What is a .mpg file?
MPEG-1/2 Video · Video · Moving Picture Experts Group · 1993
An .mpg file is MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, the older standards behind Video CDs, DVDs and early digital video. It is widely compatible but less efficient than modern codecs like H.264.
What is a .mpg file used for?
MPEG program streams start with the bytes 00 00 01 BA. MPEG-1 powered Video CDs and MPEG-2 powered DVDs and digital broadcast, so .mpg files are common in older video collections.
Because the codecs are old, files are larger than an equivalent MP4. Almost every player opens .mpg; re-encoding to H.264 MP4 saves space and suits modern devices.
How to open a .mpg file
The .mpg format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .mpg file.
Windows
- VLC
- Windows Media Player
- MPC-HC
macOS
- VLC
- QuickTime
- IINA
Linux
- VLC
- mpv
- ffmpeg
How to convert a .mpg file
You can convert a .mpg file to mp4, mkv, webm using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.mpg file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .mpg file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for MPEG. For a full breakdown, see the MPEG file signature page.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 00 00 01 BA | 0 | program stream pack header |
| 00 00 01 B3 | 0 | video sequence header |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .mpg file?
An .mpg file is MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, the older standards behind Video CDs, DVDs and early digital video. It is widely compatible but less efficient than modern codecs like H.264.
How do I open an .mpg file?
Almost any player opens it; VLC is the safe choice on every system. To modernise it, convert to MP4.
What is the difference between MPG and MP4?
MPG is older MPEG-1/2 video; MP4 is a modern container usually holding efficient H.264 or H.265. MP4 gives smaller files at the same quality.
Is MPG the same as MPEG?
Yes. .mpg and .mpeg are the same format; the shorter .mpg dates from when Windows limited extensions to three letters.
Related formats
Sources
Details on this page were checked against authoritative references: