> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://savemate.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Format Conversion

> Convert HLS and DASH streams to MP4, MKV, MOV, or WebM. Extract audio to MP3 or AAC.

<Info>Format conversion is a **Professional** feature. [Upgrade your plan](/docs/billing/plans) to access it.</Info>

SaveMate can convert HLS (m3u8) and DASH (mpd) streams into standard video container formats, and extract audio tracks into common audio formats.

## Video format conversion

Convert detected HLS and DASH streams to any of these formats:

| Target format | Best for                                                                    |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **MP4**       | Universal compatibility — works on all devices, browsers, and media players |
| **MKV**       | Multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and metadata-rich video files             |
| **MOV**       | Apple ecosystem, Final Cut Pro, and professional video editing              |
| **WebM**      | Web embedding, open-source workflows                                        |

## Audio extraction

Extract audio from video streams into standalone audio files:

| Target format | Best for                                               |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **MP3**       | Universal audio compatibility, music players, podcasts |
| **AAC**       | Higher quality at lower bitrates, Apple ecosystem      |

## How conversion works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Detect and download">
    SaveMate detects the HLS or DASH stream and downloads all video/audio segments.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select target format">
    Choose your desired output format from the format picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Local processing">
    SaveMate converts the stream locally in your browser using WebAssembly-based processing. No data is uploaded to any server.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the result">
    The converted file is saved to your downloads folder.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Format comparison

Use this table to choose the right format for your use case:

|                           | MP4       | MKV                          | MOV                   | WebM            |
| ------------------------- | --------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------- |
| **Device compatibility**  | Universal | Good (VLC, most players)     | Apple ecosystem       | Browsers, Linux |
| **Multiple audio tracks** | Limited   | Excellent                    | Good                  | Limited         |
| **Subtitle support**      | Basic     | Excellent (multiple formats) | Good                  | Basic (WebVTT)  |
| **File size**             | Medium    | Medium                       | Medium-Large          | Smaller         |
| **Streaming friendly**    | Excellent | Poor                         | Good                  | Good            |
| **Professional editing**  | Good      | Limited                      | Excellent (Final Cut) | Limited         |
| **Web embedding**         | Good      | Not recommended              | Not recommended       | Excellent       |

### When to use each format

* **MP4** — Default choice. Works everywhere. Best for sharing, mobile playback, and general use.
* **MKV** — Best for archiving. Supports multiple audio tracks (different languages), many subtitle formats, and rich metadata. Ideal for media servers like Plex or Jellyfin.
* **MOV** — Choose this for editing in Final Cut Pro or if you primarily use Apple devices.
* **WebM** — Smallest file size for web use. Choose this for embedding on websites or if you prefer open formats.

### Audio format comparison

|                             | MP3                   | AAC                             |
| --------------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Compatibility**           | Universal             | Very wide (all modern devices)  |
| **Quality at low bitrates** | Adequate              | Better                          |
| **File size**               | Larger                | Smaller at same quality         |
| **Best for**                | Maximum compatibility | Higher quality, Apple ecosystem |

## Key details

* **All processing is local** — Conversion happens in your browser using efficient WebAssembly code. Your video data never leaves your device.
* **Quality preservation** — SaveMate converts container formats without re-encoding, so there's no quality loss for compatible codec combinations.
* **Separate audio/video** — When an HLS or DASH stream has separate audio and video tracks, SaveMate automatically muxes them into a single output file.
* **DASH SegmentBase detection** — For DASH streams using SegmentBase (direct MP4), SaveMate downloads the file directly without conversion overhead.