FormatDrop
How-To Guide

How to Convert MTS to MP4

MTS (also called M2TS) is the AVCHD video format used by Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and other camcorders since 2006. AVCHD cameras record in MTS directly to SD cards or internal storage. While MTS is excellent quality (H.264 in an MPEG-2 Transport Stream container), editing software often requires conversion to MP4 for smoother playback.

Open MTS to MP4 Converter

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1

    HandBrake (recommended for beginners)

    Download HandBrake from handbrake.fr. Open HandBrake → click 'Open Source' → select your MTS file (or the entire AVCHD folder from the camera's SD card for proper chapter recognition). Choose a quality preset ('H.264 1080p' or similar). Set Format to MP4. Click 'Start Encode'. HandBrake handles AVCHD MTS files well.

    Go to converter
  2. 2

    FFmpeg (command line, fast)

    Install FFmpeg. For a fast container rewrap (no re-encode, preserves quality): `ffmpeg -i input.mts -c copy output.mp4`. For re-encoding to ensure compatibility: `ffmpeg -i input.mts -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a aac output.mp4`. Batch convert: `for f in *.mts; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a aac "${f%.mts}.mp4"; done`.

  3. 3

    Copy the full AVCHD folder structure for best results

    AVCHD cameras organize footage in a specific folder structure (AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM/). For proper timestamp, chapter, and metadata preservation, load the entire AVCHD folder (not individual MTS files) into HandBrake or DaVinci Resolve. Individual MTS files work but may have audio sync issues if you skip the folder structure.

  4. 4

    Video editors (Premiere, DaVinci Resolve)

    Most professional video editors (Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Free, Final Cut Pro) can import MTS files natively. If you're editing the footage, import directly into your editor — no pre-conversion needed. Export as MP4 (H.264) from the editor's export dialog when done.

Why convert MTS to MP4?

MTS footage from AVCHD camcorders needs conversion for editing in non-professional software, uploading to YouTube, and sharing with others. MP4 (H.264) is universally compatible with every platform and editing tool.

Your files never leave your device

FormatDrop runs the conversion engine entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. No file upload. No server. Nothing stored. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching: zero upload requests.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MTS and M2TS?
MTS and M2TS are almost identical — both are AVCHD video streams in MPEG-2 Transport Stream format. MTS is used for files on Sony and Panasonic cameras stored directly in the AVCHD directory structure. M2TS is used in Blu-ray disc structures. Both contain the same H.264 video and Dolby AC-3 or Linear PCM audio. FFmpeg and HandBrake handle both with the same commands.
Why does my MTS file have audio sync issues after conversion?
AVCHD uses variable frame rates and complex timestamp handling in the MPEG-2 TS container. If you extract a single MTS clip from the middle of a recording session, timestamps can cause sync drift. Loading the full AVCHD folder into HandBrake (rather than individual clips) usually resolves this. For persistent sync issues, FFmpeg's `-vsync vfr` or `-async 1` flags can help.
Can I edit MTS files directly in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes — DaVinci Resolve (including the free version) imports AVCHD MTS files natively via the Media Pool. For smooth playback with MTS, create Optimized Media (Playback menu → Generate Optimized Media) — DaVinci transcodes MTS to DNxHR internally for smooth editing without conversion. When you export (Deliver page), output as MP4 H.264.
Convert MTS to MP4 Now — Free

No account. No upload. Works in any browser.

More guides

How to Convert HEIC to JPGHow to Convert PNG to PDFHow to Convert MOV to MP4How to Convert WebP to JPG