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. 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 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 convert your ISO files to MKV. So if you're looking for a more versatile 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 free ISO to MKV converter. 

1. Convert Any ISO to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper

The converters we want to recommend first are DVDFab DVD Ripper and 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, folder, or DVD/Blu-ray disc and convert them to MKV or other different formats. 

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVD Ripping Software

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a professional ISO to MKV converter that 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.
Free Download
100% safe&clean
Free Download
100% safe&clean

Now matter you are going 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 supports the newest-released encrypted discs
  • Rip and convert DVD disc, ISO image or Folder to 1000+ video& audio formats
  • Support multiple MKV Profile, such as 3D, Passthrough, 4K/5K/8K, H265, 10/12 bit, etc.
  • 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

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

Step 1: Launch DVDFab 13 and add ISO file

Free download DVDFab 13, 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.

2. Free Convert ISO to MKV with DVDFab HD Decrypter

DVDFab HD Decrypter is a reliable, free software designed for easy conversion of ISO to MKV files. It supports converting most encrypted DVD & Blu-ray disc, ISO file and folder to MP4 or MKV formats.

Actually, DVDFab HD decrypter is the totally free but simplified version of DVDFab DVD Ripper and Blu-ray Ripper. After a free trial of the Ripper modules, DVDFab 13 package will automatically transition into this lifetime free version.

Key Features of DVDFab HD Decrypter

  • Completely free as an ISO to MKV Converter.
  • Remove nearly all DVD/Blu-ray protections from discs released one year ago.
  • Convert DVD/Blu-ray disc, ISO file or Folder to MKV & MP4 formats.
  • 1:1 Copy DVD/Blu-ray to disc, ISO file or Folder for flawless playback.
  • Multitasking Mode and Meta Info generation.
  • Built-in video editor.

Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV for Free with DVDFab HD Decrypter?

Step 1: Run DVDFab 13 and select the Ripper option.

Step 2: Load the ISO files you want to rip by simply dragging and dropping.

Step 3: Click "Choose Other Profile" to select output format as "MKV". You can also select audio tracks and subtitles, set video and audio parameters, trim and edit videos, and more.

Step 4: Save your video on your HDD. Click the Start button, and the actual ISO ripping process will be clearly shown.

3. Convert ISO to MKV using Leawo DVD Ripper

The third tool recommended in this article is Leawo DVD Ripper. It is a reliable ISO to MKV converter that offers easy-to-use features, customization options, editing tools, and high-quality output. It is a great tool for anyone looking to convert ISO files from DVD discs into the MKV format, allowing you to enjoy your DVD content on various devices and media players. Also, you can convert blu-ray ISO to MKV using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper.

iso to mkv converter: Leawo DVD Ripper

Key Features of Leawo DVD Ripper

  • It supports multiple output formats, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs.
  • This ISO to MKV converter ensures that the resulting video maintains excellent quality.
  • It includes various editing tools that allow you to trim, crop, add watermarks, etc.
  • It utilizes advanced technology to deliver fast conversion rates, converting ISO to MKV quickly.

Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV with Leawo DVD Ripper?

Step 1: Open Leawo DVD Ripper by starting Leawo Prof.Media on your computer and clicking on the DVD Ripper tab on the main interface.

How to Rip an ISO to MKV Format using leawo

Step 2: Import the ISO file by clicking on the Add Blu-ray/DVD button and selecting Add iso file from the drop-down menu. Then choose between Full Movie, Custom Mode, or Main Movie to select the videos you want to convert. Click OK to import the selected videos.

How to Convert ISO to MKV with Leawo DVD Ripper?

Step 3: Select the desired output format, such as regular MKV or lossless MKV, by clicking on the Format button and using the Profile panel to browse and select the format.

How to Convert ISO to MKV with Leawo DVD Ripper?

Step 4: Click on the Convert button next to the Format button. Adjust the output directory if desired.

4. Convert ISO to MKV For Free via MakeMKV

As a popular software program used to convert media files, MakeMKV simplifies the process of converting ISO files into MKV format. It can extract the video, audio, and subtitle tracks from the ISO file and mux them into a single MKV file. This process retains the original quality of the video and audio while compressing them into a more manageable and widely compatible format.

How to use MakeMKV to convert Blu-ray ISO to MKV

Key Features of MakeMKV

  • Compatible with Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows
  • MakeMKV provides a simple user interface, making it easy for even beginners to use.
  • Chapter information, meta-information, all video and audio tracks are preserved.
  • It supports a wide range of input formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, and ISO files.
  • The most recent AACS and BD+ versions of Blu-ray disc protection can be read by MakeMKV.

Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV free with MakeMKV?

How to Convert ISO to MKV with MakeMKV

Step 1: Start by downloading this ISO converter on your Windows or Mac PC. Once it is downloaded, proceed to install and launch the software.

Step 2: In the software interface, navigate to the “File” tab and select “Open files” or use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + O” to choose and import the target ISO file.

Step 3: MakeMKV will analyze the ISO file and display the file structure. Choose the desired video and audio tracks you want to include in the MKV file.

Step 4: Set the output folder where you want the converted MKV file to be saved. Then click on the “Make MKV” button to start the conversion process.

How to Choose the Best ISO to MKV converter?

To help you choose a powerful and suitable tool, we have created a multi-dimensional comparison table.

Tools Free Output Formats Video Editor GPU Acceleration
DVDFab DVD Ripper Free Trial  1000+ video/audio Professional Yes
DVDFab HD Decrypter Yes 1000+ video/audio Professional No
Leawo DVD Ripper Watermark in Free Version 180+ video/audio Available Yes
MakeMKV Free/Paid Version MKV Unavailable No

FAQs

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.