

### What is a .mpg file?

MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video. MPG (also written .mpeg) holds an MPEG program stream, the format behind Video CD and DVD video. The compression is decades behind H.264, so files are large for their quality, but every player still reads them.

### Can I convert a .mpg file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .mp4, .mkv, .avi or .mov, 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/)
- [.m4v — iTunes Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/m4v/)
- [.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/)