Movavi Knowledge Base - Cannot open file: unknown format or corrupted file

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Cannot open file: unknown format or corrupted file

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)

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 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.

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

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

the file format is listed as supported
the file plays correctly outside the program
the file is not copy-protected
the issue persists after completing all steps above.

the program name
the file format and source
a screenshot of the error message.

Follow the steps below in order.

Before making changes, check the following:

If the file is accessible, continue below.

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

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

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

If you created the file using another application or device:

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

Please contact Movavi Customer Service if you meet all of the conditions below:

Include:

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

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: https://www.movavi.com/video-editor-plus/formats.html

Step 1: Check whether the format is supported

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

Step 3: Check for content protection

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

When to contact Movavi Customer Service

Start here