In 2025, DVDs remain a cherished medium for movies, home videos, and legacy content. However, as technology evolves, many users want to digitize their DVD collections for easier access, backup, and playback on modern devices. HandBrake, the free and open-source video transcoder, is the go-to tool for this task. Yet, most commercial DVDs come with copy protection, making the process more complex than simply inserting a disc and pressing “Rip.”

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of decrypting and ripping DVDs with HandBrake, including how to handle copy protection, optimize output quality, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you preserve your DVD collection efficiently and legally.

Why Rip DVDs in 2025?

DVDs are becoming obsolete due to the rise of streaming services, digital downloads, and cloud storage. However, there are still compelling reasons to rip your DVD collection:

Preservation:DVDs degrade over time due to scratches, “disc rot,” or manufacturing defects. Ripping them to a digital format ensures your content is preserved for future generations. Physical discs are also vulnerable to loss, theft, or damage, while digital files can be backed up and stored securely on multiple devices or cloud services.
Convenience:Digital files allow you to watch your favorite movies or home videos on any device, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and gaming consoles. No more fumbling with discs or worrying about compatibility issues. You can also create playlists, organize your library, and access your content on the go.
Space-Saving:Physical DVD collections take up valuable space in your home. Digitizing your DVDs frees up shelf space and reduces clutter. A single hard drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can store thousands of movies, making it easier to manage and access your collection.
Customization:Ripping DVDs with HandBrake allows you to customize the output format, quality, and settings to suit your needs. You can choose between MP4 or MKV formats, adjust resolution, bitrate, and subtitles, and even add chapter markers for easier navigation. This level of control ensures your digital copies meet your specific requirements.
Accessibility:Digital files can be easily shared with family and friends, or streamed to devices around your home. You can also use media server software like Plex or Kodi to create a personalized streaming experience, complete with metadata, cover art, and recommendations.

Understanding DVD Encryption and Copy Protection

Most commercial DVDs are protected by encryption and copy protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized copying. The most common types of protection include:

Content Scramble System (CSS):CSS is the most widespread form of DVD encryption. It scrambles the data on the disc, making it unreadable without the correct decryption key. CSS is used on nearly all commercial DVDs and requires specialized software to bypass.
Region Coding:DVDs are often encoded with region codes that restrict playback to specific geographic areas. For example, a DVD purchased in the US (Region 1) may not play on a DVD player purchased in Europe (Region 2). Ripping the DVD removes this restriction, allowing you to play the content on any device, regardless of region.
User Operation Prohibitions (UOPs):UOPs are commands embedded in the DVD that prevent users from skipping certain sections, such as trailers or copyright warnings. While UOPs don’t prevent ripping, they can make the process more cumbersome by forcing you to watch unwanted content before accessing the main feature.
Advanced Protection Schemes:Some DVDs use more advanced protection schemes, such as Sony’s ARccOS or Disney’s X-project DRM. These protections are designed to thwart ripping software by introducing deliberate errors or fake sectors on the disc. While HandBrake and libdvdcss can handle CSS and region coding, they may struggle with these advanced protections. In such cases, you may need to use alternative tools like MakeMKV or VideoProc Converter AI.

What You’ll Need to Rip DVDs with HandBrake

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

HandBrake:Download the latest version of HandBrake from the official website (https://handbrake.fr/). HandBrake is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it’s completely free and open-source.
libdvdcss:libdvdcss is a free library that allows HandBrake to decrypt CSS-protected DVDs. Since HandBrake cannot legally include libdvdcss in its default installation, you’ll need to download and install it separately. Instructions for installing libdvdcss on Windows and Mac are provided later in this guide.
DVD Drive:A DVD drive is required to read the disc. If your computer doesn’t have a built-in DVD drive, you can use an external USB DVD drive, which is inexpensive and widely available.
Sufficient Storage:Ripping DVDs creates large digital files, so ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive or external storage device. A single DVD can require anywhere from 1 GB to 8 GB of space, depending on the quality and length of the content.
Patience:Ripping DVDs can be a time-consuming process, especially for high-quality rips. The time required depends on the speed of your DVD drive, the processing power of your computer, and the settings you choose in HandBrake. Be prepared to let your computer run for several hours if you’re ripping multiple discs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decrypt and Rip DVDs with HandBrake

Step 1: Install HandBrake and libdvdcss

Before you can rip DVDs with HandBrake, you need to install both HandBrake and the libdvdcss library. Here’s how to do it on Windows and Mac:

On Windows:

Download HandBrake:Visit the official HandBrake website (https://handbrake.fr/) and download the latest version for Windows. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Download libdvdcss:libdvdcss is not included with HandBrake due to legal restrictions, so you’ll need to download it separately. Visit the VideoLAN website (https://download.videolan.org/pub/libdvdcss/) and download the latest version of libdvdcss for Windows (e.g., libdvdcss-2.dll).
Install libdvdcss:Copy the downloaded libdvdcss-2.dll file and paste it into the HandBrake installation directory. By default, this is located at C:\Program Files\HandBrake. If you’re using a 64-bit version of HandBrake, paste the file into the HandBrake folder. If you’re using a 32-bit version, paste it into the HandBrake\x86 folder.

On Mac:

Download HandBrake:Visit the official HandBrake website and download the latest version for macOS. Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag HandBrake to your Applications folder to install it.
Install libdvdcss using Homebrew:If you don’t already have Homebrew installed, open Terminal and enter the following command to install it:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Once Homebrew is installed, enter the following command to install libdvdcss:

brew install libdvdcss

Homebrew will download and install libdvdcss automatically.

Step 2: Insert Your DVD and Launch HandBrake

Insert the DVD:Place your DVD into your computer’s DVD drive. If your computer doesn’t have a built-in drive, connect an external USB DVD drive and insert the disc.
Launch HandBrake:Open HandBrake from your Applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (Windows). HandBrake will automatically detect the DVD and display it in the Source Selection window. If the DVD doesn’t appear, click the Source button in the top-left corner and select your DVD drive from the list.

Step 3: Select the Title and Chapters to Rip

DVDs often contain multiple titles, such as the main feature, bonus content, trailers, and deleted scenes. HandBrake will automatically select the longest title, which is usually the main movie. However, you can manually select a different title if you want to rip bonus content or specific chapters.

Choose the Title:In the Title dropdown menu, select the title you want to rip. If you’re unsure which title to choose, play the DVD in a media player and note the title number of the content you want to rip.
Select Chapters:If you only want to rip specific chapters (e.g., a single episode from a TV show DVD), click the Chapters dropdown menu and select the chapters you want to include. You can also choose to rip the entire title by selecting All Chapters.

Step 4: Choose an Output Preset

HandBrake includes a variety of presets to optimize your rip for different devices and purposes. Presets are pre-configured settings for resolution, bitrate, and format, making it easy to get the best results without manually adjusting every setting.

Open the Presets Menu:Click the Presets button on the right side of the HandBrake window to open the presets menu. If you don’t see the presets menu, drag the corner of the HandBrake window to expand it.
Select a Preset:Choose a preset based on your needs:
- General Presets: Use the Fast or Very Fast presets for small file sizes with lower quality, or the HQ (High Quality) or Super HQ presets for better quality with larger file sizes.
- Device-Specific Presets: If you’re ripping for a specific device (e.g., iPhone, Android, Apple TV, or PlayStation), select the corresponding preset from the Devices category.
- Web Presets: If you plan to upload your rip to a video-sharing platform or stream it online, choose a preset from the Web category.
- DVD-Specific Presets: For DVDs, use the 480p preset for NTSC (US) discs or the 576p preset for PAL (Europe) discs.

Step 5: Configure Output Settings

While presets provide a good starting point, you may want to customize the output settings to suit your specific needs. Here are the key settings to consider:

Format:HandBrake supports two main output formats: MP4 and MKV. MP4 is widely compatible with most devices and media players, while MKV offers more advanced features, such as support for multiple audio tracks and subtitles. Choose the format that best suits your needs.
Video Encoder:HandBrake offers several video encoders, including H.264 (x264), H.265 (x265), and MPEG-4. H.264 is the most widely supported and offers a good balance between quality and file size. H.265 provides better compression but may not be supported by all devices.
Quality:Adjust the quality slider to control the balance between file size and video quality. A lower RF (Rate Factor) value results in higher quality but larger file sizes, while a higher RF value results in smaller file sizes but lower quality. For DVDs, an RF value of 18-22 is recommended for a good balance.
Audio and Subtitles:In the Audio and Subtitles tabs, you can select the audio tracks and subtitles you want to include in your rip. You can also adjust the audio encoder, bitrate, and mixdown settings to optimize the audio quality.
Advanced Settings:For advanced users, HandBrake offers a range of additional settings, such as deinterlacing, detelecine, and cropping. These settings can help improve the quality of your rip, but they require some technical knowledge to use effectively.

Step 6: Choose a Save Location and Start Ripping

Select a Save Location:Click the Browse button next to the Save As field to choose where you want to save the ripped file. Select a folder on your hard drive or external storage device and give the file a descriptive name.
Start the Rip:Once you’ve configured all the settings, click the Start Encode button at the top of the HandBrake window to begin ripping the DVD. HandBrake will display a progress bar at the bottom of the window, showing the estimated time remaining and the current status of the rip.
Wait for Completion:Ripping a DVD can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the length of the content, the quality settings, and the processing power of your computer. Be patient and avoid using your computer for other resource-intensive tasks while the rip is in progress.

Step 7: Verify the Rip and Troubleshoot Issues

Once the rip is complete, it’s important to verify that the file plays correctly and that there are no issues with the video or audio. Here’s how to do it:

Play the File:Open the ripped file in a media player (e.g., VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime) and check that the video and audio play smoothly. Pay attention to any artifacts, blockiness, or synchronization issues.
Check the Quality:Compare the quality of the ripped file to the original DVD. If the quality is significantly lower than expected, you may need to adjust the settings in HandBrake and rip the DVD again.
Troubleshoot Common Issues:If you encounter issues during the rip, here are some common problems and their solutions:
- HandBrake Can’t Read the DVD:This is usually due to copy protection or a damaged disc. Ensure that libdvdcss is installed correctly, and try cleaning the DVD or using a different DVD drive. If the issue persists, the DVD may use an advanced protection scheme that libdvdcss can’t handle. In this case, consider using an alternative tool like MakeMKV or VideoProc Converter AI.
- Rip Fails or Crashes:If HandBrake crashes or fails to complete the rip, try lowering the quality settings or closing other programs to free up system resources. You can also try ripping the DVD in smaller chunks by selecting specific chapters instead of the entire title.
- Audio or Subtitle Sync Issues:If the audio or subtitles are out of sync with the video, try adjusting the framerate settings in HandBrake. You can also use a media player like VLC to manually adjust the sync during playback.

Pro Tips for Ripping DVDs with HandBrake

To get the best results from HandBrake, follow these pro tips:

Use the Right Preset:Always select a preset that matches your intended use. For example, use the 480p preset for DVDs to maintain the original quality without unnecessary upscaling. Using a higher resolution preset (e.g., 720p or 1080p) won’t improve the quality of a DVD and will only result in larger file sizes.
Optimize for Quality:If storage space isn’t an issue, use the HQ or Super HQ presets for the best possible quality. For a balance between quality and file size, use an RF value of 18-22 in the video settings.
Rip in Batches:If you’re ripping multiple DVDs, use HandBrake’s queue feature to add multiple titles to the queue and rip them one after another. This saves time and allows you to rip DVDs overnight or while you’re away from your computer.
Backup Your DVDs:Before ripping a DVD, consider creating a backup ISO file of the disc using a tool like DVD Decrypter or ImgBurn. This ensures you have a pristine copy of the DVD in case the rip fails or the disc becomes damaged.
Use GPU Acceleration:If your computer has a compatible GPU (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD), enable GPU acceleration in HandBrake to speed up the ripping process. This can significantly reduce the time required to rip a DVD, especially for high-quality settings.
Organize Your Library:After ripping your DVDs, organize the files into folders by genre, series, or alphabetical order. Use media server software like Plex or Kodi to create a searchable library with metadata, cover art, and descriptions.
Stay Legal:Always ensure you have the legal right to rip a DVD. In many countries, ripping DVDs for personal use is considered fair use, but distributing or selling ripped content is illegal. Check the copyright laws in your country before ripping DVDs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is It Legal to Rip DVDs with HandBrake?

The legality of ripping DVDs varies by country. In some regions, ripping DVDs for personal use is considered fair use, while in others, it may be illegal. Always check the copyright laws in your country before ripping DVDs. Additionally, distributing or selling ripped content is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Why Won’t HandBrake Rip My DVD?

HandBrake may fail to rip a DVD for several reasons, including:

The DVD is damaged or dirty.
The DVD uses an advanced copy protection scheme that libdvdcss can’t handle.
libdvdcss is not installed correctly.
Your DVD drive is faulty or incompatible.

If HandBrake can’t rip your DVD, try cleaning the disc, reinstalling libdvdcss, or using an alternative tool like MakeMKV or VideoProc Converter AI.

Can HandBrake Rip Blu-ray Discs?

HandBrake does not natively support Blu-ray ripping. However, you can use tools like MakeMKV to decrypt and rip Blu-ray discs, then use HandBrake to convert the resulting files to your desired format.

What’s the Best Format for Ripping DVDs?

The best format depends on your needs. MP4 is widely compatible with most devices and media players, while MKV offers more advanced features, such as support for multiple audio tracks and subtitles. For general use, MP4 is recommended.

How Long Does It Take to Rip a DVD with HandBrake?

The time required to rip a DVD depends on several factors, including the length of the content, the quality settings, and the processing power of your computer. On average, ripping a DVD can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Can I Rip DVDs on a Mac?

Yes, HandBrake is available for macOS, and the ripping process is nearly identical to that on Windows. You’ll need to install libdvdcss using Homebrew, as described earlier in this guide.

Why Is My Ripped File So Large?

The file size of your rip depends on the quality settings you choose in HandBrake. Higher quality settings result in larger file sizes. If you want to reduce the file size, try using a lower quality preset (e.g., Fast or Very Fast) or adjusting the RF value in the video settings.

Can I Rip DVDs Without libdvdcss?

HandBrake can only rip unprotected DVDs without libdvdcss. Since most commercial DVDs are protected by CSS or other encryption schemes, you’ll need libdvdcss to rip them.

Conclusion

Ripping DVDs with HandBrake is a powerful way to preserve your physical media collection, free up space, and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows on modern devices. While the process may seem daunting at first, this guide has walked you through every step, from installing HandBrake and libdvdcss to configuring output settings and troubleshooting common issues.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently rip your DVDs with HandBrake, ensuring high-quality digital copies that are accessible anytime, anywhere. Remember to always respect copyright laws and use your ripped content responsibly.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to rip DVDs like a pro, it’s time to start digitizing your collection and taking control of your media!