How to Download, Install, and Use VLC Media Player on Mac

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source multimedia player known for its ability to play virtually any audio or video file format. It’s lightweight, highly versatile, and works seamlessly on macOS. This guide will walk you through how to download, install, and use VLC on your Mac.

Step 1: Download VLC Media Player

1. Visit the Official VLC Website:
   • Open a browser and go to the VLC official website.
2. Download the macOS Version:
   • On the homepage, click the Download VLC button.
   • The website will detect your operating system and provide the correct version for macOS.
3. Verify the Download:
   • The .dmg file will start downloading. Wait for it to complete.

Step 2: Install VLC Media Player on Mac

1. Locate the Downloaded File:
   • Open the Downloads folder or check your browser’s download manager for the VLC .dmg file.
2. Open the Installation File:
   • Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to open the installer.
3. Drag VLC to Applications:
   • A window will appear with the VLC icon and a shortcut to the Applications folder.
   • Drag the VLC icon into the Applications folder.
4. Eject the Installer:
   • Once VLC is installed, right-click the VLC installer on your desktop and select Eject.
5. Launch VLC:
   • Open the Applications folder, find VLC, and double-click to launch it.
   • If prompted with a security message, click Open to confirm.

Step 3: Set VLC as the Default Media Player (Optional)

1. Select a Media File:
   • Locate any video or audio file on your Mac.
2. Change Default Player:
   • Right-click on the file and select Get Info.
   • Under Open With, select VLC Media Player from the dropdown menu.
   • Click Change All to apply this setting for all files of the same type.

Step 4: Use VLC Media Player

Play a Media File

1. Open VLC by double-clicking its icon in the Applications folder or Dock.
2. Drag and drop a media file into the VLC window, or:
   • Click File > Open File in the menu bar.
   • Select the media file you want to play.

Control Playback

• Use the on-screen controls to:
  • Play, pause, or stop the video.
  • Adjust volume.
  • Skip forward or backward.

Play Online Streams

1. Open VLC and go to File > Open Network.
2. Enter the URL of the stream you want to play.
3. Click Open to start streaming.

Add Subtitles

1. Load a video file in VLC.
2. Go to Subtitle > Add Subtitle File from the menu bar.
3. Choose the subtitle file and click Open.

Key Features of VLC on Mac

1. Wide Format Support:
   • Plays almost all video and audio formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, FLAC, and more.
2. Subtitle Support:
   • Automatically detects subtitles or allows manual addition.
3. Streaming:
   • Supports playing content directly from online URLs.
4. Customizable Interface:
   • Modify skins and settings to suit your preferences.
5. Advanced Tools:
   • Convert media files, record screen activity, or adjust playback speed.

Updating VLC on Mac

To keep VLC running smoothly and up-to-date with the latest features:

1. Open VLC.
2. Go to VLC > Check for Updates in the menu bar.
3. Follow the prompts to download and install the latest version.

Uninstalling VLC from Mac

If you need to remove VLC:

1. Open the Applications folder.
2. Drag the VLC icon to the Trash.
3. Empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation.

FAQs

1. Is VLC safe to download on Mac?

Yes, as long as you download it from the official VLC website, it’s safe to use.

2. Can VLC play DVDs on Mac?

Yes, VLC can play DVDs. Insert a DVD into your Mac, open VLC, and select Media > Open Disc.

3. Does VLC support streaming services?

Yes, VLC can stream content from online sources. Use File > Open Network to input the streaming URL.

4. Can VLC convert video formats?

Yes, VLC includes a video conversion tool. Go to File > Convert/Stream, select the file, and choose the desired output format.

5. How do I add additional codecs to VLC?

VLC already includes most codecs, so you typically don’t need to add anything manually.

Conclusion

VLC Media Player is a versatile tool that every Mac user should have. With its ability to play almost any file format, support for streaming, and advanced features, VLC is a one-stop solution for your media playback needs. Follow this guide to install and start using VLC on your Mac today