Y4M File Extension

What is Y4M file?

Full format name of files that use Y4M extension is YUV4MPEG2 Video Format. Y4M file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. Y4M file format, along with 546 other file formats, belongs to the Video Files category. FFmpeg supports Y4M files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 3 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support Y4M file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with Y4M files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with Y4M extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with Y4M extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening Y4M files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to YUV4MPEG2 Video Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the FFmpeg

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening Y4M files is that no program that can handle Y4M files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select FFmpeg or one of the recommended programs (for example, y4mzip) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support Y4M files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading FFmpeg installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update FFmpeg to the latest version

You still cannot access Y4M files although FFmpeg is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why Y4M files are not compatible with FFmpeg. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using FFmpeg.

Step 3. Associate YUV4MPEG2 Video Format files with FFmpeg

After installing FFmpeg (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open Y4M files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the Y4M file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where FFmpeg is installed, check the Always use this app to open Y4M files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected Y4M file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with Y4M extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the Y4M is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the Y4M file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the Y4M in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the Y4M file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the Y4M file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with Y4M extension is complete and error-free

If the Y4M file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with Y4M extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the YUV4MPEG2 Video Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run FFmpeg

If the systems has insufficient resources to open Y4M files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with YUV4MPEG2 Video Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with Y4M files affecting older versions of given software.

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