The basic process: rip the DVD, then convert it

Copying a DVD to your computer involves two separate steps. First, you rip the DVD — extract the video and audio files from the disc. Second, you convert those files into a format your computer can play easily, like MP4 or MKV. Most people use free or paid software that does both steps at once.

The legal situation depends on why you are copying. If you own the DVD and are making a copy for your own use on devices you own, most countries allow this. If the DVD has copy protection (most commercial DVDs do), circumventing that protection is illegal in the United States under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, even for personal use. Other countries have different rules. Check your local laws before you start.

The time required varies by disc length and your computer speed. A two-hour movie typically takes 30 minutes to two hours to rip and convert, depending on the software and your hardware.

Key Takeaways

  • Ripping a DVD means extracting its video files; converting means changing the file format so your computer can play it easily.
  • In the United States, circumventing DVD copy protection is illegal even for personal use, though the legal situation differs in other countries.
  • Free software like HandBrake can rip unprotected DVDs and convert them to MP4 or MKV format on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
  • For DVDs with copy protection, you need additional software like MakeMKV or AnyDVD, which may not be legal in your country.
  • The entire process — rip and convert — usually takes 30 minutes to two hours per movie depending on your computer and the software.

Using HandBrake for unprotected DVDs

HandBrake is free, open-source software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can rip unprotected DVDs and convert them to MP4 or MKV format in one step. read it from handbrake.fr.

Insert your DVD, open HandBrake, and click "Open Source". Select your DVD drive from the list. HandBrake will scan the disc and show you the video tracks. Select the main movie (usually the longest track), choose your output format and quality, pick a save location, and click "Start". The software will rip and convert simultaneously.

HandBrake cannot remove copy protection. If your DVD is copy-protected and HandBrake shows an error or refuses to read it, you will need different software.

Handling copy-protected DVDs with MakeMKV or AnyDVD

MakeMKV is paid software (with a free trial) that can remove copy protection and convert DVDs to MKV format. It runs on Windows and Mac. read it from makemkv.com. The software is legal in some countries and not in others — check your local laws.

Insert your DVD, open MakeMKV, and click the DVD drive icon. The software will read the disc and list the titles. Select the main movie, choose a save location, and click "Make MKV". The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on the movie length and your computer speed.

AnyDVD is another paid option for Windows that removes copy protection. It runs in the background and makes protected DVDs appear unprotected to other software like HandBrake. This approach lets you use HandBrake's conversion features after AnyDVD removes the protection. Like MakeMKV, AnyDVD's legality varies by country.

Choosing your output format

MP4 is the most widely compatible format. Almost every device — phones, tablets, smart TVs, media players — can play MP4 files. File sizes are moderate, and quality is good at standard settings. Use MP4 if you plan to watch on multiple devices or move files between computers.

MKV is a container format that can hold higher quality video and multiple audio tracks and subtitles. It takes up more storage space than MP4 but preserves more of the original DVD quality. Use MKV if you have storage space and want the best possible picture and sound, or if you want to keep multiple language tracks.

AVI is older and less commonly used now. Most modern software defaults to MP4 or MKV. Avoid AVI unless you have a specific reason — a particular device that requires it, for example.

Quality settings and file size

Ripping software lets you choose video quality, which directly affects file size. A two-hour movie in MP4 format at standard quality (1280 × 720 pixels) is typically 1.5 to 2.5 gigabytes. The same movie at high quality (1920 × 1080 pixels) is 3 to 5 gigabytes. Lower quality (640 × 480 pixels) is 500 megabytes to 1 gigabyte.

For watching on a computer monitor or tablet, standard quality is usually sufficient. For a large TV or if you want to preserve the DVD's original quality as closely as possible, choose high quality. Lower quality is useful only if storage space is very limited.

Most software also lets you adjust the audio quality. Keeping the original audio track (usually 448 kbps or higher) preserves the DVD's sound. Reducing audio to 128 kbps saves space but noticeably reduces sound quality.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the software cannot read your DVD, the disc may be dirty or damaged. Clean it gently with a soft cloth, wiping from the center outward (not in circles). If it still does not work, the disc may be scratched beyond repair. If the software reads the disc but stops partway through, try again — sometimes a single read error can be retried successfully.

If you get an error message about copy protection, HandBrake cannot remove it. You will need MakeMKV, AnyDVD, or similar software designed for protected discs. If you are in a country where circumventing copy protection is illegal, you cannot legally use these tools.

If the converted file plays on your computer but not on another device, the device may not support that file format or video codec. Try converting to MP4 instead of MKV, or to a lower resolution. Check the device's manual for supported formats.

Storing and organizing your copied DVDs

Store your converted video files in a dedicated folder on your computer — for example, "My Videos" or "DVD Collection". Use clear naming: include the movie title and year, like "Jaws 1975.mp4". This makes files straightforward to find later.

If you have many movies, consider external hard drives or network storage. A single external drive can hold 100 or more movies depending on its size and the quality you chose. Back up important conversions to a second drive in case the first fails.

Keep your original DVDs in a safe place. Even though you have digital copies, the physical discs are your legal proof of ownership in most jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to copy DVDs I own?

In the United States, circumventing copy protection is illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, even for personal use of DVDs you own. Other countries have different laws — some allow personal copying, others do not. Check your local copyright laws before you start. If you own the DVD and it has no copy protection, HandBrake can rip it legally in most places.

Can I copy rental DVDs or library DVDs?

No. You do not own rental or library DVDs, so copying them is copyright infringement regardless of the copy protection. Only copy DVDs you have purchased.

How long does it take to copy a DVD?

A two-hour movie typically takes 30 minutes to two hours to rip and convert, depending on your computer speed and the software you use. Older computers or slower hard drives take longer. Newer computers with solid-state drives are faster.

What if my DVD player won't read the disc after I copy it?

Copying a DVD does not damage the original disc. If your DVD player cannot read it after copying, the disc was already damaged or dirty. Clean it gently with a soft cloth, or the disc may be beyond repair. Copying does not cause new damage.

Can I copy a DVD to my phone or tablet?

Yes. Convert the DVD to MP4 format, then transfer the file to your phone or tablet using a USB cable or cloud storage. Most phones and tablets play MP4 files. Check your device's manual for supported video formats and resolution limits.