Perian
MacEnhance QuickTime's media format support on Mac
Overview
Perian is a free, open-source QuickTime component tailored for macOS, designed to boost media playback versatility. It enables QuickTime Player to handle formats not natively supported—including AVI, MKV, FLV, H.264 MP4, and audio codecs like MP3, AAC, and Vorbis. Lightweight and easy to install, it integrates seamlessly with QuickTime, eliminating the need for third-party players for most files. Though no longer actively maintained, it remains reliable for users on older macOS versions seeking expanded format compatibility without extra software overhead.
Key Features
- Supports AVI, MKV, FLV, and other popular video formats
- Handles MP3, AAC, Vorbis audio codecs
- Seamless QuickTime Player integration
- Lightweight and straightforward installation
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Free and open-source
- ⊕ Reduces need for third-party media players
- ⊕ Works well with older macOS versions
Cons
- ⊖ No longer actively developed or updated
- ⊖ May not fully support latest macOS releases