What’s a Codec? (And Why Wrappers Matter Too) | Explain Like You’re 5 with Doug Cavaliere

What’s the difference between a codec and a wrapper? Doug Cavaliere breaks it down in the simplest way possible. In this quick, clear explanation, he compares codecs to the compression method used when creating a file, and wrappers to the file extension that tells your computer what to open it with (like .mov or .mxf).

If you've ever been confused by video formats or editing software errors, this is your plain-English intro to the building blocks of media files.

Topics

• Codec vs. wrapper: what’s the difference?
• How compression affects media files
• Why file extensions matter in post-production
• Media file structure explained simply
• Common formats like .mxf and .mov

Quotes

• “You want to know what a codec is? Explain it like you're five.”
• “Codecs are chosen at creation—they define the compression.”
• “Wrappers are file extensions. They tell your computer which app to open.”
• “Think of it as the difference between what’s inside and the container it comes in.”

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