How do I Convert AVI to FLV?

To convert an Audio Video Interleave (AVI) file to a Flash® Video (FLV) file, you will need to obtain video conversion software that will run under the operating system that you have running on your computer, install it and have an AVI file that you want to convert. Conversion is accomplished by following a wizard or other instructions that appear in the graphical user interface (GUI) of the video conversion program. This is achieved by placing the file on the computer's hard drive or on some storage media that can be accessed by the operating system, such as a universal serial bus (USB) drive. These are the generic steps that you will need to take to convert AVI to FLV. You might, however, want to consider some specifics that could arise, depending on the software you choose to use.

Although it is not difficult to convert AVI to FLV, the actual steps you take will vary because they depend on the specific converter program that you choose to use. There are, however, some basic concepts to follow whenever you convert AVI to FLV, and after you are familiar with how to use one converter, you generally can figure out how to use a different one. An icon representing the converter will usually appear on the desktop after installation, and clicking on it will open the program.

You should see a window offering you various options and allowing you to access directories on your computer. The options you see or do not see are determined by the design and features of the program. Free software will almost always offer you fewer options from which to choose to convert AVI to FLV. It will be necessary to tell the program where the AVI file is located, and this is accomplished by accessing your directories to find the file, even if it is on the desktop.

The software will also need to know where to place the newly created FLV file, and you will indicate a location by selecting some directory or folder of your choice. Depending on the features that the software offers to convert AVI to FLV, you might be permitted to indicate the output video's width, height, video quality and audio quality, all of which could affect the file size. Most programs also will provide you with a visual meter showing the progress of the conversion as it takes place. There are highly efficient converters that are free of charge and available for legal downloading over the Internet.