A file type with .vmd extension can be associated with multiple applications, but this post focuses on an obsolete video file type - Sierra VMD Video File. If you're at a loss to open, play, or convert .vmd files, this article will point you in the right direction.


Need a quick solution? Try this handy freeware that can function as either a VMD player or a VMD converter: https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/download/hd-video-converter.exehttps://www.videoconverterfactory.com/download/hd-video-converter.exe

Kevincy Kevincy | Updated on Mar 15, 2024

Part 1 - Failed to Play VMD Game Video Files?

VMD is a video format used in in a number of old Sierra FMV games, such as Phantasmagoria, SWAT, Lighthouse, Gabriel Knight 2, Leisure Suit Larry 7, etc., which is typically used for title, logo animations and in-game movies or cutscenes.

The problem is, VMD is definitely an old and rare video format that is not supported on most modern media players, programs and devices, but leaving some irksome errors that say: "Can't play the media file", "This file type is unsupported", "Cannot render the file" and the like. If you're in this trouble, I'll recommend a VMD player in the next paragraph and guide you through how to convert VMD files to universal MP4 format.

Free & Simple 3-in-1 Video Processor

WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory is a 3-in-1 video processing tool equipped with three main awesome and practical features: downloader, editor and converter, which helps convert VMD to MP4 or other common video formats, and offers one-stop solution to all basic video processing needs for novices without extra programs installed on your PC. Most importantly, it's completely free, clean & safe. Download it now!

Part 2 - How to Convert VMD to MP4?

Few media players can handle VMD files, let alone those video converters. Based on my experience, none of alleged online VMD to MP4 converters worked for the conversion, they even failed to upload the VMD file. On the other hand, I also took a chance on multiple desktop video transcoders. As a result, the following three programs deserve their reputation.


1. Free HD Video Converter Factory

Step 1. DownloadDownload and install Free HD Video Converter Factory on PC.

Step 2. Launch the freeware and open "Converter" on the start-up screen.

Step 3. Click "Add Files" button or just drag and drop your VMD files into the blank space. Press "Preview" button to play VMD file in built-in media player.

Step 4. Select "MP4" or other video format from 500+ presets on the right side.

Step 5. Specify an output folder on the bottom, and hit "Run" button to convert VMD to MP4.

VMD to MP4 Converter
Highlights of the Free VMD Player & Converter
Highlights of the Free VMD Player & Converter
  • Convert VMD to MP4, MKV, and 500+ optimized presets.
  • Save video/song from YouTube, Vimeo & 500+ websites.
  • Trim/split, crop, rotate, flip, watermark, merge video files.
  • Remove audio & subtitle tracks from video with ease.
  • Add closed captions/soft subs or hardcode subtitles to video.
  • Make unique ringtones for Android and iPhone as you wish.
  • Modify video/audio parameters in an intuitive and handy way.
  • Free, clean, safe, efficient & easy to use!
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Download Free Download
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Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista Windows, 100% Clean!


2. HandBrake

Step 1. Install or update HandBrake from https://handbrake.fr/.

Step 2. Run HandBrake, open a VMD file or simply drag and drop it into the interface.

Step 3. After HandBrake scans and loads the video information, select a preset on the right side.

Step 4. Select "MP4" under "Summary" tab.

Step 5. Specify an output folder on the bottom.

Step 6. Press "Start Encode" button on the top bar to convert VMD to MP4.

Note: HandBrake only works for a portion of my VMD sample files. If it always shows "No valid source or titles found" message, try the Format Factory below.

VMD Converter

3. Format Factory

Step 1. Download and install Format Factory from http://www.pcfreetime.com/formatfactory/index.php?language=en.

Step 2. Run Format Factory VMD converter, drag and drop your VMD files into the blank space on the right side.

Step 3. You're requested to select output video format and destination folder. Click OK and all VMD files will be listed and waiting for conversion.

Step 4. Finally, press "Start" button on the top bar to convert VMD files to MP4 format.

Note: If Format Factory error 0x00000001 occurs, try to select another output format.

VMD Format to MP4 Converter

Free Video & Audio Processing Tool

VMD file is definitely an uncommon format that most program may fail to open and process it. Free HD Video Converter Factory is a solid program dedicated to solving any video and audio format incompatibility. It supports importing VMD file and converting to MP4, AVI, MKV and more mainstream formats. Apart from that, it even allows you to download video & audio from YouTube and 500+ pop sites. Sounds great? Why not download and give it a try!

Part 3 - How to Play VMD Files?

I've tried most popular media players, after experiencing either "video is not recognized" or "the sound plays but no video", VLC is the only one that can successfully decode and play VMD video files. In order to make it work appropriately, you're advised to download the latest version of VLC from Official website: https://www.videolan.org/.


Step 1. Run VLC, click "Media" menu and select "Open File..."

Step 2. By default, it shows "No Items". You have to choose "All Files" option in the drop-down list of "Media Files (*.3g2, *.3gp...)" to display all your VMD files.

Step 3. Select one VMD file and press "Open" to play VMD videos in VLC. A much simpler way is to drag and drop VMD file into VLC's window directly.

VLC VMD Player

Final Words...

Understanding how to play and convert VMD files is invaluable. With the tools mentioned in the article, you can ensure these vintage video files continue to be accessible and cherished for years to come. In addition to that, there may be some other workable tools that are able to handle VMD files. If you happen to know one, don't hesitate to share it with me. And I will update this post at my convenience.

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WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro

1. Convert video/music to 500+ optimized presets.

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