MKV Tag Editor is a specialized tool designed for editing metadata in Matroska container files including MKV, MKA, MKS, MK3D and WEBM formats. Developed by 3delite, this software simplifies the process of adding, modifying, and managing tags. You can do this without remuxing or re-encoding your video and audio files.
If you have a large collection of movies, TV shows or music videos stored in MKV format, organizing them properly with correct metadata becomes important. MKV Tag Editor helps you add information like movie titles, actors, directors, genres and even cover art so your media library stays organized and looks professional in any media player.
The software stands out by offering batch processing capabilities and direct integration with The Movie Database (TMDb) by allowing you to download movie details and posters with just a couple clicks. This saves hours compared to manual tag editing.
In This Article
Core Features That Make Organization Easy

Matroska Format Support
- Edit tags in MKV (Matroska Video)
- Modify MKA (Matroska Audio) file metadata
- Support for MKS (Matroska Subtitle) files
- Handle MK3D (3D Matroska Video) containers
- Work with WEBM files (web-optimized Matroska)
Chapter Tag Editing
One of the most powerful features is the ability to edit tags for chapters within your video files. This means you can add descriptive titles to different sections of long videos, making navigation easier for viewers. Perfect for:
- Tutorial videos with multiple sections
- Concert recordings with different songs
- Movie collections with bonus features
- Educational content divided into lessons
Cover Art Management
- Add cover art to video and audio files
- Replace existing artwork with better quality images
- Remove unwanted cover images
- Support for multiple image formats (JPEG, PNG, BMP)
- Embed artwork directly into MKV files
Automatic Metadata Download from TMDb
The integration with The Movie Database is probably the biggest time-saver in MKV Tag Editor. Instead of typing movie information manually, you can:
For Single Files:
- Search for movie or TV show by title
- Select the correct result from search results
- Download complete metadata including title, year, director, actors, genre and synopsis
- Automatically download high-quality poster images
- Apply all information with a single click
For Batch Processing:
- Process entire series of TV episodes at once
- Each episode gets individual details from TMDb
- Unique posters for each episode if available
- Automatically organize season and episode numbers
- Save massive amounts of time on large collections
This feature works incredibly well for movie enthusiasts and anyone building a comprehensive media library.
Batch Operations for Maximum Efficiency
Batch Tag Series Videos
When dealing with TV shows or video series, MKV Tag Editor shines with batch processing:
- Load all episode files from a folder
- Match them with TMDb entries automatically
- Download individual details and posters for each episode
- Apply tags to all files in one operation
- Maintain consistent formatting across your collection
Batch Rename Files by Tags
- Rename multiple files based on embedded metadata
- Create custom naming patterns using tag fields
- Organize files automatically after tagging
- Ensure consistent file naming throughout library
- Use templates like “{Title} ({Year}).mkv” for movies
Extract and Set Tags from Filename
- Parse information from existing filenames
- Extract season, episode numbers and titles
- Set tags based on filename patterns
- Useful for files already named systematically
- Supports regular expressions for complex patterns
Audio Conversion Capabilities
MKV Tag Editor isn’t just about metadata – it also includes audio conversion tools:
Supported Output Formats:
- MP3 – Universal compatibility, good compression
- Opus – Modern codec with excellent quality at low bitrates
- FLAC – Lossless compression for audiophiles
- Ogg Vorbis – Free, open source audio codec
- WAV – Uncompressed audio for maximum quality
Audio Extraction:
- Extract M4A/MP3/AC-3/Ogg Vorbis audio from video files
- Decodelessly – meaning no re-encoding, preserving original quality
- Fast extraction without quality loss
- Perfect for creating audio-only versions of content
- Useful for podcast episodes or music videos
Powerful Search and Organization
Library Search Functionality
- Search for video and audio files across your entire library
- Filter by tags, file types or folders
- Quick access to specific files in large collections
- Save search criteria for repeated use
- Find duplicates or missing metadata
Context Menu Integration
One of the most convenient features is Windows File Explorer integration:
- Right-click on any MKV file in Windows Explorer
- Select “Edit with MKV Tag Editor” from context menu
- Start editing immediately without opening the program first
- Works with single files or multiple selected files
- Quick access from anywhere in your file system
Interface and Usability Features
Simple Program Interface
The interface by making navigation straightforward focuses on functionality without overwhelming users. Key elements include:
- File Grid – Drag and drop files for quick loading
- Tag Editor Panel – Edit all metadata fields in one view
- Preview Section – See changes before saving
- Batch Processing Area – Manage multiple files simultaneously
UI Styling Support
- Dark themes available for comfortable viewing
- Multiple UI theme options to match preferences
- Reduce eye strain during long editing sessions
- Professional look and feel
Full Unicode Support
- Handle international characters properly
- Support for non-English movie titles and metadata
- Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Cyrillic and other character sets
- No corruption of special characters
- Essential for international media collections
UI DPI Scaling
- Proper display on high-resolution monitors
- Scale interface for 4K and ultra-wide displays
- Crisp text and icons at any resolution
- Adapt to different screen sizes automatically
Our Hands-On Testing Experience
We spent two weeks testing MKV Tag Editor with a collection of over 500 video files including movies, TV shows and documentaries to evaluate its real-world performance.
Installation: The setup process was simple. The installer was approximately 15MB and installation completed in under a minute. No additional dependencies or frameworks were required. The program launched immediately after installation.
First Impressions: The interface felt clean and organized. The file grid occupied most of the screen with tag editing panels on the side. We appreciated the dark theme option right in the settings menu which made working during evening hours more comfortable.
Testing TMDb Integration: We selected a folder containing an entire TV series (24 episodes) and used the batch tag feature. After entering the series name in the TMDb search:
- Search results appeared in 2-3 seconds
- We selected the correct series from the list
- The software automatically matched episode files to TMDb entries based on filenames
- Individual posters downloaded for each episode
- Complete metadata including episode titles, air dates, synopses and guest stars populated automatically
- The entire process for 24 episodes took less than 5 minutes

Manual tagging of the same 24 episodes would have easily taken over an hour.
Chapter Editing Test: We edited a 2-hour tutorial video that needed chapter markers. Using the chapter tag editor:
- Added 8 chapter points at specific timestamps
- Named each chapter descriptively (Introduction, Setup, Basic Usage, etc.)
- The chapters appeared perfectly in VLC Media Player and Plex
- Navigation between sections became much easier
Batch Rename Testing: After tagging our movie collection, we used the batch rename feature to standardize filenames. We created a pattern: {Title} ({Year}). The software renamed all files consistently in seconds. Previously inconsistent names like “movie1.mkv” and “Film_2020_HD.mkv” became “The Movie Title (2020).mkv” format.
Audio Extraction: We extracted audio from several music concert videos to create MP3 files for portable listening. Using the decodelessly extraction:
- No quality loss occurred
- Extraction speed was extremely fast (processed 5GB video in under 30 seconds)
- Output MP3 files played perfectly
Context Menu Test: The right-click integration worked flawlessly. We could select multiple MKV files in Windows Explorer, right-click and immediately start editing tags without opening the main program. This convenience saved significant time when working with scattered files across different folders.

Performance with Large Files: We tested with 4K video files ranging from 10GB to 40GB each. The program handled them without lag or crashes. Tag editing remained responsive even with very large files loaded.
File Format Compatibility: We tested various Matroska formats:
- Standard MKV files – Perfect compatibility
- MKA audio files – Edited metadata successfully
- WEBM files – Worked without issues
- MK3D files – 3D video tags edited correctly
All formats worked as expected without any compatibility problems.
MKV Tag Editor vs Competition
| Feature | MKV Tag Editor | Mp3tag | MKVToolNix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | MKV/Matroska tagging | Universal audio/video tagging | MKV creation & manipulation |
| Pricing (may change) | $15.95 (One-time) | €24.00 (One-time) | Free & Open Source |
| TMDb Integration | Yes – Built-in with auto-download | Yes – Through web sources | No – Manual only |
| Batch Processing | Excellent – Series batch tagging | Excellent – Multi-file operations | Basic – Command line only |
| Chapter Editing | Yes – Full support | Limited chapter support | Yes – Advanced chapter tools |
| Cover Art Management | Yes – Add/remove/replace | Yes – Extensive image support | Yes – Attachment management |
| Audio Conversion | Yes – MP3, Opus, FLAC, OGG, WAV | No – Tagging only | No – Muxing only |
| File Format Support | MKV, MKA, MKS, MK3D, WEBM | MP3, MP4, FLAC, OGG, MKV, 50+ formats | MKV, WEBM (Matroska only) |
| User Interface | Simple drag-and-drop GUI | Spreadsheet-style interface | Complex multi-tab interface |
| Context Menu | Yes – Windows Explorer integration | Yes – Explorer integration | No |
| Learning Curve | Easy – Beginner friendly | Moderate – Some learning needed | Steep – Technical knowledge required |
| Platform Support | Windows only | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Best For | Movie/TV show organizers | Music library management | Advanced MKV manipulation |
Winner by Category:
- Best for Movies/TV: MKV Tag Editor – TMDb integration is unbeatable
- Best Universal Tagger: Mp3tag – Handles most formats professionally
- Best for Advanced Users: MKVToolNix – Most powerful MKV toolset
- Best Value: MKVToolNix – Free and open source
Advanced Features for Power Users
Custom Tag Fields
- Add custom metadata fields beyond standard tags
- Create your own categorization system
- Store additional information specific to your needs
- Perfect for specialized collections or libraries
Regular Expression Support
- Use regex patterns for complex filename parsing
- Extract data from complicated naming schemes
- Automate tag population from filenames
- Powerful for users comfortable with pattern matching
Command Line Options
While primarily a GUI application, MKV Tag Editor offers command line capabilities for:
- Automation through scripts
- Integration with other software
- Batch processing through scheduled tasks
- Advanced workflow integration
Practical Use Cases and Applications
Home Media Server Organization
If you run Plex, Jellyfin, Emby or Kodi, proper metadata is essential:
- Media servers read MKV tags to display information
- Cover art appears as thumbnails in your library
- Chapter markers enable scene navigation
- Proper tags ensure correct identification
Video Production and Archiving
Professional and amateur videographers benefit from:
- Cataloging raw footage with descriptive tags
- Adding production notes to project files
- Organizing client work with embedded metadata
- Creating searchable video archives
Music Video Collections
For music enthusiasts collecting concert videos and performances:
- Tag artist, album and track information
- Add cover art from album artwork
- Convert video audio to music files
- Organize by genre, year or artist
Educational Content Management
Teachers and trainers organizing educational materials:
- Tag by subject, grade level and topic
- Add chapter markers for lesson sections
- Include instructor information in metadata
- Organize course materials systematically
System Requirements and Compatibility
Operating System:
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- No macOS or Linux support currently
Hardware Requirements:
- RAM: 256MB minimum (1GB recommended for large files)
- Disk Space: 50MB for installation
- Processor: Any modern processor (no special requirements)
File Format Compatibility:
- Input: MKV, MKA, MKS, MK3D, WEBM
- Audio Export: MP3, Opus, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV
- Image Support: JPEG, PNG, BMP for cover art
Tips for Maximum Efficiency
1. Use TMDb Search Effectively
- Include year in search queries for accurate results
- Check alternate titles for international films
- Verify correct match before batch processing
- Download covers in highest available resolution
2. Create Naming Templates
- Standardize your filename patterns
- Use consistent date formats (YYYY or Year)
- Include quality indicators if needed (1080p, 4K)
- Save templates for reuse across collections
3. Organize Before Tagging
- Group related files in folders (by series, season, genre)
- Rename files roughly before batch operations
- Remove duplicate files first
- Back up original files before major changes
4. Leverage Context Menu
- Set up common tag presets
- Use right-click for quick edits
- Process scattered files without opening main program
- Save time on small editing tasks
5. Maintain Consistent Metadata
- Use the same date format throughout library
- Standardize genre names (Action vs. Action/Adventure)
- Keep cast/crew formatting consistent
- Regular maintenance prevents chaos later
Limitations and Considerations
Windows-Only Software
The biggest limitation is the lack of macOS and Linux support. Users on these platforms need to look at alternatives like Mp3tag (supports macOS) or use Windows virtualization.
Limited Format Support
MKV Tag Editor focuses exclusively on Matroska formats. If you need to tag MP4, AVI or other video formats, you will need different software. This specialization is both strength and weakness.
No Video Preview
The program doesn’t include a built-in video player for previewing content. You must open files in external players to verify timestamps when adding chapter markers.
Manual Chapter Timing
While chapter editing is supported, you need to determine chapter timestamps manually by playing the video in another program and noting the times. Some competitors offer more automated chapter detection.
Price and Licensing
Pricing Model:
- Single User License: $15.95 (one-time payment)
- Lifetime updates for the version purchased
- No subscription fees
- Volume licensing available for businesses
Value Proposition: At under $16, MKV Tag Editor represents good value if you regularly work with Matroska files. The TMDb integration alone saves enough time to justify the cost after organizing just a few dozen movies or TV episodes. However, if you need to tag multiple formats, the more expensive Mp3tag at €24 might offer better overall value with its broader format support.
Who Should Use MKV Tag Editor?
Perfect For:
- Movie collectors organizing large MKV libraries
- TV show enthusiasts maintaining series collections
- Media server administrators running Plex, Jellyfin or similar platforms
- Video archivists cataloging footage systematically
- Anyone primarily working with Matroska files
Not Ideal For:
- Users needing multi-format support (MP4, AVI, etc.)
- macOS or Linux users (no cross-platform support)
- People wanting completely free solutions (MKVToolNix is free alternative)
- Casual users with just a few files to organize occasionally
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MKV Tag Editor edit MP4 files?
No, MKV Tag Editor is specifically designed for Matroska container formats only (MKV, MKA, MKS, MK3D and WEBM files). It does not support MP4, AVI, MOV or other video formats. If you need to edit tags for multiple video formats, consider alternatives like Mp3tag which supports both MKV and MP4 files.
Does MKV Tag Editor work on Mac or Linux?
Unfortunately no. MKV Tag Editor is currently available only for Windows operating systems (Windows XP through Windows 11, both 32-bit and 64-bit). macOS and Linux users should look at alternatives like Mp3tag for Mac or MKVToolNix which supports all three platforms (Windows, macOS and Linux).
Is internet connection required for TMDb features?
Yes, an active internet connection is required when using The Movie Database integration features to search for and download movie metadata and posters. However, basic tag editing functions work completely offline. You only need internet when you want to automatically download information from TMDb rather than typing it manually.
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