Master HandBrake Batch Convert in 2025 to Speed Up Video Conversion
Summary: HandBrake is a renowned free software that converts videos and discs with customization options. However, many users do not know how to use the HandBrake batch convert option for their convenience. This article will help you through the features and steps to HandBrake batch convert Mac and Windows to save time.
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If you work with video often, you probably end up with folders full of clips from screen recordings, cameras, or capture cards. Converting them one at a time in HandBrake takes time and attention you might not have. The HandBrake batch convert function lets you add multiple files to a queue, reuse the same settings, and let the program handle the conversions in the background.

This guide explains how HandBrake batch convert works and shows the exact steps to batch convert videos on Windows and macOS, from adding files to choosing presets and running the queue.
Overview of HandBrake Batch Convert

HandBrake's batch convert feature lets you queue multiple video files and process them in one session, which is useful when you're working with a large library of recordings or project footage. It supports common input and output formats such as MP4, MKV, and WebM, so you can prepare videos for different devices or platforms without switching tools.
You can make use of customization options and advanced settings, such as resolution, codecs, and bitrate, for each file or save a preset to use across the entire batch. With handbrake batch convert, the workflow becomes more manageable and far less repetitive.
Features of HandBrake Batch Convert
Below are the core functions of HandBrake that make the workflow manageable on both small and large projects.
1. Support Various File Formats: HandBrake can convert many videos simultaneously to save time and effort for bulk processing.
2. Customization Options: Modify resolution, codecs, bitrate, and advanced parameters for each file individually.
3. Broad Input and Output Support: It works with most standard multimedia formats and can also read homemade DVDs and Blu-ray folders that do not include encryption.
4. High-Quality Output: The program aims to preserve clarity while converting, as long as the appropriate bitrate and codec settings are chosen.
5. Queue Management: The HandBrake Batch Convert feature helps organize and prioritize all the files in the queue for quick processing.
6. Free and Open-Source: All batch conversion features are available at no cost, making the tool accessible to anyone who needs it.
7. Cross-Platform Availability: HandBrake runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can use the same workflow across different devices.
How to Use HandBrake to Batch Convert Videos?
Using HandBrake can be challenging, especially for new users. This comprehensive guide will show the detailed process of using HandBrake to batch convert the desired videos.
Step 1: Download and Open the HandBrake Program

First, begin by visiting the official website of HandBrake and downloading the latest version for your computer. Click Download HandBrake to choose the required version for your OS. Then, complete the setup by following the prompts.
Step 2: Adjust the Settings of the Software
Once you install the HandBrake software, move to Preferences to adjust the necessary settings for your videos. It is crucial to convert multiple files at once.

Open the Tools menu and head to the Preferences option. Then, tap the Output Files button. Thereafter, click the Browse tab against the Default Path section to choose and allot a storage location for your output content. Once done, click the < Back tab to head to the main window.

Step 3: Import all the Necessary Video Files
Now, once you enter the main interface of HandBrake, tap the Source button and choose the Open Folder button to pick all the desired video files and folders you want to convert. In doing so, HandBrake will load your chosen files automatically into the queue.

Step 4: Configure the Output Settings
As HandBrake finishes scanning the file, choose an output preset from the panel on the right. These presets cover common devices such as phones, tablets, and game consoles, or you can adjust everything manually if you prefer more control.
Besides the Preset settings, you can also make necessary adjustments for other parameters, such as Dimensions, Filters, Video, Audio, Subtitles, Chapters, and other tabs, as desired. Each section lets you modify specific parameters, including codec, frame rate, resolution, audio tracks, and subtitle behavior.
Step 5: Add Videos to the Queue
After you have configured all the settings, tap the Add to Queue tab in the main menu. Click the Add All button (or Ctrl+Alt+A keys) to add your files to the queue from the dropdown button (downward arrow) for batch conversion.

Before you begin the video conversion, the Queue menu allows everyone to preview and modify any setting. You can make the necessary adjustments to match your needs.

Here, you can set the When Done: task to do nothing, edit a particular job, or remove a video once it has been converted.
Step 6: Start the Bulk Video Conversion

When you are satisfied with all the added files and desired settings, click the Start Queue tab to process the batch conversion process. HandBrake will convert all the loaded video files one by one. You can check the real-time conversion progress in the Queue panel.
User Feedback on HandBrake Batch Convert
HandBrake's batch conversion tool is widely used by people who need to process multiple videos without relying on paid software. While it is a dependable option for many workflows, the experience varies depending on the user's technical comfort and the complexity of their video library. Below is a concise look at common feedback.
- It is a free software that is available for anyone to convert and process content on different platforms.
- Batch conversion helps process large groups of files in one session, cutting down manual work.
- Supports many input and output formats, and preserves good quality when using recommended settings.
- Offers granular control over codecs, resolution, bitrate, and subtitles for users who want detailed adjustment.
- The interface and terminology can feel overwhelming to newcomers, especially when adjusting advanced settings.
- Batch tasks may occasionally fail or stop if a source file is damaged or unusually large.
HandBrake Batch Convert Errors Encountered by Users
Sadly, while converting bulk files, users also encounter troubles with unknown errors that pop up while adding the content to the queue or at other times. It includes:
- Sudden crash during HandBrake batch convert Mac, Windows, or Linux
- Extremely slow video conversion, especially for large batch jobs and lengthy files
- Unable to open files converted by the software
- Unable to use the Queue function at all/Queue paused
- The queue finished with an error/2 errors message
- HandBrake 1.4.2 freezes on Start Encode
HandBrake can help you batch convert your content. However, it requires high-end hardware to manage bulk tasks easily; otherwise, you may face minor issues while processing files. Plus, HandBrake alone cannot digitize an encrypted DVD without installing libdvdcss, making it useless for ripping commercial discs.
Moreover, the errors mentioned above also compel users to seek reliable alternatives. Thankfully, DVDFab DVD Ripper is a game-changer that helps convert your physical (DVD) files into videos for preservation in their pristine form. The nice thing is that you can back it up as many times as you like on multiple devices. Let us check the excellent ripping software in detail.
Alternative to HandBrake Batch Convert: DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is an all-in-one solution for DVD conversion, supporting over 1000 digital formats, and is compatible with 260+ devices, thanks to its preset profiles. Users appreciate its ability to preserve the quality of the original DVDs while providing fast conversion speeds, all due to the usage of GPU acceleration.
👍Pros
- Rips old and newly-released copy-protected discs
- Digitize DVD content into more than 1000 media formats with lossless 1:1 quality
- Compress the file size for seamless playback on different devices
- Batch DVD conversion with super-fast GPU-accelerated speed
- Powerful video edit option to crop, trim, and merge different clips
- Adds watermarks and subtitles and adjusts brightness, contrast, and saturation
👎Cons
- The free version of DVDFab can only rip videos in MKV and MP4 formats
How to Convert and Digitize Disc Content with DVDFab DVD Ripper?
DVDFab DVD Ripper can help you negate the need for carrying physical media and also DVD drives. Here's how it can back up your DVDs to a video file and enable you to take your favorite content around to watch it on your portable devices.
Step 1: Download DVDFab DVD Ripper
To begin, head over to the official website of DVDFab and download the program for Windows 7 and above versions or Macintosh OS 10.10 and higher models. It is available for a free trial.
Once installed, open the software and select the Ripper module in the main interface.

Step 2: Insert the Desired DVD
Insert your copy-protected DVD into the DVD drive, and the software will automatically gear up to analyze and detect the content. DVDFab will manage any required decryption.
Step 3: Choose the Disc Title and Customize the Output
Once your disc is added to the software, pick the title you want to rip by tapping Choose Other Titles. Then, tap the Choose Other Profile tab to select an output format.

Tailor the video configurations and other advanced settings to decide which audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, etc., you want to keep in your digital file.
Similarly, use the built-in video editor (Video Edit) to edit your videos.
Step 4: Digitize and Save the Converted Video
Once everything is set and you're happy with all the settings, browse to the bottom of the screen to select a folder in the Output section and choose a directory to store your converted video.

Tap the Start option to rip your copy-protected DVD file and create an outstandingly converted, portable digital file.
FAQs
HandBrake provides many presets ranging from Ultrafast to Placebo. If you have no problem with a lower-quality video, select the Fast 1080p or Very Fast preset. The faster preset has a low-quality output and compressed file size; however, the chosen pixel format can affect the encoding speed.
HandBrake works well for converting regular video files, but it does not handle copy-protected DVDs or Blu-rays. If you need software that can read encrypted discs or offers more control over DVD/Blu-ray output, tools like DVDFab DVD Ripper are commonly used. It can scan protected discs and convert them to a wide range of video formats on Windows and macOS.
HandBrake supports many different file formats, including WebM, MKV, and MP4. It is also compatible with many video codecs, like H.264 and H.265, and audio codecs, such as AAC, HE-AAC (Mac only), MP3, Vorbis/Opus, AC3 and E-AC3, FLAC 16 and 24bit (FFmpeg), and ALAC 16 and 24bit.
Final Wrap Up
The HandBrake batch convert feature gives you a simple way to process several videos in one go and is especially helpful when you're working with a growing library of clips. It handles the common formats well enough and offers enough control for routine conversions.
If you need wider format support, want to work with encrypted DVDs, or prefer software that's easier to learn, DVDFab DVD Ripper is a solid alternative to consider.




