# MKVToolNix

Free, open-source toolset for creating, altering, and inspecting Matroska (MKV) files.

- **Category:** [Creator Tools](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/creator-tools/)
- **Price:** Free, open source
- **Open source:** no
- **Official site:** https://mkvtoolnix.download/
- **Available via:** Homebrew, Direct
- **Requirements:** macOS; per the project’s own January 2026 news post, macOS binary support is being phased out in 2026 due to Apple discontinuing the Rosetta x86-to-ARM translation layer — confirm current Mac availability on the downloads page before installing.
- **Maker:** Moritz Bunkus

## Kitsmith's take

Not a general video converter — MKVToolNix is the specialist tool for working with the Matroska container itself: remuxing tracks in or out, editing chapters and metadata, and splitting or merging MKV files without re-encoding. If your job is "get this video into a different codec," HandBrake or Permute are the right tools; if your job is "restructure this MKV’s tracks/chapters without touching the video data," this is it. One maintainer (Moritz Bunkus) has run the project since 2003; per the project’s own 2026 changelog, macOS builds briefly lapsed and were revived by two community contributors, then a January 2026 news post said macOS support would be dropped again later in the year due to Apple discontinuing Rosetta — worth checking the current downloads page for up-to-date Mac availability before relying on it.

## Features

- **Remux without re-encoding:** Add, remove, or reorder audio/subtitle/video tracks inside an MKV container without touching the underlying video data.
- **Chapter and metadata editing:** Edit chapter markers and file metadata directly.
- **Split and merge:** Split large MKV files or merge multiple files into one.

## FAQ

**Does MKVToolNix convert video formats?**

No — it works with the Matroska (MKV) container (remuxing, chapters, metadata) rather than re-encoding video. For format conversion, see HandBrake or Permute.

**Is MKVToolNix still supported on macOS?**

As of this listing’s verification, yes — but the project’s own January 2026 announcement said macOS binaries may be discontinued later in 2026 as Apple drops Rosetta. Check the current downloads page.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/mkvtoolnix/