AnyDesk stores session recordings in a proprietary .anydesk file format that can only be played back within the AnyDesk application. Because there is no native "Export to MP4" button or official conversion tool, you must use a screen capture method to create a shareable video file. Method 1: The "Re-Record" Technique (Recommended)
This is the most reliable way to convert the proprietary file into a standard format.
Open the Recording: Launch AnyDesk and go to the Recordings tab (found via the Main Menu or the folder icon in settings).
Prepare the Screen Recorder: Open a third-party screen recording tool such as OBS Studio or the built-in Windows Game Bar (Win + G). Align and Play:
Set your recording software to capture the specific window where AnyDesk is playing the video.
Press Record on your screen recorder, then immediately press Play on the AnyDesk recording.
Save as MP4: Once the session finishes, stop the screen recording. Most modern recorders like OBS Studio allow you to save or remux the file directly to .mp4. Method 2: Third-Party Online Converters
Some users have reported success using online tools that claim compatibility with .anydesk files, though results can vary based on the specific codec used during the original recording.
Flixier Online Converter: Specifically lists support for uploading and converting AnyDesk recordings directly in the browser.
VEED.IO: An alternative online platform that supports various proprietary formats. Comparison of Tools How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
The Guide to Converting AnyDesk Recordings to MP4 AnyDesk is an industry leader for remote access, but its session recording feature comes with a major caveat: it saves files in a proprietary
format that only works within the AnyDesk app. If you need to share a recording with a client or team member who doesn't use the software, you'll need to convert it to a universal format like
Since AnyDesk does not currently offer an official built-in export or conversion tool, you must use one of the following "workaround" methods to get the job done. Method 1: The Re-Recording Strategy (Most Reliable) Because the
file is more like a data log of remote actions than a standard video file, common converters like
often fail to recognize it. The most effective "conversion" is actually re-recording the playback.
Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 is a common challenge because AnyDesk uses a proprietary .anydesk file format and the DeskRT codec, which can only be played back within the AnyDesk client. Currently, there is no official built-in conversion tool within AnyDesk to export these files directly to MP4.
To "convert" these files so they work on any player, you must use one of the following reliable workarounds: Method 1: The Re-Recording Strategy (Most Reliable)
Since the .anydesk format is proprietary, the most effective "conversion" method is to play the recording in the AnyDesk client and capture it using a third-party screen recorder that exports directly to MP4.
Open the Recording: Locate your session recording (typically in %homepath%\Videos\AnyDesk on Windows) and open it with the AnyDesk application.
Use a Screen Recorder: Launch a tool like OBS Studio or MiniTool Video Converter.
Configure Output: Set the recording format to MP4 and the codec to H.264 for maximum compatibility.
Capture: Put the AnyDesk player in full-screen mode, start your screen recorder, and play the session from start to finish.
Finalize: Once finished, stop the screen recorder. You now have a standard MP4 file ready for sharing. Method 2: Online Conversion Tools
Some advanced online platforms claim to support the upload and conversion of .anydesk files, though results can vary depending on the specific AnyDesk version used. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Technical Report: Converting AnyDesk Session Recordings to MP4
Report Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Methodology for converting native AnyDesk video files (.anydesk) to standard MP4 format.
If you must use AnyDesk’s format, set up a script using the GitHub converter to run nightly and convert all .anydesk files in a folder.
Does it work? ✅ Yes, but only in AnyDesk 7.0 and later.
Most users do not realize that AnyDesk added a native export tool. Here is the correct workflow: convert anydesk video to mp4 work
Always keep the original .aa file as a backup. Converted MP4 files are compressed and may lose some metadata (timestamps, cursor tracking).
AnyDesk's native session recordings are saved in a proprietary .anydesk format that can typically only be viewed within the AnyDesk client. Since there is no official "Export to MP4" button within the software, you must use a workaround to make these files shareable and playable on standard media players. 1. Direct Conversion with Online Tools
The fastest way to convert these proprietary files without installing heavy software is to use cloud-based converters that specifically support the AnyDesk format.
Flixier Online Converter: Upload your .anydesk file directly to the browser, and it can process it into an MP4 for instant download. 2. Using Desktop Media Players (VLC)
If you prefer an offline solution, the VLC Media Player is a powerful free tool for this task: Open VLC and navigate to Media > Convert / Save. Click Add to select your AnyDesk recording. Click Convert / Save at the bottom. In the Profile dropdown, select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Choose your destination file and click Start. 3. The "Record-the-Recorder" Workaround
If a converter fails to recognize the file due to specific codec versions, users often use a secondary recording tool like OBS Studio or dedicated capture software:
Open your recording in the AnyDesk player and pause it at the start. Launch a screen recorder (like OBS or Any Video Converter). Select the AnyDesk playback window as the source.
Play the video while the secondary software records it directly into MP4 format. Why Convert to MP4?
As of early 2026, AnyDesk does not offer an official built-in tool to directly convert its proprietary .anydesk session recordings into MP4 files. These files are encoded with the DeskRT codec and are designed to be played back only within the AnyDesk client itself.
However, you can successfully "convert" these recordings using the community-verified workarounds below. 🛠️ Recommended Conversion Methods 1. Re-record with Screen Capture (Most Reliable)
Since there is no direct file converter, the standard method used by IT professionals is to play the recording in AnyDesk and capture it with a second recording tool.
OBS Studio: A free, open-source tool. Set it to "Window Capture," target the AnyDesk playback window, and hit record. It saves directly to MP4.
Windows Game Bar: Press Win + G while the AnyDesk recording is playing to use the built-in Windows screen recorder.
VLC Media Player: While it cannot open .anydesk files directly, it can be used for screen recording or "remuxing" if you manage to capture the raw stream. 2. Online Converters
Some third-party web tools claim to handle AnyDesk files, though success rates vary due to the proprietary codec.
AnyDesk stores session recordings in its proprietary file format, which is only playable through the AnyDesk client. Currently, no official built-in tool to export or convert these files directly to MP4
To get an MP4 version of your recording, you must use one of the following manual workarounds: 1. Screen Capture Re-recording (Most Reliable)
The most common way to "convert" the file is to play the recording in the AnyDesk Session Player and record your screen using third-party software. OBS Studio OBS Studio
, select your AnyDesk playback window as the source, and hit "Start Recording" while you play the session. Debug Video Capture : Some users use specialized software like Debut Video Capture
to select the exact video resolution and record the playback in real-time. 2. Third-Party Online Converters
While many standard converters cannot read the .anydesk format, some specialized online tools claim compatibility: : You can try uploading your .anydesk file directly to the Flixier online converter to see if it can process the DT Codec used by AnyDesk. 3. Advanced Decoding with FFmpeg
If you are comfortable with command-line tools, you can attempt to decode the file using
. Some users have reported success by running a simple command to see if FFmpeg can recognize the stream: ffmpeg -i your_session_file.anydesk output.mp4 Helpful Tips Finding your files : By default, recordings are saved in %homepath%\Videos\AnyDesk on Windows or ~/.anydesk/AnyDesk Recording directly to MP4
: Since AnyDesk doesn't support this yet, it is often easier to use OBS Studio
to record future remote sessions directly into MP4 instead of using the built-in AnyDesk recorder. AnyDesk Help Center OBS Studio to record your next AnyDesk session automatically? How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Converting AnyDesk session recordings (stored in the format) to MP4 is a common request because AnyDesk uses a proprietary format that only plays back within the AnyDesk client itself. AnyDesk Help Center Currently, there is no official "Export to MP4" button
or built-in converter within AnyDesk. Below is a detailed review of the most effective workaround, which involves screen recording the playback. The Standard Workaround: Re-recording the Session file is not a standard video file that tools like
can process, the only reliable way to get an MP4 is to record the playback session using third-party software. Universal Compatibility : Results in a standard MP4 file playable on any device. AnyDesk stores session recordings in a proprietary
: You can choose specific segments of the session to record rather than the entire file. : Can be done using free tools like OBS Studio Windows Game Bar (Win+G) Debut Video Capture Time Consuming
: You must play the entire recording in real-time to capture it. Quality Loss
: Re-recording can lead to a slight drop in visual quality or frame rate compared to the original session. Manual Effort
: Requires setting up recording boundaries to ensure the AnyDesk UI (like play/pause buttons) isn't captured. Recommended Tools for Conversion
If you choose the re-recording method, these tools are highly rated for the task: Ease of Use OBS Studio High-quality, professional captures OBS Project Debut Video Capture
Simple home use; allows full-screen capture without watermarks NCH Software Converting screen recordings to MP4 HandBrake.fr Step-by-Step "Conversion" Guide Open AnyDesk : Access your recordings via the Folder icon in the AnyDesk menu. Prepare Playback : Open the
file and pause it at the start. Enter full-screen mode to hide playback controls. Set Up Recorder
: Open your chosen screen recorder (e.g., OBS or Debut) and select the AnyDesk window as the source. on your software, then hit in AnyDesk.
: Once finished, stop the recording. Most modern capture tools will save directly to MP4 by default. Warning on "Online Converters" Be cautious of websites claiming to convert
files online. Because the format is proprietary and requires the AnyDesk engine to render, many of these sites are either ineffective or pose security risks like malware and phishing. free screen recording software that doesn't require a high-end PC to run? How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 is not natively supported by the software as of July 2025 . AnyDesk uses a proprietary
file format (encoded with the DT Codec) that is primarily designed to be played back only within the AnyDesk client. AnyDesk Help Center The "Conversion" Reality No Direct Converter:
There is no official built-in tool or button within AnyDesk to "Export as MP4". Third-Party Workarounds:
Most users who successfully "convert" these files are actually re-recording AnyDesk Help Center Top Methods to Get an MP4 Ease of Use OBS Studio / Screen Recorder file in the AnyDesk player and use OBS Studio or Windows Game Bar ( ) to record the playback screen. Flixier Online Converter Some online tools like claim to support direct
uploads for conversion, though success may vary by file size and codec version. Direct Recording (Alternative)
Instead of using AnyDesk's internal recorder, use a tool like
or OBS to record your session from the start; these save directly to MP4. Review Summary
Native recordings have extremely small file sizes and do not impact session performance.
Lack of MP4 export is a major pain point for users; the internal player is often described as buggy and lacks smooth fast-forwarding or easy sharing capabilities. AnyDesk Help Center
If you need to share your recordings with others who don't have AnyDesk, don't rely on the built-in recorder. Use a third-party screen recorder
(like OBS) from the beginning to save yourself the hassle of re-recording the session later. step-by-step guide
on how to set up OBS to capture your AnyDesk sessions automatically? Record a remote session - AnyDesk Help Center
To convert an AnyDesk session recording to MP4, you generally have two main paths: using a dedicated online converter or re-recording the session. AnyDesk recordings are natively saved in a proprietary .anydesk format and cannot be played in standard media players like VLC without conversion. 1. Online Conversion Method
This is the fastest "no-software" way to handle the conversion.
Use Flixier: You can upload .anydesk files directly to the Flixier Online Converter to convert them to MP4 in a few clicks.
General Online Converters: While many sites like FreeConvert or Online-Convert handle standard formats, check if they explicitly support the .anydesk extension before uploading. 2. The Re-Recording Workaround
Since AnyDesk lacks a built-in "Export as MP4" button, many users use a screen recorder while playing the original session back.
Open AnyDesk: Open the session recording file you wish to convert. Method 1: The Official (But Hidden) AnyDesk Export
Use Screen Recording Software: Use a tool like OBS Studio or even the built-in Windows Game Bar (Win + G).
Record and Play: Start the screen recorder, then play the AnyDesk recording in full screen.
Save as MP4: The recording software will save the output directly as a standard MP4 file. 3. Converting MP4 to "Proper Text" (Transcription)
If "proper text" refers to a written transcript of the video content, you can use AI-driven tools after you have the MP4 file:
How to Convert AnyDesk Recordings to MP4: A Quick Guide If you've ever recorded a remote session using AnyDesk, you probably noticed the output file ends in .anydesk. While this format is great for playback within the app, it’s not exactly "share-friendly" for platforms like YouTube, Slack, or email.
Because AnyDesk uses a unique DT Codec, there is no "Save As MP4" button built directly into the software. However, you can still get your video into a standard format using the workarounds below. 1. Use an Online Converter (Easiest)
The fastest way to convert without installing heavy software is using a browser-based tool. Sites like Flixier claim to support direct uploads of .anydesk files for conversion to MP4. Step 1: Go to the Flixier Video Converter. Step 2: Upload your .anydesk recording.
Step 3: Export the file as an MP4 once the processing is complete. 2. The "Re-Recording" Method (Most Reliable)
If a direct converter fails due to codec issues, the most reliable "pro" method is to record the playback of your session using a third-party tool like OBS Studio or specialized capture software.
Open AnyDesk: Load your recorded session within the AnyDesk client.
Set Up Capture: Open a tool like OBS Studio and select "Window Capture" for the AnyDesk playback window.
Record & Play: Hit record on your capture software and press play on the AnyDesk session.
Tip: Ensure you don't move your cursor over the video or minimize the window during this process, as it will capture everything on that screen area.
Save: Once the session ends, stop the recording. OBS typically saves files as MKV or MP4 by default. 3. Desktop Software Alternatives
If you prefer a dedicated desktop app, Any Video Converter is available on the Microsoft Store and supports a wide range of formats. While it may not always recognize the proprietary .anydesk container, it is a great tool to have if you manage to extract the raw video stream first. Pro Tip: Record Directly to MP4 Next Time
If you find yourself converting often, consider using a third-party screen recorder instead of AnyDesk’s built-in tool. Apps like AirDroid Remote Support or OBS Studio allow you to record your remote desktop sessions directly into MP4, saving you the conversion step entirely.
Do you have a large batch of recordings to convert, or just a single file for now? How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
AnyDesk is a powerful tool for remote work, but its session recordings are stored in a proprietary .anydesk format. This format uses the unique DeskRT codec and can typically only be viewed within the AnyDesk client itself.
If you need to share these recordings or view them on other devices, you’ll need to convert them to a universal format like MP4. Since AnyDesk does not currently offer a built-in "Export to MP4" feature, you must use alternative methods to get the job done. Where Are AnyDesk Recordings Saved?
Before converting, you need to locate your files. By default, AnyDesk saves recordings in the following locations: Windows: %homepath%\Videos\AnyDesk macOS: ~/.anydesk/AnyDesk Linux: ~/Videos/AnyDesk
Method 1: Re-Recording with Third-Party Software (Most Reliable)
The most effective way to "convert" these files is to play the recording in AnyDesk and capture it using a standard screen recorder. This bypasses the compatibility issues of the .anydesk file.
Open the Recording: Launch AnyDesk and open your session recording.
Set Up a Screen Recorder: Use free tools like OBS Studio or the Windows Game Bar. Capture the Playback:
Set your recording software to "Window Capture" and select the AnyDesk session player.
Press Record on your capture software, then Play on the AnyDesk recording.
Stop the capture once the playback finishes. Your new file will be a standard MP4 or AVI. Method 2: Using Online Video Converters
Some modern cloud-based tools claim support for various proprietary formats. While many standard converters (like VLC or Handbrake) struggle with the raw .anydesk extension, specialized platforms may offer compatibility. AnyDesk Help Center Record a remote session - AnyDesk Help Center