If you see an error saying that a file has an unknown format or is corrupted, the program cannot read or decode the file correctly.
This may happen due to:

• an unsupported format or codec
• a damaged or incomplete file
• content protection (DRM restrictions)

Follow the steps below in order.

Start here

Before making changes, check the following:

• the file still exists at the same location
• the file was fully downloaded or copied
• the file is not located on a removable or unstable storage device

If the file is accessible, continue below.

Step 1: Check whether the format is supported

Movavi programs support many common formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and others.

However, each product supports a specific list of formats and codecs.
You can find the full list of supported formats in the official product manuals.

Check them in the Help & Support section on the Movavi website
Open the manual for your specific product and check the Supported formats or Technical specifications section.

If the file format itself is not listed as supported, it can’t be opened in the program.

You can find the full list of supported codecs and formats on the Movavi website. Select your program and scroll down to the List of Supported Formats section. For Video Editor, see this link.

Step 2: Check whether the file plays correctly outside the program

Try opening the file in a media player on your computer.

• If the file doesn’t open or stops playing partway through, it may be corrupted.
• If playback fails or shows errors, re-download or re-copy the file from the original source.

The program may not process a damaged or incomplete file correctly.

Step 3: Check for content protection

Some files are protected by copyright or DRM restrictions.
This commonly applies to:

• videos downloaded from streaming services
• content recorded or saved from protected applications

Movavi software does not support opening or processing copy-protected files.

Step 4: Try exporting or converting the file again (if possible)

If you created the file using another application or device:

• export or save it again using a common format
• choose widely supported codecs
• try opening the new version of the file

This often resolves issues caused by uncommon or device-specific encoding.