.VID File Extension

Generic Video File

Developer N/A
Popularity
3.4  |  78 Votes
 

What is a VID file?

A VID file is a generic video file that has been saved in one of many possible video file formats. Often, the file’s extension has been changed from its original extension to .vid. For example, a user might have renamed a file like clip1.mov to clip1.vid in an attempt to play the video using their preferred media player.

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Screenshot of a .vid file in VideoLAN VLC media player
VID file open in VideoLAN VLC media player

Because VID files are now used infrequently, some programs that previously supported opening and playing VID files no longer do so. For example, you can no longer open and play VID files using Apple QuickTime Player, and Microsoft Windows Media Player does not recognize the .vid extension by default.

How to open a VID file

You can open and play a VID file with VideoLAN VLC media player, a free-to-download media player. For example, to open a VID file in the Windows version of VLC:

  1. Select Media → Open File.
  2. In the window that appears, select All Files from the dropdown menu that appears above the Open button.
  3. Navigate to and open your VID file.

How to convert a VID file

VideoLAN VLC media player can convert VID files to several other video formats, including:

  • .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
  • .WEBM - WebM Video
  • .TS - Video Transport Stream
  • .ASF - Advanced Systems Format
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Programs that open VID files

Bethesda Softworks Video

Developer Bethesda Softworks
Popularity
2.2  |  10 Votes
 

A VID file may also be a video file used by various computer video games developed by Bethesda Softworks, such as Terminator: Skynet and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. It contains video and audio data saved in the Bethesda VID format. VID files are primarily used to store in-game cutscenes played during gameplay.

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Screenshot of a .vid file in HandBrake
VID file open in HandBrake

You will most likely encounter a VID file only when exploring the game resource files included with an old Bethesda Softworks game installed on your computer. VID files are rare because they are used only in Bethesda Softworks games released in the 1990s.

How to open a VID file

Since Bethesda Softworks video games no longer include VID files, few programs support the format. However, you can convert VID files to a more common video format with FFmpeg or HandBrake, then open the converted file with a media player, such as Microsoft Windows Media Player (Windows) or VLC media player (multiplatform).

How to convert a VID file

You can use FFmpeg or HandBrake to convert VID files to other video formats. For example, Handbrake can convert VID files to the following formats:

Programs that open VID files

Mac
Free
Linux
Free

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