What you need to know before you start
Transferring a DVD to a digital file means copying the video from the disc onto your computer or external drive so you can watch it on phones, tablets, or streaming devices. The process involves three basic steps: ripping the DVD (extracting the video data), converting it to a format your devices can play, and storing it somewhere you can access it.
The legal situation depends on where you live and whether you own the DVD. In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) restricts circumventing copy protection on DVDs, even for personal use. Some countries allow personal copying of media you own; others do not. Before you begin, check the laws in your location. If you own the DVD and your country permits personal copying, the technical steps are straightforward.
You will need a computer with a DVD drive (built-in or external USB), software to rip and convert the video, and storage space. A single DVD typically creates a file between 700 MB and 4 GB depending on the quality you choose. Plan for at least 5 to 10 GB of free space on your computer or external drive to work comfortably.
Key Takeaways
- Check your local laws before transferring DVDs; some countries restrict copying even for personal use, while others permit it for media you own.
- You will need a computer with a DVD drive, ripping software, conversion software, and storage space of at least 5 to 10 GB to work with multiple files.
- The process involves three steps: ripping the DVD to extract the video, converting it to a playable format like MP4, and storing the file on a drive or cloud service.
- Common file formats for digital video are MP4 (works on most devices), MKV (preserves quality but larger file size), and AVI (older format, less common now).
- Free software options exist for each step, but some paid tools combine ripping and conversion in one program, saving time if you plan to transfer many DVDs.
Choosing software to rip your DVD
Ripping means extracting the video and audio data from the DVD disc. The software you use depends on your operating system and whether the DVD has copy protection. Most commercial DVDs have copy protection built in, so you will likely need a tool that can handle it.
On Windows, HandBrake is free and widely used. It can rip unprotected DVDs and convert them in one step. If your DVD has copy protection (most commercial DVDs do), HandBrake alone will not work. You will need a separate tool like MakeMKV, which is free to use for ripping but asks for a donation. MakeMKV extracts the video into a format HandBrake can then convert. The combination of MakeMKV plus HandBrake covers nearly all DVDs you will encounter.
On Mac, the same tools work. HandBrake is available for Mac and handles unprotected DVDs. For protected DVDs, MakeMKV also runs on Mac and works the same way. Mac users follow the identical workflow as Windows users.
On Linux, HandBrake and MakeMKV are both available. Some Linux users also use dvdbackup or ddrescue for ripping, though these require more command-line knowledge. If you are comfortable with the terminal, these tools offer more control over the ripping process.
The step-by-step process for converting to digital
Once you have ripped the DVD, you need to convert it to a format your devices can play. Here is the typical workflow:
- Insert the DVD into your computer's drive and note the disc name.
- Open your ripping software (MakeMKV if the DVD is protected, or HandBrake if it is not).
- Select the DVD as the source. The software will scan the disc and show you the titles and chapters.
- Choose what to rip. Most DVDs have one main title (the movie) and extras. Select only what you want to convert.
- Set the output format and location. Choose where on your computer to save the file and what format (MKV if using MakeMKV, or let it convert directly).
- Start the rip. This can take 10 minutes to an hour depending on the DVD length and your computer speed.
- Convert to your final format (if needed). If you ripped to MKV, open HandBrake, select the MKV file, choose MP4 as the output format, and let it convert. This step can also take 30 minutes to several hours.
- Store the file on your computer, external drive, or cloud storage.
The entire process from disc to finished file usually takes one to four hours per DVD, depending on your computer's speed and the quality settings you choose. Many people start a conversion in the evening and let it run overnight.
Understanding file formats and quality settings
The file format you choose affects how well the video plays on your devices and how much storage space it uses. MP4 is the most compatible format—it plays on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and most streaming devices. MKV preserves more video quality and can hold multiple audio tracks and subtitles, but not all devices play it without additional software. AVI is an older format that some devices no longer support well.
Quality settings determine how much detail the video retains and how large the file becomes. If you choose "High Quality" or "Best," the file will be larger (3 to 4 GB for a two-hour movie) but look sharper. "Medium Quality" creates a smaller file (1 to 2 GB) with noticeable but acceptable loss of detail. "Low Quality" produces files under 1 GB but may look blurry on larger screens.
For most people, MP4 format at medium quality is the best balance. It plays on nearly every device and takes up reasonable storage space. If you have fast internet and plenty of storage, high quality is worth it. If storage is tight, low quality works for older films or content you will watch on a phone.
Where to store your digital files
Once converted, your digital files need a home. You have three main options: your computer's hard drive, an external drive, or cloud storage. Each has trade-offs in speed, safety, and convenience.
Computer hard drive: The fastest option for watching, but if your computer fails, you lose the files. Use this only if you have a backup system in place. This works well as temporary storage while you are converting multiple DVDs, but not as permanent storage.
External hard drive: A portable USB drive (1 to 4 TB) costs $50 to $150 and holds hundreds of movies. Keep it in a safe place separate from your computer so a single failure does not destroy both. This is the most common choice for people with large DVD collections. External drives are reliable and fast enough for streaming video directly from them.
Cloud storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive let you access files from any device with internet. However, uploading large video files can take hours or days depending on your internet speed. Cloud storage is better for a small number of files you want to access everywhere, not for a full collection.
Many people use a combination: an external drive as the main backup and cloud storage for a few files they watch frequently.
Common problems and how to fix them
The software will not recognize the DVD. Make sure the disc is clean and not scratched. If it is, try gently wiping it with a soft cloth. If the drive itself is not recognized, restart your computer and try a different USB port (if using an external drive). On Windows, check Device Manager to see if the drive appears; on Mac, check System Report under About This Mac.
The rip starts but stops partway through. This usually means the software encountered copy protection it could not bypass. If you are using HandBrake on a protected DVD, switch to MakeMKV first. If MakeMKV also fails, the disc may be damaged or use a protection method the software does not support. Try cleaning the disc and attempting again.
The converted file will not play on your device. This usually means the device does not support the file format. Try converting to MP4 instead of MKV, or use a media player app that supports more formats (like VLC, which is free and works on most devices). You can also check your device's manual to see which video formats it supports.
The conversion is very slow. Video conversion is processor-intensive. Close other programs, make sure your computer is not overheating, and be patient. A two-hour movie can take one to three hours to convert depending on your computer and quality settings. Slower computers or older laptops will take longer than newer machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a DVD I borrowed from a library or friend?
Legally, no. Copyright law protects DVDs even if you have physical possession of them. You can only legally transfer DVDs you own. Some countries have exceptions for personal use, but the safest approach is to transfer only discs you purchased.
What if my DVD drive is not working?
You can buy an external USB DVD drive for $20 to $50. Plug it into your computer, and the software will recognize it the same way it would an internal drive. External drives work on Windows, Mac, and Linux and are a good option if your computer never had a built-in drive.
How long does it take to transfer one DVD?
Ripping takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on the disc and your computer. Converting to MP4 takes another 30 minutes to three hours. Total time is usually one to four hours per DVD. If you have many DVDs, you can start a rip or conversion and let it run overnight.
Is it better to keep the original DVD after I transfer it?
Yes. Keep the original disc as a backup in case your digital file becomes corrupted or lost. DVDs stored in a cool, dry place can last 20 to 50 years, so they are a reliable long-term backup for your collection.
Can I transfer a Blu-ray disc the same way?
The process is similar, but Blu-ray discs use stronger copy protection. You will need software specifically designed for Blu-ray, such as MakeMKV (which supports both DVD and Blu-ray). The ripping and conversion steps are otherwise the same as with DVDs.