What Is a VP6 File, and How Can You Open It?

Learn what is VP6 file format and how to play .vp6 files

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There are different video extensions available today, and one of them is the VP6. Unfortunately, it is not a common video format. Therefore, it can be problematic to know the right media player to play this file type. If you’re facing this issue, you’re in the right spot. This VP6 guide will walk you through all you need to know about the VP6 file format, the best VP6 players you can find across various devices, and several top-reated VP6 video converters. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Part 1: What Is a VP6 File?

what is vp6 file format

The TrueMotion VP6 Video File with .vp6 extension is a lossy video compression format and video codec developed by On2 Technologies in 2003. This codec is used primarily for web video and flash video files created by Adobe Flash, Flash Video, and JavaFX. It supports multi-pass encoding and constant or variable data rates. Moreover, VP6 codec can be used to encode high resolution video like 1920x1080 HD video streams.

Part 2: How to Open VP6 Files

best vp6 player to open .vp6 file extension

One first program that can open the VP6 file is the Adobe Flash Player. Hower, Adobe officially ended support for Flash Player in December 31, 2020 and recommended all users to uninstall it due to security issues. Don't worry, there are some other media players that support playing VP6 files on Linus, Android, Windows, Mac, and iOS devices.

Play VP6 Files with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Instead of Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a recommended program that effortlessly opens your VP6 files. It is a versatile player known to be the best VP6 player from the beginning. Using this app to open your VP6 file is easy; all you have to do is follow the steps outlined below.

  • Step 1: Download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your PC. You can get this app from its official website.
download adobe ccrobat reader dc
  • Step 2: Then, set this program as the default program to open a VP6 video file. To do this, right-click your VP6 file and then choose the Open with > Choose another app > More apps > Select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Tick the Always use this app to open VP6 files option.
choose adobe ccrobat reader dc to open vp6 files
  • Step 3: Finally, click OK, and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC will open your file.

You can rest assured that all your VP6 files will easily open with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your WindowsPC. If you’re using a Mac, the steps below will help you set up Adobe Acrobat Reader DC as your VP6 player.

  • Step 1: Firstly, ensure Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is installed on your device.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the folder where you can find your VP6 file. Right-click the file and then select ‘information.’
  • Step 3: Locate the ‘open with’ option and select it.
  • Step 4: From the list that appears, choose the ideal program and confirm it by clicking ‘change for all.’
set adobe ccrobat reader as default vp6 player on mac
  • Step 5: A pop-up message will appear asking users to confirm this decision. Click the ‘continue’ button to complete the process.

After that, every time you click on a VP6 video file on your Mac, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC will automatically open it.

Other VP6 Players for Windows PC

There are available options for those using Windows PC to open your VP6 file with ease. Most of these media players are updated to support many file types, including VP6 files, without needing a VP6 codec download. Below are the options you have.

VLC Media Player

vlc media player

VLC Media player is amongst the top VP6 video players worldwide. It is an open-source multimedia player that works on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, VLC Media Player supports almost every video file format like streaming products, VCD, MP4, MOV, MKV, etc. Furthermore, it supports Codec X365, which allows it open VP6 files without a VP6 codec download. This app also provides a video filtration facility that will enable you to operate it on streaming sites. Additionally, VLC allows users to capture screenshots of videos. It works on all platforms and could be the best VP6 you can find.

All Player

all player

Another option you have to play your VP6 files on Windows is All Player. It is an excellent media player ideal for beginners and professionals alike. You're sure to love the media player because of the video recognition feature to enable subtitles. When the voice recognition doesn't work, it automatically downloads the subtitle for your convenience.

It is compatible with many video file formats, and VP6 is one of them. So if you want, you can secure a video on this app using a video. You can also customize it to let you pick a codec when you want to watch a movie. In addition, it offers a user-friendly layout that’ll allow you to play your VP6 file seamlessly.

Media Player Classic

media player classic

If you've heard of Media Player Classic, you know it is next only to VLC Media Player in popularity. Media Player Classic comes with many features and provides an open-source design. This allows this media player to play all your VP6 files conveniently. It offers users all the VLC-supported features in an interactive way. Additionally, this VP6 player provides support for external filters and shaders. It is designed to play different video files, including rare formats like VP6.

Using Media Player Classic is easy as it is lightweight. Some different commands and shortcuts will improve your viewing experience. Media Player Classes offers customizable skins and a toolbar for precisely that if you want to customize your player’s skin. Being an open-source and free app is part of the reason it is the best VP6 player you can utilize.

Other VP6 Players for Mac

Like with windows, there are several media players you could also use to open your VP6 files without a VP6 codec download. Keep reading for insight into them.

GOM Player

gom player

The GOM Lab Software created this player. It is one of Mac’s leading VP6 media players that you would find, and it is entirely free. This media player supports VP6 video format and several more like WMV, FLV, AVI, MKV, etc. It is famous for its easy customization, ideal for professionals and beginners. Its smooth features allow it to be easy to use. Additionally, it features a codec finder that will carry out a VP6 codec download when necessary. It is intuitive and supports subtitles you can detect and sync when necessary.

5K Player

5k player

Another VP6 player designed for Mac devices is the 5K player. This player is a mix of a video player, AirPlay, a music player, and a media streamer. Users can also carry out downloads using this app. It supports different video resolutions, and it features an intuitive interface that makes it ideal for beginners and professionals. It also supports several video formats, including MP4, AV1, MOV, etc.

Video Tutorial on How to Play VP6 1Mbps

Part 3: Still Cannot Open VP6 File?

Solution 1: Download or Update VP6 Codec

When you try to open your VP6 file, you might come across a dialog box that says you ‘cannot open this file type’ most of the time because you don’t have the VP6 codec installed on your PC. Due to this, your OS won't know what to do with the file, preventing you from opening it. Sometimes, it's the wrong codec you installed which means you need to install the software version or update it. Your best solution would be to download the proper codec; there are many third-party apps you can use.

download or update vp6 codec to fix vpl file cannot open

Solution 2: Update Device Drivers

It's possible that the hardware associated with VP6 files is corrupt and out of date. Follow the few steps below to fix it in such a case.

  • Step 1: Right-click on the start menu and then select ‘Task Manager' from the list of options available.
go to pc task manager
  • Step 2: Next, navigate to drivers and select the driver connected to your VP6 file. Right-click on it and then choose ‘Update Drivers.’
click update drives
  • Step 3: Choose ‘search automatically for drivers.’ Your computer will search and install the necessary drivers.
search drivers for vp6 file

Solution 3: Check Media Player Version and Update If Necessary

Sometimes, it isn’t an issue with your VP6 file; your media player needs an update. In such a case, try checking if updates are available for your preferred media player and update immediately. You could also change media players to access your file.

check and update the vp6 player

Solution 4: Repair the Corrupt VP6 file

Your PC can’t open VP6 files because it is corrupt most of the time. Your most viable option in such a case is to use repair software like Wondershare Repairit. Repairit supports several video file types, including VP6 format. This software also allows you to repair multiple files at once, and there’s no limit to file type. Below are the steps to fix your VP6 file using Wondershare Repairit.

Try It Free

For Windows 7 or later

Try It Free

For macOS 10.10 or later

Step1Add Video Files

Once you download Wondershare Repairit on your PC, launch and navigate to ‘Add files’ in the middle of the page. Once you click this tab, it will open a new window; navigate to the location of your VP6 file and select it.

add vp6 video file to vp6 repair tool
Step2Start Repair

After selecting the file, click on ‘Repair’ at the end of the screen to begin the repair process. Wondershare Repairit will scan the files and begin to fix them. It will notify you once the repair is complete.

start repair corrupt vp6 video files
Step3Save Files

Your next option is to save files. You can first preview the file to ensure it is back to its original state. Afterward, click on ‘Save’ at the end of the page to save your VP6 file to your preferred location.

save vp6 files
Try It Free

For Windows 7 or later

Try It Free

For macOS 10.10 or later

Solution 5: Convert VP6 to MP4 or Other Formats

Suppose you don't want to download an extra media player to play the VP6 files, you can fix the VP6 file not opening by converting VP6 to a popular formats, such as MP4, MOV, MKV etc. A VP6 video converter like Wondershare UniConverter can help you achieve this. This VP6 video converter supports conversion of 1000+ video and audio file types, allowing you to convert VP6 to any video format you want. Follow the steps listed below to use Wondershare UniConverter for VP6 to MP4 conversion.

Step1Add VP6 File to Convert

Once you install Wondershare UniConverter on your PC, launch it and select ‘Converter’ on the left side of your screen. Next, click on ‘Add files’ in the middle of the page to choose the VP6 file you want to convert.

add vp6 video file to the vp6 video converter
Step2Choose Output Format

The next step users should take is to select the format they would like to convert to. For example, you can choose to convert VP6 to MP4 or any other format you would prefer in this section.

select mp4 as output format
Step3Convert and Save

Click ‘Convert’ or ‘Start all’ to start converting your VP6 to MP4 or any other format you prefer. After a successful conversion, choose the file location you want to save your converted file to, and you’re ready to access the file.

start vp6 to mp4 conversion

Final Thoughts

VP6 files are not familiar, so many people don't understand them. This VP6 format guide walks you through what VP6 file format is and the different VP6 media players you can use on your Mac and Windows. To help you troubleshoot common issues with VP6 files, we also provide methods you can explore if your VP6 video isn't opening like VP6 codec download.

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