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Basic information about Y4M file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension Y4M（*.Y4M or *.y4m）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the Y4M file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the Y4M file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the Y4M file with their brief description and a list of programs that support Y4M file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the Y4M file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the Y4M file?
  • How to open a Y4M file?
  • What programs do I need to open a Y4M file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a Y4M file?
  • How to convert Y4M files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to Y4M file format?


1.Detail information about Y4M file extension: YUV4MPEG2 Video File

File type YUV4MPEG2 Video File Category Video Files
Developer N/A File format Binary
Description Y4M file is a YUV4MPEG2 Video File. Video file created in the YUV4Mpeg format; stores a sequence of uncompressed YCbCr images that make up the video frame by frame; used as a raw, color-sensitive video format before compressing into a more popular video format such as MPEG-2 or Matroska (.MKV).
Software programs that will open, edit or convert Y4M files

Windows		 FFmpeg
y4mzip

macOS		 FFmpeg

Linux		 FFmpeg



Can't open a Y4M file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.Y4M”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the Y4M extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support Y4M file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of Y4M files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a Y4M file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a Y4M file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a Y4M file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the Y4M file is damaged.
  • Whether the Y4M file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the Y4M file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the Y4M file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the Y4M file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a Y4M file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a Y4M file.

If the Y4M file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.