HandBrake v1.8.1 Free + How to use HandBrak

HandBrake is a versatile, open-source video transcoder designed to convert multimedia files into a variety of modern, widely supported codecs. Initially developed for DVD ripping, it has expanded its capabilities to handle diverse input sources, including DVDs, Blu-rays, common video files, and more...

HandBrake Key Functions:

Conversion Flexibility:

HandBrake excels in converting video files to popular formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM, making them compatible with a wide range of devices such as mobile phones, tablets, TVs, game consoles, computers, and web browsers.

Format and Codec Support:

It leverages tools such as FFmpeg, x264, and x265 to support various input formats, including those from consumer and professional video cameras, mobile devices, screen recordings, and optical discs (DVDs and Blu-rays).

Preservation and Enhancement:

HandBrake enables users to preserve existing subtitles, add or remove soft subtitles, and maintain chapter markers. It also offers tools to restore old or low-quality videos, removing artifacts caused by interlacing and telecine.

Audio Processing:

The software supports audio pass-through without conversion for certain audio types and allows users to downmix discrete surround sound to matrixed surround or stereo. Audio volume levels and dynamic range can be adjusted for specific audio types.

File Size Optimization:

HandBrake can create smaller-sized videos, optimizing storage space on devices while maintaining acceptable quality compared to the original files.

HandBrake Features:

Built-in Device Presets:

HandBrake provides quick start options with built-in device presets, allowing users to optimize settings for specific devices or choose universal profiles for standard or high-quality conversions.

Supported Input Sources:

HandBrake processes a wide range of multimedia files and can handle DVDs or Blu-rays without copy protection.

Output Formats:

File Containers: MP4 (.M4V) and MKV.

Video Encoders: H.265 (x265 and QuickSync), H.264 (x264 and QuickSync), H.265 MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VP8, VP9, Theora.

Audio Encoders: AAC / HE-AAC, MP3, Flac, AC3, Vorbis.

Audio Pass-thru: AC-3, E-AC3, DTS, DTS-HD, TrueHD, AAC, MP3.

Advanced Features:

Title/chapter and range selection, batch scan, and queuing of encodes.

Video filters for deinterlacing, denoising, deblocking, grayscale, cropping, and more.

Live video preview, bitrate calculator, picture cropping, and scaling.

Support for 8, 10, and 12-bit color depths.

Chapter markers, queue and job management, and command line interface (CLI) for advanced users.

Platform Independence:

HandBrake is a multi-platform tool, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Open Source and Free:

Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), HandBrake is both free to use and open-source, allowing users to contribute to its development.

HandBrake's combination of user-friendly features and advanced options makes it suitable for a wide audience, from casual users looking for a quick conversion to enthusiasts seeking fine-tuned control over their video transcoding process.

HandBrake - Changelog.

How to use HandBrake:

Using HandBrake can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be, depending on your desired level of control. Here's a breakdown to get you started:

Basics:

1. Download and Install: Download the appropriate version for your operating system. Install it and launch the program.
2. Open your video: Click on the "Open Source" button or drag and drop your video file into the HandBrake window. You'll see a preview of the video.
3. Choose a preset: This determines the output format and quality settings based on common usage scenarios (e.g., "Fast 1080p 30"). Presets are a great starting point, but you can fine-tune them later.
4. Set a destination: Click "Browse" next to "Destination" and choose where you want the converted video to be saved.
5. Start encoding: Click "Start Encode" and HandBrake will work its magic. Depending on your video length and settings, this may take some time.

Advanced Settings:

Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can dive deeper into HandBrake's numerous settings across tabs like "Picture," "Audio," and "Dimensions." Here are some key points:

• Video: Adjust codec, bitrate, resolution, framerate, deinterlacing, and more. Higher settings generally lead to better quality but larger file sizes.
• Audio: Choose codecs, adjust bitrate and channels, enable subtitles, etc.
• Dimensions: Crop the video, add black borders, or change the aspect ratio.

Remember, the best approach depends on your individual needs. Start with a preset, play around with settings, and experiment to find the sweet spot for quality and file size.

Download HandBrake:

Install version:

Size: 22.67 MB - Download

Portable version:

Size: 31.46 MB - Download