Video cameras and video editing software use different file types (e.g., .avi, .mov, .mp4, etc.) and codecs (i.e., compression formats used to manage the file size) when saving or exporting videos. While video players can handle may different file types and codecs, there are some that are not supported. A video that won’t play correctly is most likely in a format that is incompatible with the video player used in your Vernier software (Logger Pro, Graphical Analysis Pro, or Vernier Video Analysis).

Here are some ways to convert an incompatible video file to a different format.

1) Using camera software
Open the video in the application you used to create the video (often a webcam or movie maker application that came with the camera), and look for any video export options to save the video in a different format. Often this will force the application to use a different codec, which your video player will then be able to open.

2) Video file conversion
Use a video conversion program to encode your movie with a different codec or file format. There are many free and paid software applications that can do this. The best option for conversion is to use a .mp4 file format. Most codecs used by files with the mp4 format can be opened in our apps.

Here are some options we have found to be useful for video file conversion

  • https://cloudconvert.com/ – cloudconvert allows a limited number of free conversions each day.
  • https://video.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp4 – This is a free online tool for light use. We have had no issues with it, but the site is advertising supported. Use the default .mp4 conversion options with this tool.
  • https://handbrake.fr/ – Handbrake is a free conversion utility, but may be intimidating to new users. Use the default “normal” preset, which creates an .mp4 file with the H264 codec.
  • https://beecut.com/online-video-editor – BeeCut has an Online Video Editor that is free and easy to use. If you select change video speed, upload your videos but leave at 1x speed, the program will covert your video to an mp4.

Related Information
My video doesn't open in Logger Pro. What can I do?
My video doesn't play correctly in Vernier Video Analysis. What can I do?

Published: January 4, 2022. Updated: March 12, 2024.