Can Handbrake rip protected DVDs? Many users may be very familiar with Handbarke, a swiss army knife of video and DVD conversion tools. Typically, Handbrake can rip any DVD that isn't copy protected… while almost all store-bought DVDs are copyright-protected. And that's why an alert box with "HandBrake does not support the removal of copy-protection from DVD discs" will show up when you're trying to rip a commercial DVD with Handbrake. Feel frustrated? Never! Along with some help from third-party plugins, you can still use Handbrake to rip those copy-protected movie and multi-episode TV series DVDs.
Here is the most comprehensive guide and steps of ripping encrypted DVDs with Handbrake (with pictures is presented below). Also Including how to download and install libdvdcss and how to solve Handbrake won't rip protected DVDs.
For encrypted DVDs, you should follow the Part 1 to download and install libdvdcss firstly and then rip them with Handbrake. For burned and homemade DVDs that come without any copy protection, just skip Part 1 and directly follow the Part 2 to rip them with Handbrake.
Disclaimer: Removing DVD copy protection involve a gray area of copyright law. Fair use suggests that you should be able to rip them for personal use, but in some countries this is patently illegal. So it is necessary to consult the related laws in your country before ripping protected DVDs and make sure the copy is totally not for commercial use.
- Part 2: Detailed Steps on How to Rip (Copy-Protected) DVDs with Handbrake
- Part 3: FAQs about Ripping DVD with Handbrake
- Part 4: What if Handbrake Can't Rip DVDs even with libdvdcss Installed? - Possible Solutions
- ☺ Get the Best HandBrake Alternative for Ripping Any DVDs ↓
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Prerequisites to Rip Encrypted DVDs using Handbrake - Get libdvdcss
First of all, you need to download and install Handbrake onto your computer. Simply go to HandBrake.fr download center - the only official place to download HandBrake - to get a copy fit for your computer and install it following wizard. The latest version is 1.3.3.
To get Handbrake to decrypt copy protected DVDs, what you need to download and use is a free DVD playback librabry called libdvdcss. This will let Handbrake read your encrypted DVDs and rip them to your computer. The process for installing the decoder is slightly different for Windows users versus Mac. Follow the instructions below, and then we will be ready to start ripping.
➤ Download libdvdcss to your PC or Mac
Copy and paste http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/libdvdcss/ to your browser. And then you'll see a list of libdvdcss versions (from 0.0.1 to 1.4.2) displayed. Find the one you need and begin downloading libdvdcss for Windows.
For example,
1. Hit 1.2.12/
2. Download proper libdvdcss file based on your operating system. If you possess a Windows 32bit computer, just hit win32/ and then click libdvdcss-2.dll to begin downloading. If you work on a Windows 64bit PC, then you're supposed to hit win64/ and then download this libdvdcss-2.dll for Windows.
Note: VideoLan seemingly doesn't offer a specific Mac version of latest libdvdcss version 1.4.2. So you can download older Mac OS X version, for example 1.2.12. Two files are listed on this page. Download both of them to the Downloads folder on Mac.
libdvdcss alone can't perform DVD decryption and playback. It needs to unite with DVD ripper and player. But how? This could be a difficult task for non-tech savvy guys. Thus, we explain more as below.
➤ How to Install libdvdcss on Windows
Step 1: Follow the tutorial above to download libdvdcss into your Windows computer.
Step 2: Move downloaded Windows libdvdcss-2.dll into HandBrake install directory. (If you haven't downloaded HandBrake, just head to https://handbrake.fr/ to get it. And install it following instructions. Don't forget to take note of the install location.)
Note: Not to bother renaming libdvdcss-2.dll to libdvdcss.dll.
➤ How to Install libdvdcss on Mac
The security protocols on macOS prevent you from installing the library file using an installer. Thankfully, there is a very easy way to do it using Terminal and an add-on called Homebrew.
1. Open Terminal on the Mac.
2. Copy and paste the text below into the Terminal window and press Return
/usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
3. You will be prompted to click Return and type in your administrator password.
4. The process will also download and install some portions of Apple's Xcode developer software. Approve this when the pop-up prompts you to do so.
5. Once the process is complete and you see the normal prompt, copy and paste the code below into the Terminal window and press Return.
brew install libdvdcss
6. Once complete, close the Terminal window and you're ready to begin.
Part 2: Detailed Steps on How to Rip (Copy-Protected) DVDs with Handbrake
Note that when you first open Handbrake, the interface may seem intimidating because there are a lot of settings, but don't worry. The default settings will work perfectly for most users. In this example I show how to rip a DVD with HandBrake on a Windows PC, but the principle is the same for Mac.
Step 1. Open Your DVD in Handbrake
Insert the DVD into the DVD drive on your computer. Open Handbrake and choose your DVD drive from the sidebar that appears.
Handbrake will take a moment to scan the titles on your DVD. Wait until this process is finished. It should only take a moment. If libdvdcss wasn't installed incorrectly, you'll see an error saying that the disc can't be read here instead.
Once your DVD is open, head to the "Title" dropdown box and choose which title you want to rip. By default, Handbrake will choose the movie, but if you want to rip any special features or deleted scenes, you can change the target you want to rip here. You can also change which chapters you want to rip, if you only want part of the movie.
Under Destination, click Browse to pick where you want to place the movie after you've ripped it.
Step 2. Choose Your Quality Preset
Next, you'll need to decide the quality of your output file. The higher quality the movie, the more space it will take on your hard drive. If you're technical, you can use the Picture, Video, and Audio tabs to adjust these settings, but most people only need to click one thing: a Preset.
Along the right side of the Handbrake window, you'll see a selection of Presets (if you don't see it, drag the corner of Handbrake's window and expand it until you do). There are presets for nearly anything you could need: Apple TV, Android phones, PlayStation, and lots more. If you're watching on your computer, use one of the "General" presets - "Fast" and "Very Fast" will be low quality but small in size, while "HQ" and "Super HQ" will have higher quality but take up more space.
If you're ripping a DVD sold in the US, choose the 480p preset. European DVDs are usually 576p. Don't choose larger presets like 720p or 1080p for DVDs—they won't make your video look any better, they'll just make the file bigger.
Step 2. Start Ripping Protected DVD using Handbrake
Once you've chosen your Title and Preset, click Start Encode at the top of the window. Then, grab a snack.
You'll see a progress bar along the bottom that will let you know how much time you have left in the rip. Higher quality rips will take longer, so you'll want to let your computer run for a while.
Once the rip is done, you should be able to double-click on it to watch it! Or, if you're using a movie library program like Plex, Emby or Rodi, just add the movie to your library for enjoyment.
Part 3: FAQs about Ripping DVD with HandBrake
1. How to rip a DVD with multiple episodes (TV series DVD) in HandBrake?
When you want to rip a multi-episode DVD with HandBrake, you can add multiple or all episodes at the same time using the Add to queue feature.
2. How to rip copy-protected DVD with HandBrake?
You can install libdvdcss to help HandBrake decrypt and rip drmed DVD.
3. How to rip DVD with HandBrake on Windows 10/8/7?
Simply follow our detailed guide above to rip a DVD using HandBrake on PC.
4. How to rip a DVD with HandBrake on Mac (macOS Big Sur, Catalina, High Sierra...)?
Just follow the same steps as you use HandBrake to rip DVD on Windows: download and install HandBrake Mac version -> choose title -> choose output format -> select destination folder -> start encoding DVD on Mac.
5. How to rip DVD with subtitles on HandBrake?
HandBrake has a Subtitles tab where you can select desired subtitle track, closed caption, and import external subtitle.
6. How to rip DVD with 5.1 surround sound on HandBrake?
Go to Audio tab in HandBrake, and choose an audio track tagged with 5.1 ch.
7. How long does it take to rip a DVD with HandBrake?
Handbrake DVD rip time depends on the size of your DVD, the performance of your computer CPU and GPU, and your preferences and choice of settings in HandBrake. It could be tens of minutes to a few hours.
Part 4: What If "HandBrake won't Rip DVDs"? How to Solve it?
Various problems may occur when we use free HandBrake to rip DVDs. Here, we pick out several common issues and the possible solutions if you failed to rip DVD with Handbrake.
Case 1: No valid source or titles found
This error pops up after you attempt to open the source of DVD. This is probably because your source file format isn't supported by HandBrake or copy-protected. If the error message shows: No Valid Source Found, try the following methods to solve HandBrake No Valid Source Found Error:
1. Make sure you have installed VLC (properly) which includes libdvdcss by nature;
2. Make sure the bit number of VLC is corresponding to that of HandBrake. That means, 32 bit VLC for 32 bit HandBrake, and 64 bit VLC player for 64 bit Handbrake;
3. If your HandBrake is totally out of date, please download the latest version 1.2.0;
4. Check whether your source file is in MKV format, if yes, you must remux it (with mkvmerge GUI). FYI, MKV problem appears from time to time. So you may also need to get an alternative to avoid and solve such HandBrake error.
5. Check whether it is the reason of file permissions. Try "get info" -> Add yourself under "sharing & permissions". This may help HandBrake reading the source.
Case 2: HandBrake only rip part of DVD
Reportedly, if you have some DVDs that can not use Handbrake to get it 100% converted, then this DVD is mostly encrypted with DVD copy protections. To solve this Handbrake not finish the whole DVD converting trouble, you can give the Handbrake 64 bit a try. Cooperating with VLC media player 64 bit, you can work through with some of encrypted DVDs (make sure your have the full copy rights of them).
However, when you using Handbrake to rip protected DVDs on Mac OS, you will get an error message says: "This version of handbrake is 64 bit, VLC found but not 64 bit!" It is one of the biggest trouble for Handbrake Mac users. On one hand, though they followed the instructions as that message said, they would still get it from time to time. On the other hand, Handbrake Mac users need to get VLC 64 bit installed firstly, which is reported as buggy software sometimes.
Therefore, before managing to backup copy protected DVDs, you need to know how to defeat Handbrake 64 VLC error. Otherwise, you can also find a Handbrake alternative when handling with encrypted DVDs.
Get Best HandBrake Alternative for Ripping Any (Copy-Protected) DVDs
Installing libdvdcss can solve part of the problems, but you have to resort to another DVD ripping tool when dealing with strictly encrypted ones (like the Disney DVDs). If you failed to open a commercial DVD with Handbrake (even the descoder installed) and want to find a more efficient and easier way to rip and copy your DVD collections, I highly recommend you another top-ranked tool - EaseFab DVD Ripper.
EaseFab DVD Ripper a totally clean, fast and user-friendly DVD ripping program you're looking for. Itcan conquer all types of homemade discs, burned DVDs, and bought DVDs with almost all DVD encryptions like Disney X-project DRM, CSS, region code, RCE, APS, Sony ArccOS, UOPs, etc., support navigation algorithms used in DVDs from paramount, Disney, Sony, etc.on its own (which means no need to download libdvdcss and the like to decrypt DVD). Apart from ripping DVD to MP4 and MKV, The alternative to HandBrake is available to rip DVD to AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MP3, iphone, iPad, Apple TV, Samsung, PS4, etc. And it's continuously updated to support the newest DVDs and latest OS.
Overall, EaseFab DVD Ripper has the advantages not only in wide range of supported DVDs, but also in more well-configured output presets, more output file formats, super fast speed, high output quality, intuitive interface and more.
Free Download for Windows 11 or lower Free Download for macOS Ventura or lower
※ For macOS 10.14 or lower, you can also download 32-bit installer here ↓
FAQs
Does HandBrake decrypt DVDs? ›
HandBrake itself can't decrypt DVD, but you can install libdvdcss to help HandBrake decrypt and rip drmed DVD. We have explain how to download and install libdvdcss for HandBrake in part 1.
Why is HandBrake not ripping DVD properly? ›Why HandBrake Won't Rip DVD. The causes are many. It could be the DVD scratched, CPU overloaded, or DVD with subtitles that are unsupported by HandBrake. But, the most common one is that your DVD contents are copy-protected, and HandBrake can only rip unprotected DVDs.
Is HandBrake the best DVD Ripper? ›Our current pick for the top free DVD ripper is Handbrake, an open-source tool that can save movies in virtually any format. It has no limits on the number of files you can back up or the length of the videos, which makes it the most extensive free option out there.
Is HandBrake DVD Ripper Free? ›Reasons you'll love HandBrake:
Free and Open Source.
The developer team claims that this software is made open-source and free of charge for personal study and non-commercial use, so there is no support to decrypt protected sources. Thus, you cannot use Handbrake to bypass copyright and rip protected Blu-ray discs.
Can You Legally rip a DVD you own? ›According to the law, it is actually illegal to rip a DVD, even if you own it, as Lifehacker points out. That's if we're talking about DVDs that contain copy-protected content.
Can HandBrake rip a DVD to MP4? ›HandBrake becoms popular in converting DVD to MP4 or other formats because it does a great job in converting as a free video transcoder.
Does HandBrake degrade the quality? ›HandBrake's default settings and most of the official Presets use a constant quality encoding method. This makes your new video look consistent from start to finish. Always use constant quality unless you have a specific reason not to.
Does HandBrake work with all DVDs? ›HandBrake can directly open DVD and Blu-ray discs. In most situations it is better to first copy the contents to your computer's hard drive 3. Common folders are VIDEO_TS and BDMV. Common video file types are VOB, EVO, and MTS or M2TS.
Can HandBrake rip Region 1 DVDs? ›#1 Install VLC libdvdcss.
Therefore, after you download and install libdvdcss for Handbrake, you can rip a region-locked DVD using Handbrake without the necessity to switch the DVD drive. But this only works on RPC1 drives. For any other copy-protected DVDs, you need HandBrake alternative like WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.
What is the fastest way to rip a DVD? ›
What's the Fastest DVD Ripper for Windows and Mac? After testing all the popular DVD rippers (including HandBrake, Freemake, VLC, and more) in the market, we've come to the conclusion that WinX DVD Ripper Platinum features World's No. 1 fast DVD ripping speed.
Can I rip a DVD with Windows Media Player? ›When you copy music, pictures, and videos from your PC to a blank CD or DVD, it's called "burning." When you copy music, pictures, and videos from a CD or DVD to your PC, it's called "ripping." You can use Windows Media Player to do both.
What format is best for DVD rip? ›Since the DVD main content is stored in MPEG-2 VOB files, the MPEG-2 MPG is hence the best format to which you should rip your DVDs for high quality.
Is there a better alternative to HandBrake? ›We have compiled a list of solutions that reviewers voted as the best overall alternatives and competitors to Handbrake, including Compressor, Freemake, Wondershare UniConverter, and VideoLan.
What is the difference between Rip DVD VLC and HandBrake? ›As a powerful media player, VLC supports nearly all digital video and audio formats as input formats. Still, HandBrake only allows you to import digital videos and those from DVD and Blu-ray sources. And you should also make sure that the source video is not protected by DRM.
Is HandBrake better than VLC? ›Compared with VLC, HandBrake has very limited output formats. But the advantage of HandBrake is that it has many presets for web, devices, and more. Both VLC and HandBrake allows creating preset based on our own needs. Both VLC and HandBrake support hardware acceleration to boost video transcoding.
How do I rip a DVD using handbrake on Windows? ›Step One: Open Your DVD in Handbrake
Once you've installed libdvdcss, it's time to get ripping. Open Handbrake and choose your DVD drive from the sidebar that appears. Handbrake will take a moment to scan the titles on your DVD. Wait until this process is finished.
HandBrake also does not defeat or circumvent copy protection of any kind. It does not work with video files employing Digital Rights Management (DRM). This includes but is not limited to, copy protected content from iTunes, Amazon Video, Netflix, or other online providers, and many commercial DVD and Blu-ray discs.
What is the best way to rip a copy protected DVD? ›HandBrake is the best free way to rip some DVDs with copy protections, only if you use it in conjunction with libdvdcss. HandBrake allows you to convert DVDs to MP4, MKV, Android, Apple, Chromecast, Fire TV, Playstation, Roku, Windows Mobile, and Xbox.
Does HandBrake work with copy protected DVDs? ›HandBrake won't Rip Copy-Protected DVDs - Try the Best Alternative. WinX DVD Ripper - best free alternative to Handbrake to rip encrypted DVDs. It supports DVDs encrypted with region codes, RCE, Sony ArccOS, UOPs, Disney DRM, etc. without using extra software.
Does Windows 10 have DVD ripper? ›
WinX DVD ripper is a wonderful DVD ripper for Windows 10/11 that can back up damaged DVDs, 99-title DVDs and copy-protected DVDs easily. It is able to rip DVDs to multiple digital formats and platforms like MP4, MOV, MP3, iPhone, iPad, etc.
Is HandBrake totally free? ›HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder available for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Everyone can use HandBrake to make videos for free.
How do I bypass HandBrake copyright protection? ›Launch Handbrake on your laptop, and then click the “Source” button on the top left corner to load the source after you put the DVD disc in your drive. Libdvdcss will read and remove copyright protection from DVD automatically.
Is it illegal to rip a Blu-ray? ›While the legality of ripping is very complicated, the legality of ripping copy-protected content — which includes almost every DVD and Blu-Ray disc you`d buy from the store — is a bit simpler: still illegal.
How long does HandBrake take to rip a DVD? ›How long does HandBrake take to rip a DVD? Generally, it taks about 10 minutes to half an hour to finish the process, but this is not always the case. DVD ripping time is impacted by software, computer configuration, DVD-ROM reading speed, DVD capacity, and other many factors.
Can you tell if a DVD has been ripped? ›To put your minds at ease there is no real way of telling whether a disc has been ripped or just watched. If you play it in your laptop like i do, you'll most likely find that the drive reads the disc at more than 1x speed. In fact i find that quite annoying with mine because it makes the drive very noisy! :P.
Is selling pirated DVDs illegal? ›Piracy of intellectual property that's protected by copyright law is a serious crime. Not only does it rob the makers of recordings, videos, movies, games, and other creative works of the money they are entitled to, but it costs tens of thousands of people their jobs each year.
What is the difference between ripping and copying a DVD? ›DVD ripping will rip and convert video DVD movie files to video/audio files in various formats for playback on various media players and devices. DVD copying will copy and back up video DVD movie files to computer in DVD folder or ISO image file, without changing the DVD structure.
How do I use Handbrake to rip a DVD with subtitles? ›In Handbrake, after you've chosen your ripping settings, click the Subtitles tab. Under Track, click on the pop-up menu. If subtitles are available, select your language. If you're ripping a DVD that has subtitles, you can have Handbrake add these to your rip.
Is it OK to always use HandBrake? ›While most people don't realize it, regularly using the parking brake can protect your vehicle from long-term damage. With the engine turned off, you can engage your park and put the transmission either in Park or Gear. This will help preserve multiple engine parts, including your CV joints, transmission, and clutch.
What video codec is best for HandBrake? ›
264/AVC. Provides excellent quality, performance, and file size. Widely supported by media players, including mobile devices.
Why you should always use HandBrake? ›Why emergency brakes are important. Using the emergency brake every time you park gives your car added stability. For example, if your car is hit while it's parked, the emergency brake decreases the chances of it rolling. Engaging the emergency brake also keeps it in good working order.
Why isn't HandBrake ripping the whole movie? ›DVD is corrupt or damaged: No matter which DVD source you are going to rip with HandBrake, HandBrake only rips complete DVD source files. If your source DVD files are damaged or corrupt, HandBrake won't analyze source DVD movies, not even to say ripping and converting DVD files.
How to convert region 1 DVD to region 2? ›Once you insert a DVD with a region code that doesn't match the current DVD drive, it will ask you whether you want to change the region code. Then you can simply choose to "Change Region to" region 2, region 1, or the region you need. After that, click "Set Drive Region" to confirm the change.
Can HandBrake Read Region 2 DVD? ›HandBrake itself is unable to deal with DVDs that are coded for region 2 and other regions. It requires for installing libdvdcss. With libdvdcss, you may rip most region 2 DVDs to MP4 and MKV.
How to rip DVD to MP4 HandBrake? ›Insert a DVD disc into the computer drive, launch HandBrake and it will automatically pop up a new window for you to select the DVD and upload it to the interface. If not, you can manually click “Open Source” at the top left corner to select and upload the DVD.
How do I rip a DVD using HandBrake on Windows? ›Step One: Open Your DVD in Handbrake
Once you've installed libdvdcss, it's time to get ripping. Open Handbrake and choose your DVD drive from the sidebar that appears. Handbrake will take a moment to scan the titles on your DVD. Wait until this process is finished.
According to the law, it is actually illegal to rip a DVD, even if you own it, as Lifehacker points out. That's if we're talking about DVDs that contain copy-protected content.
What is the best format to rip a DVD? ›Since the DVD main content is stored in MPEG-2 VOB files, the MPEG-2 MPG is hence the best format to which you should rip your DVDs for high quality.
Can HandBrake rip copy protected Blu-ray? ›The developer team claims that this software is made open-source and free of charge for personal study and non-commercial use, so there is no support to decrypt protected sources. Thus, you cannot use Handbrake to bypass copyright and rip protected Blu-ray discs.
What are the best DVD ripping settings? ›
In conclusion, the best settings to rip DV with the best quality, speed, and size: H. 265 MP4 (or H. 264 for easier playback), AAC audio, HQ encoding, GPU acceleration enabled, lower the DVD resolution to a lower level like 640x480, adjust the bit rate, e.g., from 2500 to somewhere in 1800-2000.
How long does it take to rip a DVD with HandBrake? ›How long does HandBrake take to rip a DVD? Generally, it taks about 10 minutes to half an hour to finish the process, but this is not always the case. DVD ripping time is impacted by software, computer configuration, DVD-ROM reading speed, DVD capacity, and other many factors.
Can HandBrake burn MP4 DVD? ›In a short, you can't directly burn DVD with Handbrake as it doesn't offer a handbrake DVD burner. However, Handbrake can help you convert a wide range of video files to a format supported by DVD like MPEG-2 and also extract videos from DVDs. If you have needs like these, Handbrake can be very useful.
Can you rip a DVD to MP4? ›Answer: Yes, VLC can convert DVD to MP4 or many other formats. Not many know of VLC's DVD ripping or converting abilities. VLC works just fine as a tool that can rip DVD to MP4. Once converted, the video file can be played on multiple devices and players with no physical DVD player.
How can I rip protected DVDs for free? ›HandBrake is the best free way to rip some DVDs with copy protections, only if you use it in conjunction with libdvdcss. HandBrake allows you to convert DVDs to MP4, MKV, Android, Apple, Chromecast, Fire TV, Playstation, Roku, Windows Mobile, and Xbox.
Can you rip a DVD with Windows Media Player? ›When you copy music, pictures, and videos from your PC to a blank CD or DVD, it's called "burning." When you copy music, pictures, and videos from a CD or DVD to your PC, it's called "ripping." You can use Windows Media Player to do both.
Can Windows 10 rip a DVD? ›WinX DVD Ripper
WinX DVD Ripper is a popular DVD ripping windows 10 tool that can be downloaded and used. Many people consider it the best DVD ripper available. This DVD ripper for windows ten program allows us to rip DVDs to MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MOV, and MP3. It also has customizable profile settings.