How to Rip DVD with VLC Media Player on Windows, Mac and Linux
Summary: VLC DVD Ripper is not a separate product; it is VLC Media Player's built-in disc conversion function for saving readable DVDs as MP4, MKV, AVI, or MPEG files. VLC may work well for simple, unprotected DVDs, and you can simply click "Media > Convert/Save > Disc" to rip DVD with VLC. DVDFab DVD Ripper is more suitable when VLC cannot read the disc, keep subtitles, select the right title, edit the video, or convert the DVD faster.
Table of Contents
If you searched for how to rip DVD with VLC, you probably want a simple answer: yes, VLC can convert DVD to MKV or MP4, but it is not a full DVD ripping tool.
I use VLC when I need a quick, free way to save video from a homemade DVD or an unprotected disc. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the basic workflow is not hard once you know where the Convert/Save menu is. The problem is that VLC can also fail in very common situations: it may rip the wrong title, miss the audio track, skip subtitles, freeze on a scratched disc, or stop when the DVD is copy-protected.
This guide shows you how to rip DVD with VLC on Mac, Windows, and Linux. I will also explain what to do when VLC DVD Ripper does not give you the file you expected.
Before You Rip a DVD with VLC: What VLC Can and Cannot Do
VLC is a media player first, and its DVD ripping feature is really a conversion feature inside the player. It works best with homemade or unprotected DVDs, but it can become unreliable when a disc has copy protection, multiple titles, complex subtitles, or damaged sectors.
That is why I would check the disc type before starting. The table below shows when VLC is worth trying and when is not.
| Your DVD Situation | Should You Use VLC? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade DVD or unprotected disc | Yes | VLC can usually open and convert it to MP4. |
| One movie title with no special subtitle needs | Yes | The setup is simple enough for a quick conversion. |
| TV series DVD with many episodes | Maybe not | VLC may require you to select and convert each title manually. |
| DVD with multiple audio tracks or commentary | Be careful | VLC may choose the wrong audio track unless you check it first. |
| Scratched or damaged DVD | Maybe not | VLC may freeze or create a partial file. |
| Copy-protected commercial DVD | Usually no | VLC does not decrypt protected DVDs by default. |
| Blu-ray disc | Usually no | Blu-ray discs often need AACS or BD+ support, and VLC is not a complete Blu-ray ripping solution. |
Rip DVDs with VLC on macOS, Windows or Linux: Step-by-step
Before following the steps below, download the latest VLC from VideoLAN rather than using an old installer from a third-party site. As of May 2026, the latest VLC 3.0 release for Windows and macOS is VLC 3.0.23.
How to Rip a DVD with VLC on Mac
Step 1: Install VLC on macOS
Download and open the latest version of VLC Media Player. If your Mac does not have a built-in optical drive, connect an external DVD drive first. Many newer Macs do not include a disc drive, so a USB or USB-C external DVD drive may be necessary before you can rip DVD with VLC Mac.
Step 2: Load the DVD into VLC
Insert the DVD into the drive and wait for macOS to mount the disc. Open VLC Media Player, then from the top menu choose File → Open Disc.
Set the disc type to DVD. If VLC keeps looping on the DVD menu, clear the check box labeled Use DVD menus or enable No disc menus, then confirm by selecting Open. VLC will begin playback, which helps you confirm that the disc has loaded correctly.
Step 3: Identify the main feature, language, and subtitles
Before converting the full DVD, play it for a minute. Open the Playback menu and pick Title. The main movie is often the longest title, but this is not always true for TV series discs or discs with bonus content.
- From the Audio menu, pick Audio Track and choose the correct language instead of a commentary track.
- From the Subtitles menu, enable the subtitle track you want to include or test before conversion.
- If the DVD has several episodes, write down the title number for each episode before ripping.
Step 4: Configure DVD Ripping Settings
Open File → Convert / Stream. Under Choose Profile, set MP4 (H.264 + AAC) as the target format. This combination is a safe starting point because it plays well on most computers, TVs, phones, and tablets.
Then open Customize to refine the conversion settings:
- Video Codec: choose H.264. For standard DVDs, start with a moderate bitrate such as 2,000-3,000 kilobits per second, or use a constant-quality value near 20 if your VLC build offers that option.
- Audio Codec: choose AAC with 128–192 kilobits per second bitrate. Keep the same channel layout as the source when possible, such as stereo or 5.1.
Step 5: Start Ripping DVD
Select Choose Destination, specify an output folder, and give the file a clear name that ends with .mp4. Click Save or Go to begin the conversion.
How to Rip a DVD on Windows with VLC
Step 1: Download the latest VLC from the official VideoLAN website and complete the installation. The official Windows download page currently lists VLC 3.0.23, so avoid old installers unless you have a specific compatibility reason.
Step 2: Open the DVD source
Insert the DVD into your computer's optical drive. On the VLC menu bar, select Media → Convert / Save. In the Open Media window, open the Disc tab and check DVD under Disc Selection.
If VLC keeps recording the DVD menu instead of the movie, enable No disc menus. You can preview the playback by pressing Play, or move on by selecting Convert / Save.
Step 3: Confirm the title and chapters
In the same window, under Starting Position, select the title or chapter you want to rip. The main movie is usually the longest title, but trailers, menus, and bonus clips can also appear as separate titles. If you are ripping a TV series DVD, you may need to convert each episode title separately.
Then select Convert / Save at the bottom of the window.
Step 4: Set the conversion options
Under Settings, choose Convert. In Profile, pick Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) or an MP4 profile with H.264 video and AAC audio. If VLC creates a video with no sound, edit the profile and make sure the audio codec is enabled.
Next, click the Browse button beside Destination file, choose a save folder, and give the file a name ending in .mp4.
Step 5: Start ripping DVD on Windows
Once you have checked the title, profile, and destination file, hit Start to begin conversion. The progress bar in VLC shows encoding in real time.
How to Rip a DVD with VLC on Linux
Given the user base, only the installation instructions for Ubuntu are provided here. For other Linux distributions, please refer to the official VLC website or your distribution's package manager for installation guidance.
Step 1: Install VLC to your computer. VLC is available in the default Ubuntu repositories. To install VLC, run:
sudo apt install vlc
If you require the absolute latest version of VLC, you can add the official VLC developers' PPA. First, add the PPA and update your package lists:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:videolan/master-daily
sudo apt update
Then, install VLC with:
sudo apt install vlc
Step 2: Launch VLC, click on "Media" in the navigation bar. Then, choose "Convert/Save" from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Choose the "Disc" tab on the pop-up window. Browse to the location of your DVD and confirm you select the right disc device. If VLC gets stuck in the DVD menu, enable No disc menus. Then, click on "Convert/Save".
Step 4: Select the title or chapter you want to convert. Then, select a profile for your ripped video. If you're unsure, "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" is a reliable default. Choose the destination file and click "Start" to begin.
If VLC cannot read the DVD on Linux, the problem may be the disc, the drive, the region setting, or copy protection. Test whether VLC can play the DVD normally before assuming the conversion steps are wrong.
Troubleshooting VLC DVD Ripper: Common Errors and Fixes
If VLC fails during DVD ripping, use the table below to find the most likely cause and the first fix to try. I have grouped the issues by what you can actually see in the output file, such as no audio, missing subtitles, wrong title, freezing, or slow conversion.
| Issue | Cause and Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| VLC rips the DVD menu instead of the movie | DVD menus may be enabled. Turn on No disc menus and choose the main title manually. Preview the title before conversion if you are not sure. |
| VLC rips only one episode | TV series DVDs usually store episodes as separate titles. Preview the title list first, then convert each episode title separately. |
| VLC rips the commentary track | The wrong audio track may be selected. During playback, check Audio → Audio Track and choose the main language track before conversion. |
| No subtitles in output | VLC may skip embedded subtitle tracks if the subtitle track is not selected or if the subtitle format cannot be burned into MP4 output. Open Subtitles and choose the correct subtitle track before converting. For important subtitles, test a short chapter first. |
| DVD fails to load or play | The problem may be the disc, the drive, the region setting, or copy protection. If VLC cannot play the DVD normally, it will probably not convert the DVD correctly either. |
| Conversion freezes or skips | Scratches, dirt, or unreadable sectors can interrupt the ripping process and result in partial output. Clean the disc, disable DVD menus, and try again. If the same spot fails every time, VLC may not be enough. |
| Slow ripping speed | VLC conversion can take close to the running time of the DVD because it reads and encodes the video. Close other apps and avoid high bitrate settings if your computer is struggling. |
| Ripping DVD without audio | The wrong audio track may be selected, or the output profile may not encode audio correctly. During playback, check Audio → Audio Track. When setting the output profile, choose AAC or MP3 as the audio codec. |
| Audio and video out of sync | CPU overload, frame-rate handling, or unstable reading from the disc can cause sync drift. Try a short test rip, close other software, lower the output settings, or use another tool like DVDFab DVD Ripper if the problem continues. |
- In my testing, the most useful habit was checking the output right after a short conversion. If the file has sound, subtitles, the correct title, and normal sync, I continue with the full DVD. If not, I adjust the track or title settings before wasting more time.
When VLC Is Not Enough: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
If the troubleshooting steps above still do not fix the problem, the issue may be the tool rather than your settings. At that point, it makes more sense to switch other reliable tools instead of repeating the same VLC conversion.
| Tool | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | Quick conversion from simple or unprotected DVDs | Batch ripping, protected discs, complex subtitles, TV series DVDs |
| MakeMKV | Keeping DVD titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles without re-encoding | Small MP4 files, because MKV output can be large |
| HandBrake | Compressing video to MP4 or MKV with detailed control over size and quality | Copy-protected sources, because HandBrake does not defeat copy protection |
| DVDFab DVD ripper | Batch jobs, protected discs, subtitle control, and more formats and device presets | Users who only need one simple free conversion |
Best VLC Alternative: DVDFab DVD Ripper
DVDFab DVD Ripper is a dedicated DVD ripping program for users who need more control than VLC can offer. It supports copy-protected DVD discs, ISO files, and folders, and can export videos to common formats such as MP4, MKV, AVI, and other device-friendly profiles. It is especially useful when you need to choose specific titles, audio tracks, subtitles, edit the video, or process several DVD sources with fewer manual steps.
In my test using DVDFab 13.0.5.9 on Windows 10, the software ripped a 159-minute movie in about 5 minutes and 27 seconds. The actual speed may vary depending on your DVD drive, computer hardware, disc condition, output profile, and whether hardware acceleration is available, but the result was much faster than the real-time conversion I usually expect from VLC.
- Work around copy-protected discs that VLC cannot read or convert correctly
- Keep updates to support newly released discs.
- Select specific audio tracks and subtitle tracks before conversion
- Batch convert multiple titles or discs with less manual setup
- Choose device-friendly output formats such as MP4 or MKV
- Trim, crop, add subtitles and watermarks to videos before conversion
- Employs advanced GPU acceleration technology that allows users to convert DVDs faster
How to Rip DVD Using DVDFab DVD Ripper?
Now have a look at the complete user guide on how to digitize a DVD using this software.
Step 1: Open DVDFab and choose the Ripper module
Launch DVDFab and select the Ripper module from the main interface.
Step 2: Load the DVD, ISO file, or VIDEO_TS folder
Insert the DVD disc or add the ISO/folder source. After the source is loaded, check that the main title is selected correctly.
Step 3: Choose the output format
Open the profile panel and choose the output format you need. If you are not sure which format to select, converting DVD to MP4 is usually a practical choice for phones, computers, TVs, and media servers.
Step 4: Select audio and subtitle tracks
Choose the language track and subtitle track you actually need. This step is useful if VLC previously ripped the commentary track, missed subtitles, or selected the wrong episode.
Step 5: Select the output path and start conversion
Choose a save location, review the output settings, and click Start. After conversion, play the file for a few minutes to confirm that the title, audio, and subtitles are correct.
DVDFab DVD Ripper vs VLC DVD Ripper
| Features | DVDFab DVD Ripper | VLC DVD Ripper |
|---|---|---|
| Input Format | DVD, ISO, Folder | DVD, CD |
| Output Format | 1000+ video & audio formats | MP4, MKV, AVI, etc |
| DVD Decryption | YES (latest & advanced protections) |
Partial (needs libdvdcss) |
| User Interface | User-friendly and intuitive | Basic and straightforward |
| Ripping Speed | 50X faster | Moderate speed |
| Quality Control | Advanced options for quality settings | Basic quality options |
| Batch Processing | Yes | No |
| DVD Menu Options | Yes (customizable) | No (menus disabled by default) |
| 3D and UHD Support | Yes | No |
| Output Customization | Extensive (subtitles, audio tracks) | Basic options |
| Best Use Case | Complex discs, protected discs, batch jobs, subtitle-heavy DVDs | Simple, free conversion from unprotected DVDs |
- If you're not concerned about ripping speed and don't have high demands for output quality, VLC may serve you just fine for occasional, simple jobs. However, if you're ripping large libraries, dealing with tricky or scratched discs, or want to customize every detail, the time (and headache) you save with DVDFab DVD Ripper is well worth it.
FAQs about Ripping DVDs with VLC
Yes, VLC can rip some DVDs to MP4 by using Media → Convert / Save on Windows or File → Convert / Stream on macOS. It works well with homemade, personal, or unprotected DVDs.
Not reliably. VLC does not include built-in DVD decryption for protected discs. Some users install extra libraries, but VideoLAN notes that libdvdcss is legally controversial in countries such as the United States. Always check your local law and only back up discs you have the right to copy.
VLC often takes close to the running time of the DVD because it reads and encodes the video during conversion. A 90-minute DVD may take around that long or longer depending on your computer, drive speed, output settings, and disc condition. If speed is important, VLC may not be an efficient tool.
Not reliably. VLC can open some Blu-ray content, but encrypted Blu-ray discs often require AACS-related support. VLC is not a complete Blu-ray ripping solution, so commercial Blu-ray discs usually need a professional tool like DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper.
How to Rip Blu-ray with VLC?
Ripping a Blu-ray Disc using VLC is somewhat similar to ripping a DVD, but because Blu-ray Discs use stronger encryption, additional steps and requirements are needed.
Requirements:
- VLC media player: Make sure you have the latest version of VLC installed on your computer.
- libbdplus: This library is required to decrypt Blu-ray Discs.
- KEYDB.cfg: The key database for decrypting Blu-ray AACS. It can usually be found on VLC forums or other support sites.
Steps to rip a Blu-ray Disc using VLC:
Step 1: Download the KEYDB.cfg file and place it in the following directory depending on your operating system:
- Windows: C:\ProgramData\aacs\
- macOS: /Users/YourUsername/Library/Preferences/aacs/
- Linux: /home/YourUsername/.config/aacs/
Step 2: Insert the Blu-ray Disc into the Blu-ray drive. After launching VLC media player, click “Media” from the top menu and select “Convert/Save”.
Step 3: Go to “Disc” tab > Select the disc type as “Blu-ray”
Step 4: After picking the title you want to rip, click the “Convert/Save” button at the bottom. In the “Convert” window, select the format and destination where you want to save the ripped video.
It depends on the job. VLC is easiest for a quick free conversion from a simple DVD. MakeMKV is better when you want to preserve titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles without re-encoding. HandBrake is better for compressing video into smaller MP4 or MKV files, but it does not defeat copy protection.
Final Thoughts
VLC is still worth trying first because it is free, familiar, and good enough for many simple DVDs. Just keep its limits in mind before you spend time troubleshooting the same disc again and again.
My practical advice is simple: use VLC for simple, unprotected DVDs, and switch tools when VLC repeatedly gives you the wrong title, missing audio, missing subtitles, or read errors. That way, you can use VLC where it makes sense and avoid wasting time where it does not.
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