Key Takeaways:

You can compress AVI files by lowering their bitrate or resolution, using a more efficient video codec, or converting them to MP4. HandBrake, VLC, and Tipard Video Converter Ultimate can let you transcode AVI to MP4 or keep the original format with a more efficient compression codec. Tipard also offers a dedicated video compressor that lets you drag the slider to easily reduce the frame rate of AVI without transcoding.

If you have AVI files or work with them regularly, you surely notice how big they can be. Large file sizes make them hard to store, share, or play smoothly on some devices. So, why not compress AVI? Now is the best time to do it, as this write-up will show you dependable ways you can follow.

Compress AVI File

Part 1. Why You Need to Compress AVI

AVI files can be large because the format supports both uncompressed and compressed video. Their file sizes depend on the video codec, bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and video duration. For example, an uncompressed AVI recording can take up significantly more storage space than an AVI file encoded with DivX or Xvid. Compressing an AVI file with a more efficient codec or lower bitrate can help reduce its size for easier storage and sharing.

Part 2. How to Compress AVI Without Noticeable Quality Loss

It is impossible to compress AVI videos without any qualiy loss, but you can do it without noticeable loss using Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. It provides a dedicated video compressor to shrink AVI files speedily.

You can also convert AVI to MP4 using modern codecs like HEVC and AV1, which save space while keeping high video clarity. Plus, it supports batch conversion and hardware acceleration. With that, you can compress multiple files fast and without slowing down your computer.

  • Lets you preview videos before compressing.
  • Offers a variety of format presets for easy conversion.
  • Adjust file size, bitrate, and resolution for precise compression.
  • Can compress AVI, MP4, MOV, and many other popular formats.
Tipard Video Converter Ultimate

Below, we will present two easy ways to compress AVI files using Tipard Video Converter Ultimate, so please check it out now:

Method 1: Compress AVI by Converting It to MP4

Step 1 Launch Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. Go to the Converter tab and click Add Files to upload your AVI file. You can upload more than one file at a time.

Upload Your AVI File

Step 2 Head to the Format menu and choose MP4, which is first on the list.

Choose MP4 From Format Menu

Step 3 Next, open the Custom Profile option. Under Encoder, pick HEVC/H.265 or AV1. You can keep the resolution the same as the original. You can also lower the bitrate slightly to make the file smaller without losing video clarity. Once done, press the Create New button to save the settings.

Pick HEVC Or AVI

Step 4 For the last step, hit the Convert All button. The program will compress your AVI by converting it to MP4.

Compress AVI By Converting It To MP4

Method 2: Compress AVI Directly Without Changing Its Format

Step 1 Stay in Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. Navigate to the More Tools tab and select Video Compressor. Then, press the Add button to import your AVI file.

Select Video Compressor And Add AVI File

Step 2 Use the Down Arrow or Slider to set your preferred file size. The bitrate will automatically adjust depending on the size you set.

Set Your Preferred Size

Step 3 Once you are satisfied with the size, click the Compress button. After compression, your smaller AVI file will be saved to your folder.

Compress AVI File Now
PROS
  • Keeps video quality after compression.
  • Allows edit videos before compressing.
  • Offers extra tools like enhancer, trimmer, speed controller, etc.
  • Enables you to compress a video on Mac and Windows operating systems.
CONS
  • The free version is limited; subscription starts at $18.
Tips:

Lossless compression preserves the original video data, although the file size reduction may be limited. If you use lossy codecs such as H.265 or AV1, some video data is discarded during encoding. However, appropriate bitrate and quality settings can help maintain visually similar quality while significantly reducing file size.

Part 3. How to Compress an AVI File with HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video converter for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can compress AVI files by adjusting codecs, FPS, resolution, etc., and finally compress AVI files to modern MP4 or MKV formats. Its wide range of professional settings gives precise control over compression. You can refer to the steps below to learn how to reduce AVI file size using HandBrake:

Step 1 Launch HandBrake, and then drag your AVI file or folder into the program.

Step 2 Go to the Preset option and select a lower resolution and frame rate. For example, compress a 1080p AVI to 720p30 to reduce file size.

Step 3 Click the Video tab and choose H.265 (x265) as the video encoder. It helps shrink the file while keeping it clear.

Step 4 Click Browse to pick a folder to save your video. Then, click Start Encode. HandBrake will compress your AVI file to MP4, MKV, or WebM, and save the output video to your chosen folder.

Handbrake Compress AVI File to MP4
PROS
  • Offers high-quality output.
  • Works on multiple platforms.
  • Supports custom encoding settings.
CONS
  • No file size estimation.
  • Not supported on Windows 7/8 or older.
  • Limited output formats: MKV, MP4, WebM.
Note:

HandBrake does not support AVI as an output container. Although it can import many AVI files, it converts them into supported formats such as MP4 or MKV. Therefore, this method reduces AVI file size by converting it rather than preserving the original AVI container.

Part 4. How to Compress an AVI File with VLC Media Player

A popular media player that also works as an AVI file reducer is VLC. It re-encodes videos using H.265/HEVC, a common video compression format, to achieve smaller file sizes while keeping videos playable. You can configure codecs, bitrate, and frame rate for manual control over the file size.

Step 1 Run VLC Media Player. Then, go to Media > Convert / Save to start.

Add AVI File to VLC

Step 2 Click Add to import your AVI video. Next, click Convert to open the conversion panel.

Step 3 In the Profile drop-down menu, you cannot directly find an AVI output option. But you can do it this way: choose Video for DivX compatible player. Then, click the Edit selected profile (with a Wrench icon).

Select DivX Profile in VLC

Step 4 Choose AVI in the Encapsulation tab. Then, go back and choose the destination folder for your video. Lastly, click Start, and VLC will compress your AVI file without chaning the format.

VLC Compress AVI File
PROS
  • Free and lightweight.
  • Plays and compresses many formats.
  • Offers codec options for custom compression.
CONS
  • Audio may be missing after compression with transcoding.
  • Compression is slower than other tools.
  • Manual settings may confuse beginners.

Part 5. How to Compress an AVI File Free Online

If you are wondering, "How do I compress an AVI file online?" Clideo is the answer. It offers multiple compression modes: Basic for balanced quality and size, Strong for maximum size reduction, and Superb for small size with high quality.

Since Clideo is an online video editor and compression tool, you can use it without installing desktop software. However, uploading large AVI files may take time, depending on your internet connection and the service's file-size limits.

Step 1 Go to the Clideo - Compress Video Online primary website using your browser. Then, choose the Compress tool.

Step 2 Upload your AVI file by clicking the Choose file button.

Step 3 Now, choose Basic, Strong, or Superb to reduce your AVI file size.

Step 4 Once selected your compression mode, press the Compress button. Once the export is done, click the Download button to save your compressed AVI file.

Clideo Compress AVI File Online
PROS
  • Includes a simple video editor.
  • Ensures secure file processing.
  • Shows how much the file is compressed.
CONS
  • Preview not available.
  • Superb mode needs a pro version.
  • Watermark removal requires sign-in and subscription.

Part 6. FAQs of Compressing AVI File

What is the best compression format for AVI files?

When you want to reduce AVI file size, modern formats like MP4 with HEVC or AV1 are the best. They reduce file size a lot while keeping the video clear.

Is the AVI video compressed?

AVI files are usually uncompressed or lightly compressed, which makes them large.

Why is AVI not used anymore?

AVI is an old format that stores video with minimal compression. It produces large files. Modern formats like MP4 and MKV are smaller, more efficient, and work on almost all devices. That is why AVI is rarely used today for sharing or streaming videos.

Conclusion

Now that your AVI file is compressed, you can easily store it, share it online, or play it on any device without worrying about large file sizes.

Fortunately, there is Tipard Video Converter Ultimate that can help you compress AVI files without losing quality. It keeps videos clear and smooth while shrinking their size. For more compression tasks, you can always rely on it, not just for AVI, but for many other video formats, too.

All-in-one video toolbox: convert, edit, upscale, enhance, and compress your videos easily

Free Download

100% Clean & Safe

Free Download

100% Clean & Safe

Logo

About the Author

Rick Palmer

Rick Palmer

This article was written by Rick Palmer, a Senior Editor at Tipard Studio. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Technology and specializes in video playback and related multimedia topics. Rick has a strong understanding of how multimedia files are decoded, rendered, and played across different platforms. With his technical background and hands-on experience, he helps users troubleshoot playback issues, optimize compatibility, and customize videos for smooth, high-quality playback.

Tipard Video Converter UltimateTipard Video Converter Ultimate