To optimize MKV videos, run `npx optimo video.mkv`. Optimo applies format-specific FFmpeg-powered compression that typically reduces MKV file size by 15–40% without visible quality loss. The original file is kept if the output is not smaller.

## Command

Start here. Run optimo on a video file:

```
npx optimo video.mkv
```

Tip: add `--dry-run` to preview changes.

## When to use MKV

- archives
- tooling workflows

### Trade-offs

- Not a standard web delivery format

## Related formats

[MP4\
\
The most compatible web video container; a safe default for delivery.](/content/optimize/mp4/index.html) [WebM\
\
Web-first video format that often compresses well and is common for modern browsers.](/content/optimize/webm/index.html) [MOV\
\
Common container from cameras and editing tools; typically converted for the web.](/content/optimize/mov/index.html) [AVI\
\
Legacy container format; usually worth converting to MP4/WebM.](/content/optimize/avi/index.html) [OGV\
\
Ogg video container; occasionally used for open formats, but uncommon today.](/content/optimize/ogv/index.html)

## Related conversions

[Convert MKV to MP4](/content/convert/mkv-to-mp4/index.html) [Convert MKV to WebM](/content/convert/mkv-to-webm/index.html) [Convert WebM to MKV](/content/convert/webm-to-mkv/index.html) [Convert MP4 to MKV](/content/convert/mp4-to-mkv/index.html) [Convert MOV to MKV](/content/convert/mov-to-mkv/index.html) [Convert MKV to MOV](/content/convert/mkv-to-mov/index.html) [Convert MKV to AVI](/content/convert/mkv-to-avi/index.html) [Convert AVI to MKV](/content/convert/avi-to-mkv/index.html)

## More for MKV

[Compress MKV](/content/compress/mkv/index.html) [Resize MKV](/content/resize/mkv/index.html) [What is MKV?](/content/formats/mkv/index.html)

## Compare formats

If you're picking a delivery format, comparisons can help.

[Browse comparisons](/content/compare/index.html)

## Frequently asked questions

How do I optimize MKV files? Run "npx optimo video.mkv" in your terminal. Optimo applies format-specific FFmpeg-powered compression that reduces MKV file size while preserving quality. The original file is kept if the optimized output is not smaller.

Is MKV optimization lossless? By default, optimo uses lossless optimization for MKV. For additional compression, add the --lossy flag to allow minor quality trade-offs for significantly smaller files.

What tools does optimo use for MKV? Optimo uses FFmpeg under the hood with format-specific settings tuned for MKV files.