How do I find the codec for an AVI?

codec avi

20,751

Solution 1

Open in notepad, do a search for 'vids' - the FOURCC value is right after that. Eg you'll find something like:

vidsWMV1

Then google for 'fourcc WMV1' in this example.

Solution 2

This is a very simple process and can be done using the GSpot Codec Information Tool. Just download the program and install it. Now go into your Start Menu and open the program.

Select File | Open and select your AVI file
Look for the FourCC code for the file's Video Codec
Visit the FourCC website and find out who develops that codec
You can now go to that developers website to download your codec. You can also visit the Codec section of wmplugins.

Note: Do not download anything labeled as a "Codec Pack" or from the links at the top of the FourCC website. This will help you stay out of trouble when playing your files.

VLC has support for Divx and 3ivx built in for all platforms.

Source :http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/articles/11529.aspx

20,751

Bailz

I'm an Android developer professionally.

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

Bailz almost 2 years

How can I find which codec an AVI file needs? A method that does not require downloading a program would be preferred (such as looking at the file in notepad).
hyperslug almost 15 years

I think he would prefer a method that does not require downloading a program.
Badaro almost 15 years

GSpot is <200KB and doesn't require installation. Downloading and running it will probably be faster than trying to load a video file on Notepad.
Bailz almost 15 years

A good answer, but it wasn't the answer I was looking for.
Jake over 11 years

@Badaro agreed that GSpot is the best. I have a small folder named "Other Programs" on my E:\ secondary HDD just for storing programs like these. very quick solution and it works for all AVI formats
jpmc26 almost 9 years

@Badaro Even if you manage to get it loaded, searching is going to be a nightmare performance-wise.
jeff over 8 years

And how to we check the FOURCC code? I have mpg2, is it that? It is not listed in FOURCC website.
EJ Mak almost 6 years

Nice! FYI, this will also work on macOS with TextEdit or other text editors. I love these simple approaches that don't require special software.
TylerH over 3 years

@jeff See video.stackexchange.com/questions/17526/… for info on that.