Merge MKV files - how it works
In some situations it can make sense to combine several individual MKV files into one file. We present two tools that make it work.
Merge MKV files without loss of quality
The free MKVToolNix tool merges MKV files without loss of quality and is also easy to use. After installation, do the following:
- Start "MKVToolNix GUI", for example via the shortcut on the desktop or in the start menu.
- Drag the first video file into the "Source Files" area.
- Next click on the added file with the right mouse button and select "Attach files" in the context menu. You can select one or more files to merge.
- If you want, you can now change various video properties and remove unnecessary audio and subtitle tracks, for example. The order of the files to be connected can also be changed using drag-and-drop.
- Click the "Start Muxen" button to merge the files.
Merge MKV files with different parameters
However, the method described above has a small catch: MKVToolnix can only combine the files if they have identical audio and video parameters, i.e. use the same codec and do not differ in resolution or frame rate. Otherwise you will have to re-encode the files when merging them, for example with the Freemake Video Converter. Once you have installed and started the tool, follow these instructions:
- Drag the video files to be connected either individually or together into the program window. You can then use drag-and-drop to change the order of the videos.
- Click on the "Connect files" button at the top right so that it jumps to "On". An additional row then appears above the video list, in which a preview of the merged video can be seen. If desired, activate transition effects and rename the output file.
- The supported output formats are listed in the lower area of the program window. If the merged file should also be in MKV format, you must first click on the arrow pointing to the right and then select "in MKV".
- In the new window, you next define the output parameters. Here you can accept the values of the source file, select one of the available defaults or determine the parameters yourself. Then click on "Convert".
In our next practical tip you will also read how to use the Freemake Video Converter to reduce large MKV files.