As far as I know there is no avi/ mpeg straight to an ani file program... The process involves breaking the avi/ mpeg down to frames... Either way for EFF or ani's.... The EFF is similar to a table in nature, and addresses the numbered jpg's/bmp/ or whatever format you choose for the picture with the disired frame rates... Where to create an ani file involves using the program provided by volition (link given by Omni) in which the file has to be pcx format and 256 color resolution... There are pros and cons between the 2 formats... EFF pros are 1 easier to create because of tbl format (allows you to keep the frames in a folder, and addressed as such in the tbl.... 2 Higher colors which means you can preserve detail with less effort... Cons 1 it is a memory hog because of the fact the FS2 engine has to load each frame in to memory 2 no compression.... Ani files pros are 1 they are not too hard on the memory.... 2 it is one file, and lastly it has a small amount of compression (very little, but it is some)... Cons are 1 loss of details because of limit of 256 colors.... 2 is a pain in the ares to get right and convert.... Lastly, it takes a bit of practice to use the ani program in order to get the desired result.... There is a default setting to the ani program. It really depends what you are going to use the animation for.... With any animation project, take a look at finished animations in your area of interest first before commencing with projects like this... Feel free to ask us again to help give you direction for a successful project! Have fun, and good luck!