Video format
The MXF format
MXF is the professional broadcast and camera container. SMPTE standardised MXF in 2004 for broadcast; professional cameras from Sony, Panasonic and Canon record in it.
When to use MXF
MXF comes from pro cameras and broadcasters; convert to MP4 to review or share footage.
It is best for professional cameras and broadcast delivery, and it opens on Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Avid and broadcast systems; not phones or browsers.
How to open it: DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and VLC open most MXF files.
| Full name | Material Exchange Format |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .mxf |
| MIME type | application/mxf |
| Introduced | 2004 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | XDCAM MPEG-2, AVC-Intra or DNxHD video with PCM audio |
| Support | Specialist format |
| Typical size | Often 1–4 GB for a few minutes of footage |
Good at
- Carries timecode and production metadata
- High-bitrate professional codecs
Not so good at
- Very large files
- Consumer software rarely opens it
The common mistake
Some cameras write audio as separate MXF files next to the video, so a converted clip can come out silent.
Questions
What is an MXF file?
MXF (Material Exchange Format) is the professional broadcast and camera container. SMPTE standardised MXF in 2004 for broadcast; professional cameras from Sony, Panasonic and Canon record in it.
How do I open an MXF file?
DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and VLC open most MXF files.