---
title: ".mts file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .mts file is an AVCHD Video. The clip format written by Sony, Panasonic and Canon camcorders. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/mts/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .mts files

**.mts file: AVCHD Video**

The clip format written by Sony, Panasonic and Canon camcorders.

## What opens a .mts file

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

## What a .mts file is

MTS files are AVCHD clips — H.264 video in an MPEG transport stream — stored inside a BDMV/STREAM folder structure on the camcorder's card. Copying only the .mts files works for playback but loses the clip ordering and metadata the folder holds. VLC plays them as they are; most editors prefer them converted or imported through the camera manufacturer's software. Files copied to a computer sometimes appear as .m2ts, which is the same thing.

## Converting it

A .mts 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:** .mts
- **Full name:** AVCHD Video
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** video/mp2t
- **Created by:** Sony / Panasonic (AVCHD)
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use VLC; on macOS use VLC; on Linux use VLC. The clip format written by Sony, Panasonic and Canon camcorders.

### What is a .mts file?

AVCHD Video. MTS files are AVCHD clips — H.264 video in an MPEG transport stream — stored inside a BDMV/STREAM folder structure on the camcorder's card. Copying only the .mts files works for playback but loses the clip ordering and metadata the folder holds.

### Can I convert a .mts 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/)
- [.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/)

## Sources

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