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Convert audio and video files to play online

To ensure your audio and video files play on any web browser or device, convert the original files to a form suitable for the web:

  • File format: H.264 MP4 for video; MP3 for audio
  • File size: reduce the size as much as possible yet retain good-quality images and audio

Reducing file size is particularly important for mobile devices. Large, unoptimised video or audio consumes people's mobile data allowance unnecessarily.

In this article:

To convert large videos before uploading to SiteBuilder, or you prefer to optimise videos with a fine degree of control, see: convert videos to H.264 MP4 with HandBrake.

Convert a file during upload

  1. Go to the page where you want to upload a video or audio file.
  2. Go to Edit > More > Files tab.

  3. In the toolbar select Upload:

    Files toolbar

  4. If the video or audio file format is unsuitable for the web – for example, FLV, AVI or MOV – you're prompted to convert the file:

    Proprietary file format warning

  5. Select the Convert button.

  6. The converted file is now visible on the Files tab. Depending on the size of the original file, it can take a short time to convert.

    Video converted to H.264 MP4

Convert a file after uploading to SiteBuilder

  1. Go to the page containing the file you wish to convert.
  2. Go to Edit > More and select the Files tab.
  3. Select the file you wish to convert.

  4. Select Convert in the toolbar:

    Select file to convert

  5. Choose one of the options from the Target format drop-down list:

    • H.264 MP4 – recommended for video.
    • WebM VP8 – a high-quality web video format.
    • MP3 – recommended for audio.
    • JPEG – select this option to generate an image from your video, which you can use as the preview image shown to visitors before they play your video.

  6. Type a new name for the converted file to distinguish it from the original source file on the Files tab. For example, append -web to the file name:

    Convert MOV video to MP4

  7. Select Convert/resize.
  8. You can see the progress of the file conversion. For large files, this can take some time to complete – you receive an email confirmation when the conversion is complete.

  9. When the file is converted, you can see it on the Files tab:

    File conversion complete

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