Part 1: Why Convert ISO to MKV?

You might have come across the ISO [WIKI] images if you’re someone who frequently deals with video files. Although it is a popular format for DVDs, it can be a hassle to deal with. For example, you will need a specialized tool to extract the files from the archive, or in the case of a DVD/Blu-ray movie, a specialized player. That’s where MKV[WIKI] comes in, an excellent alternative that offers several benefits over ISO. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider converting your ISO files to MKV.

:Part 1: Why Convert ISO to MKV?

  • Smaller File Sizes

MKV format supports various codecs and compression methods. This means that MKV files can be significantly smaller than their ISO counterparts without sacrificing quality. With smaller file sizes, you can save space on your hard drive or cloud storage and transfer files more quickly over the internet.

  • Better Compatibility

While ISO files are mainly designed to work with DVDs or Blu-rays, MKV is a more versatile format that supports a wide range of devices and platforms. MKV files are compatible with almost every modern media player or portable device.

  • Flexible Audio and Subtitle Tracks

MKV files also offer greater flexibility when it comes to audio and subtitle tracks. Unlike ISO files, which only support one audio track and subtitle stream, MKV can contain multiple audio tracks and subtitles in different languages. This makes it ideal for international audiences or anyone who wants to customize their viewing experience.

  • High-Quality Video

MKV files are capable of storing high-quality video that rivals the quality of Blu-ray discs. The format allows for higher bitrates and better encoding, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. By converting your ISO files to MKV, you can enjoy superior video quality without having to purchase expensive equipment.

In conclusion, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider converting your ISO files to MKV. From smaller file sizes to better compatibility and high-quality video, the benefits are clear. So if you’re looking for a more versatile and efficient way to store and play your video files, give MKV a try! Now it's imperative to find out how to convert iso to MKV on macOS or Windows. Move on to the next part.

Part 2: How to Convert ISO to MKV on Mac/Windows

Now let's get down to how to convert ISO images to MKV files with the best ISO to MKV converter. The first two tools we want to recommend are DVDFab DVD Ripper and DVDFab Blu ray Ripper. They are two different modules of DVDFab freeware but work pretty much the same and allow users to rip the contents of any ISO file or folder, DVD, or Blu-ray disc and convert them to MKV or other different formats. If you want to rip 4K UHD to 4K/SDR MKV etc., there is DVDFab UHD Ripper.

The Best Free ISO to MKV Converter - DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper allows you to rip and convert any 2D or 3D DVD / ISO file / Folder to any video & audio format playable on any device, media player, or home theatre.
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Now matter you are gooing to convert a DVD, Blu-ray or UHD ISO files, DVDFab software all support a wide variety of different output formats and offer a powerful MKV editor. Here we take DVDFab DVD Ripper as an example to elaborate the key features of DVDFab's Ripper module. With any of them, you can convert ISO to MKV Mac or Windows free. 

Key Features of DVDFab DVD Ripper

  • The ONLY ripper that suppots the newest-released encrypted discs
  • Rip and convert DVD disc, ISO image or Folder to 1000+ video& audio formats
  • Output lossless video quality and 5.1 multi-channel audios
  • Customize the output MKV video via Advanced Settings and built-in video editor
  • Convert DVD subtitles to SRT files; remove or add external subtitles
  • Support batch conversion at GPU-accelerated speed
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DVDFab also offers a completely free but simplified version: DVDFab HD Decrypter, which supports converting most encrypted DVD & Blu-ray disc, ISO file and folder to MP4&MKV formats only.

What DVDFab users are saying:

  • 4.5 out of 5 (from G2)
  • 6.7 out of 10 (form Videohelp)

Tutorial: How to Rip an ISO file to MKV Format with DVDFab DVD Ripper

First there's a brief tutorial video for those who prefer visual instruction over written guidance. This video can quickly provide you with the necessary information to get started without reading through lengthy instructions.

Next, let me give you an example of how to convert a regular DVD ISO file to MKV. After grasping the skills, you can use the same method to convert Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray ISO image files to MKV format.

Step 1: Launch DVDFab 12 and add ISO file

Free download the open-source DVDFab 12, and select the Ripper module to get started. Insert the disc you want to rip into your optical drive or use the navigation buttons to add an ISO file or folder that’s already stored on your computer. DVDFab supports batch conversion, so you can import multiple ISO files here.

:Step 1: Launch DVDFab 12 and add ISO file

Step 2: Choose output profile

DVDFab can recognize the type of ISO you want to rip (DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD Blu-ray) automatically. Then go to the Profile Switcher (Choose Other Profile) > Format > General > MKV. If you're going to convert ISO or DVD to MP4, AVI, MOV or other formats, choose others based on your needs.

:Step 2: Choose output profile

Step 3: Customize output video

Then, let's spend a few moments checking out some of the editing options. On the main interface of DVDFab Ripper, there are two video editing tools, namely, Advanced Settings and Video Edit. The first menu will let you modify things like video quality, frame rate, resolution, encoding method, and more.

Meanwhile, the Video Edit menu contains tools that let you crop and trim the video or add subtitles and watermarks.

Other options like picking audio tracks and selecting specific chapters or titles are found on the main menu. Keep in mind that a few of the options differ depending on what type of ISO you’re trying to rip. For example, the options you see when you convert a DVD ISO file will be a bit different from converting a UHD Blu-ray ISO file.

:Step 3: Customize output video

Step 4: Start to convert ISO to MKV file

Before clicking the button of Start to convert ISO to MKV, decide where to save the file by using the Save to the menu at the bottom.  It’s worth noting that Blu-rays take longer to rip than DVDs as they tend to be much larger in size. But the speed is still 10 times faster than the normal speed.

FAQ

Can VLC play ISO file?

Yes, VLC media player can play ISO files. You can open an ISO file in VLC by going to the "Media" menu, selecting "Open File", and then choosing your ISO file. However, VLC may not work with all of them depending on codec support and other factors.

If you want to watch the ISO file on a wider range of devices, it is recommended to convert it into MKV or MP4 format using tools like DVDFab. These formats have better compatibility and can be played by almost all devices and media players.

How to convert 3D ISO to MKV?

The DVDFab Ripper program supports converting any 2D or 3D ISO image file into a 2D or 3D video formats, including MKV. To convert a 3D ISO file to MKV formats, follow these simply steps:

  • Step 1: Open DVDFab software and choose the "Ripper" module.
  • Step 2: Load your source 3D ISO file.
  • Step 3: Click "Choose Other Profile" and select 3D MKV formats or 3D MKV formats as the output. Then do necessary video and audio settings.
  • Step 4: Finally, select an output directory and click the "Start" button to begin the conversion process.

Conclusion

This article has discussed more about ISO and MKV formats in general and demonstrated how to convert ISO to MKV free and easily. All the rippers discussed are professional tools and are guaranteed to work as advertised. What's more, you can use any of these free DVD rippers to initiate DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD ISO image file conversion to MKV and edit it based on your personal needs.