How to open a .mts file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .mts file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands MTS. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .mts file is a AVCHD Camcorder Video. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads MTS yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .mts file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .mts. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VLC or PowerDirector.
On Mac, use VLC or iMovie.
On Linux, try VLC or mpv.
Still stuck? Convert the .mts to mp4, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .mts files

Windows

VLC
PowerDirector
HandBrake (convert)

macOS

VLC
iMovie
HandBrake (convert)

Linux

VLC
mpv
HandBrake

Before you open it: Safe. MTS is camcorder video decoded by a media player.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .mts file?

Almost always because no installed app understands MTS. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open an .mts file?

Play it in VLC, which handles AVCHD directly. For editing, convert it to MP4 with HandBrake first, since many editors handle MP4 better.

What is the difference between MTS and M2TS?

Same AVCHD content. Camcorders record .mts to memory cards; the version stored on AVCHD discs and Blu-rays is .m2ts, with slightly different packaging.