How to play .DIVX files

This article shows how to play files with a .DIVX extension with a variety of players. These files are generally DMF container files and store DivX video content and generally MP3 or AC3 audio.

DivX vs. DivX Ultra content

If you have a .DIVX file that you retrieved on the Internet, it has most likely been created and authored with software developed by DivX Inc. However, if the content is DivX Ultra content, then it could include extra material like menus, chapters and subtitles. Most players will not support these extra features, except of course for DivX Inc.'s own software. We will take a look at DivX Inc.'s DivX Player software and its navigation shortly, but first it is important to mention something about the DMF container.

The DMF container

DivX Media Format is a multimedia container developed by DivX Inc. and released with the release of the DivX 6 update. DMF is basically an extension of the AVI container that has been altered to allow more DVD-Video-like features to be supported for playback both on software DivX players and hardware that supports DivX technology. DMF has support for familiar features such as interactive motion menus, multiple video, audio and subtitle tracks and chapters.

Because of its similarities to the popular AVI container, DMF has kept backwards-compatibility to a degree with AVI. While some hardware might not be able to support the extra features that the DMF container offers, it will be able to play the main video and audio, as if playing from an AVI file. DMF usually has a .divx file extension.

DivX player and bundles

Obviously the most recommended way to play .DivX files is to download the DivX Play bundle from DivX Inc. It includes the codec installation which is needed to decode and display the video and also a player that can take advantage of the DMF container extras.

Download the DivX Play bundle from AfterDawn.com at:
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/divx_play.cfm

DivX Multimedia Player

With the download of the DivX Codec, you also will have a DivX Player installed. This should be able to handle your .divx files right out of the box now. You will find links to run this player on your Desktop or under All Programs in your Start Menu.

To open a file, click File --> Open and locate the .divx file you want to play. At this point the DivX file should begin playing.

Switching audio, subtitles and other extras

With the movie now playing in the DivX player, you can right click to see what extra content is available. Simply right click on the video itself while it is still playing and you will immediately see options to change Audio Tracks, Subtitle Tracks, Menus and Chapters, it literally could not be any easier.

However, if your .divx file doesn't have extras then that's also good news as it should work fine with other more popular players. If you have trouble with the DivX player, particularly with audio, then I suggest you try other options below.

Easy Method - Using VLC for DivX with Windows, Mac and Linux

With the VLC player, you can enjoy your DivX multimedia files quickly. The player directly supports the common video and audio you will find in DivX files, such as DivX video itself, AC3 audio and MP3 audio, all without the need for DirectShow filters or special codecs to be installed. If you are looking for a quick solution then this is certainly it.

You can get VLC for Windows from this URL.


Click File and click the Open File option.

Now, click the Browse button next to the first white line at the top of the window with title "Open.." and navigate through your harddrive for the .divx file you wish to listen to and select it. After you have selected the file, click OK and VLC will start playing the divx video you chose.

For other Operating Systems...

Mac: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/alternative_platforms/mac_software/vlc_for_mac.cfm

Linux: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/vlc_linux.cfm

Can you play .divx files in Windows Media Player?

Technically yes you can but only the video and main audio. The DMF container has maintained some backwards-compatibility with AVI, so if you have the DivX Codec installed (or FFDShow filters), then it should work just fine with Windows Media Player. To test, simply open Windows Media Player and click Now Playing. Drag the divx file into the player and it should attempt to play it (if it warns about the file extension, permit it to play the file anyway).

Download Windows Media Player by clicking here.

Finally

Hopefully after reading this guide your DivX files now work flawlessly. If you need extra help, please visit our Discussion Forums for assistance.

Version History

v1.0 - First published by Dela (08/05/2008)