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VID File - What is a .vid file and how do I open it?
Learn about .VID files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
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.
More Information 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.
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DeveloperBethesda Softworks
Popularity2.2 | 10 Votes
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In-Depth
.VID File Extension
2 file types use the .vid file extension.
Generic Video File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.5 | 83 Votes |
NEW: Open your .VID file online with File Helper . View Online
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.
More Information
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:
How to convert a VID file
VideoLAN VLC media player can convert VID files to several other video formats, including:
Programs that open VID files
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Platform
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Windows
VideoLan VLC Media Player
Free
Media Player Classic - Black Edition
Free
Mac
VideoLan VLC Media Player
Free
Linux
VideoLan VLC Media Player
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
Category: Video Files
Updated: May 5, 2022
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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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
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Platform
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Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
FFmpeg
Free
HandBrake
Free
Mac
FFmpeg
Free
HandBrake
Free
Linux
FFmpeg
Free
HandBrake
Free
Category: Game Files
Updated: June 14, 2022