How to convert a .CPI file online
Three steps, all tab.
Open your file
Drop your .CPI file and every video, audio and subtitle track inside is listed with its codec, resolution, frame rate and language.
Preview
See frames from across your .CPI file before you convert, even when your browser can't play the codec inside.
Convert
Pick MP4, WEBM or MP3, or repack to MKV without re-encoding. Play the result right here, then download it.
What is a .CPI file?
Everything worth knowing about AVCHD Clip Information File.
A CPI file is an AVCHD Clip Information file, a small metadata sidecar that your camcorder writes next to each recorded video clip. It holds no video itself; the actual footage is in the matching .MTS or .M2TS file. To play the video, open the .MTS file in VLC. To edit, import the whole AVCHD folder into PowerDirector, Premiere Pro, or another video editor.
Programs that open .CPI files
- Windows
- Adobe Premiere Pro, VLC media player, Cyberlink PowerDirector, Corel VideoStudio, Vegas Pro
- macOS
- VLC media player, Apple Final Cut Pro, iMovie
- Linux
- VLC media player, Kdenlive
| Full name | AVCHD Clip Information File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sony/Panasonic — AVCHD standard |
| First released | 2006 (Sony/Panasonic AVCHD camcorder standard) |
| Category | Audio & Video |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| Signature | 48 44 4D 56 ("HDMV" at offset 0) |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Is my .CPI file uploaded to a server?
No. Your .CPI file is converted for you. The converted file is created in memory,.
Why is conversion slower than desktop software?
Browsers give web pages a single CPU core for this kind of work and no hardware video encoder. Short clips convert in seconds; for long 4K films a desktop app like HandBrake is faster. Use Start and Length to convert just the part you need.
Which output format should I pick?
MP4 plays on every phone, TV and browser. WEBM is an open format that's great for the web. MP3 keeps only the sound. MKV (no re-encode) is instant and lossless, but only changes the container.
Can I keep all audio tracks and subtitles?
The MKV (no re-encode) option copies every track as-is. MP4 and WEBM keep the first video and audio track, which is what most players use.
Why can't some files be converted?
Files protected with DRM (for example purchased iTunes .m4p songs or some .wmv rentals) are encrypted. We can show what's inside, but nobody can convert them without the key.
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