Introduction

Audio and video files come in a wide variety of file formats, often determined by the device you are using to create these files.

It is important to choose the correct format because

• some files formats are not supported by Blackboard, or will not display / play correctly in Blackboard
• some files are not supported on all devices – Apple files may not play on Windows devices, and vice versa
• some file formats result in files which are too large for web use – they require too much bandwidth and may not be accessible to all students.

It is best to create your audio and video files in the correct format to start with, but there are tools available to convert existing files from one format to another.

Audio files

• Audio files should always be saved in MP3 format.
  It should be possible to save your file as MP3 whatever device you are using.
• Converting audio files
  You can use VLC Player (available via Apps Anywhere) to convert files e.g. from WAV to MP3.
  For help see the VLC help site: Convert Audio Formats using VLC Media Player.

Video files

• Video files should always be saved in MP4 format.
  It should be possible to save your file as MP4 whatever device you are using.
• Converting video files
  You can use Handbrake or VLC Player (both available via Apps Anywhere) to convert files e.g. from MOV to MP4.
  For help see the Handbrake Getting Started guide, or Convert Video File Format using VLC Media Player.

Page last updated on June 29, 2022 by andyturner