How to Open, Edit, and Convert AVC Files

 What to Know

• Your AVC file is either a Kaspersky virus database, Avid Media Composer script, or AVTECH video.
• All of these files open differently. For example, a text editor should open an AVC script.
• VideoPlayer can convert an AVTECH video to AVI. Avid Media Composer might also support conversions.

This article describes the three formats that use the AVC file extension, including how to open and convert each kind.

What Is an AVC File?

A file with the AVC file extension is most likely a database file that the Kaspersky antivirus software uses to store information regarding updates to the program. They're normally named with an update number, like base008.avc.

If your file isn't associated with Kaspersky, it may instead be an Avid Media Composer script. These files are created with the Script Window in Avid Media Composer and contain transcripts that are meant to be joined with a video.

Although they're not as common as the formats we already mentioned, some AVC files could be video files stored on AVTECH DVRs or cameras.

AVC also stands for Advanced Video Coding, which is a common video compression standard. Similar is the AVCHD video file format for storing high-definition video content.

How to Open an AVC File

Kaspersky virus database files are used by Kaspersky's antivirus programs, but it's unlikely that it opens through the program's menus like you'd open a document or other readily usable file. They're probably instead just used by those products on an as-needed basis without any intention of being opened by you.

Avid Media Composer opens AVC files that are transcripts. You might also be able to use CyberLink PowerDVD and Sony's Vegas Pro. Since they are scripts, it's possible a text editor may be able to read them too.

An AVTECH video isn't a common video format, so we doubt a regular video player or editor can play one. We'd normally recommend a popular program like VLC, but in this case, we think the best option would be to use the software that came with the AVTECH hardware. AVTECH's CMS software download page might help.

How to Convert an AVC File

It's unlikely, and frankly unnecessary, to convert a virus database file, but the other two formats are likely able to be converted to other file formats.

If Avid Media Composer scripts can be converted, it's probably possible with any of those programs mentioned above. Once the file is open, try using a File > Save As or an Export menu to convert the file to some other format.

If your AVC file is a video file used with an AVTECH product, you can convert it to AVI (a much more common video format) with VideoPlayer. This program can also convert some other obscure video formats like AVZ, DVD4, DVD5, EDB, STREAM, VS4, VSE, 787, and DVR files.

You might also be able to convert an AVTECH AVC file using a free video converter, but none of the ones we typically recommend explicitly say so. If that doesn't work out, use VideoPlayer to make an AVI file and then use one of those converter tools to convert that AVI file to a different format like MP4, MOV, or whatever you're after.

Still Can't Open It?

If your file doesn't seem to work with any of the programs mentioned on this page, either when playing/opening the file or trying to convert it, verify you correctly identified the file extension. There are lots of file extensions that share the same letters/numbers, so mixing them up is easy.

For example, ACV uses the same three letters, only in a different order. If that's the file you have, you'd need a totally different program on your computer in order to open it.

If you know your file has the .AVC file extension, try looking through the file as if it were a text document, using a text editor like Windows Notepad. You might find some information at the very top or bottom that describes the format, which you can then use to research what, exactly, was used to make the file or what can open it.

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