About avi files
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a Microsoft container introduced in the early 1990s. It was the standard for Windows video for years, often paired with DivX or Xvid codecs, and many older digital cameras, camcorders, webcams, security DVRs and capture cards still record AVI. Some uncompressed or lightly compressed capture workflows use it too, which makes files very large.
Today AVI files are mostly sent when people digitize old tapes, move archives from an old PC, share footage from security systems, or pass legacy family videos between relatives.
| Typical size | 100 MB – 4 GB per file |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .avi |
Why sending avi files is often a pain
Older AVI files often use codecs that modern phones and some smart TVs can't play, and they tend to be large for their resolution because older compression is less efficient. That makes them too big for email and awkward for messaging apps, which may refuse them outright. Converting before sending risks losing quality from footage that can't be recaptured.
How to send avi files with Sendryo
- Open Sendryo on the device that has the avi files. Use any modern browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox or Samsung Internet. Nothing to install.
- Add your avi files. Drag and drop, tap to choose, or pick a whole folder. Add as many files as you like.
- Share the 6-digit code. Tap “Get share code”, then share the code, link or QR code with the receiver.
- The receiver enters the code. Files stream directly to their device, encrypted and at original quality. They save each file or download everything as a ZIP.
Ways to send avi files compared
| Method | Size | Quality | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email attachment | ~20–25 MB | Original | Small files to anyone, anytime |
| Messaging apps | Limited (WhatsApp documents up to 2 GB at the time of writing) | Media often compressed unless sent as a document | Quick sharing with contacts |
| Cloud storage link | Depends on plan | Original | Recipients who download later |
| Sendryo | No limit set by us | Original | Fast, private, live transfers to any device |
Tips for sending avi files
- Send the original AVI as your archive copy; if the recipient needs MP4, let them convert a copy so the source stays untouched.
- Recipients who can't play the file can use VLC, which includes most legacy codecs like DivX, Xvid and MJPEG.
- Digitized tapes often come as a folder of numbered AVI clips; send the whole folder to keep the order and file names.
- Verify irreplaceable archive files with /tools/checksum/ on both ends so you know the copy is exact before deleting anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send AVI files from an old Windows PC to a Mac?
Yes. Open sendryo.com in a current browser on the PC, add the AVI files and get a code, then enter it on the Mac. Very old browsers may not support WebRTC, so install a current Chrome, Edge or Firefox on the PC first. On the Mac, VLC or IINA will play most AVI codecs.
Should I convert AVI to MP4 before sending?
Not usually. Converting re-encodes the video and can lose detail, and it adds time. Send the original AVI so the recipient has the best copy, then convert on their end if they need MP4 for a phone or editor. Keep at least one untouched copy of old digitized footage.
Why won't the AVI play after transfer?
The file almost certainly arrived intact; the problem is a missing codec. AVI can contain many codecs, and modern players don't include all of them. VLC handles most. If you want proof the copy is perfect, compare SHA-256 checksums on both devices with our checksum tool.
Is there a size limit for sending avi files?
No limit is set by Sendryo. Because the files go straight to the other device, the only limit is the receiver’s free storage. Very large transfers work best on a computer.