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HandBrake
HandBrake
HandBrake
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HandBrake
Original authorEric "titer" Petit
DeveloperHandBrake Team
Initial release24 August 2003 (22 years ago) (2003-08-24)
Stable release
1.10.2[1] / 6 September 2025; 59 days ago (6 September 2025)
Repository
Written inObjective-C, C, C#
Operating systemLinux, macOS, Windows
Platformx64
Size
Available inEnglish*, German*, French, Italian, Russian, others — *documentation available in the marked languages
TypeTranscoding
LicenseGPL-2.0-only (Third-party components have their own licenses)[2]
Websitehandbrake.fr

HandBrake is a free and open-source transcoder for digital video files. It was originally developed in 2003 by Eric Petit to make ripping DVDs to a data storage device easier.[3] HandBrake's backend contains comparatively little original code; the program is an integration of many third-party audio and video libraries, both codecs (such as FFmpeg, x264, and x265) and other components such as video deinterlacers (referred to as "filters"). These are collected in such a manner to make their use more effective and accessible (e.g., so that a user does not have to transcode a video's audio and visual components in separate steps, or with inaccessible command-line utilities).

HandBrake clients are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.[4]

History

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Early versions

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HandBrake was originally developed by Eric Petit in 2003 as software for BeOS, before being ported to other systems.[5] He continued to be the primary developer until April 2006, when the last official Subversion revision was committed. Petit continued to be active on the HandBrake forum for a brief period after. From May–June 2006, no one in the HandBrake community was successful in contacting Petit, and no further code changes were officially made.[3]

MediaFork

[edit]

In September 2006, Rodney Hester and Chris Long had been independently working to extract the H.264 video compression format from Apple's iPod firmware (1.2) through reverse engineering before meeting on the HandBrake forum. Since their work was complementary, they began working together to develop an unstable, but still compilable, release of HandBrake supporting the H.264 format. Hester and Long made progress in terms of stability, functionality, and look and feel, but it was not possible to submit their patch to the HandBrake subversion repository without authorization from Petit.[3]

Unable to submit their revisions as a successor to HandBrake, Hester created a subversion repository mirroring HandBrake's final subversion (0.7.1) on the HandBrake website and began development on top of that. Hester and Long named the new project MediaFork.[3]

From 2007

[edit]

On February 13, 2007, Hester and Long were contacted by Petit, who informed them of his support and encouraged them to continue developing. Plans were then made to reintegrate MediaFork as a direct successor to HandBrake. The MediaFork website and forums were moved to HandBrake's, and the next release was officially named HandBrake.[3] On December 24, 2016, after more than 13 years of development, HandBrake 1.0.0 was released.[4]

There is another transcoder, called VidCoder, that uses HandBrake as its encoding engine.[6]

Features

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Hardware acceleration

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Some GPUs (including GPUs physically integrated with CPUs, referred to by AMD as APUs) contain dedicated hardware for video encoding and decoding (Intel's Quick Sync Video, Nvidia's NVENC, or AMD's Video Coding Engine / Video Core Next). This hardware is usually provided for scenarios where quick and power-efficient compressed video is desired, such as videoconferencing and streaming video. It is less often used for transcoding like that performed by HandBrake because its compression efficiency can rarely match that of an optimized software encoder for the same codec,[7] but HandBrake still provides the owners of compatible hardware (who are willing to accept the tradeoff) with the option of hardware encoding. Quick Sync was added in November 2014 with version 0.10.0, while NVENC and the VCE became supported in version 1.2.0, released in December 2018.[8] (HandBrake supports both the VCE and the newer VCN, but its interface only mentions the VCE by name, even if VCN hardware is present or a codec is being used that is too new to have VCE support.)

Transcoding

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Users can customize the output by altering the bit rate, maximum file size or bit rate and sample rate via "constant quality".[9] HandBrake supports adaptive deinterlacing, scaling, detelecine, and cropping, both automatic and manual.[2]

Batch

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HandBrake supports batch encoding through graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI).[10] Third-party scripts and UIs exist specifically for this purpose, such as HandBrake Batch Encoder,[11] VideoScripts,[12] and Batch HandBrake.[13] All make use of the CLI to enable queueing of several files in a single directory.[citation needed]

Sources

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HandBrake transcodes video and audio from nearly any format to a handful of modern ones, but it does not defeat or circumvent copy protection.[14] One form of input is DVD-Video stored on a DVD, in an ISO image of a DVD, or on any data storage device as a VIDEO_TS folder.

As with DVDs, HandBrake does not directly support the decryption of Blu-ray discs. However, HandBrake can be used to transcode a Blu-ray disc if DRM is first removed using a third-party application.[15]

Support

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Input

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Output

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Reception

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In 2011, Preston Gralla of PC World praised HandBrake for its feature set: "Advanced users will be pleased at the number of options." However, he criticized the usability for new users: "Note that HandBrake isn't necessarily the easiest program to use. It has a large number of options available, and there's no good explanation of what they do or how to use them. Beginners should stick with the defaults". He concluded by calling HandBrake a "solid choice" for people who are looking for a free video transcoder.[19]

In 2013, Lifehacker.com visitors voted HandBrake as the most popular video converter over four other candidates by a wide margin.[20]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HandBrake

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from Grokipedia
HandBrake is a free and open-source video transcoder software that converts digital video files from nearly any input format into modern, widely supported output formats such as MP4, MKV, or , enabling compatibility with a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, televisions, and web browsers. It supports video files sourced from cameras, mobile devices, screen recordings, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs (without copy protection), while incorporating advanced encoding options to reduce file sizes, restore quality, and apply filters like , denoising, and cropping. Originally developed in 2003 by a programmer known as "titer," HandBrake initially focused on ripping DVDs for data storage before entering a hiatus in 2006 after its creator became unreachable. Development resumed unofficially later that year through community efforts, leading to a fork called MediaFork in early 2007, which was reintegrated into the main project with the original developer's approval by March 2007. Today, HandBrake is maintained as a volunteer-driven project without corporate sponsorship or a legal entity, hosted on GitHub under the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2), and supports cross-platform use on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Key features include built-in presets optimized for specific devices, batch processing for multiple files, support for high-efficiency video codecs like H.265 (HEVC), , and hardware-accelerated encoding, as well as audio options such as , pass-through for lossless formats, and subtitle integration in formats like SRT and SSA. The software relies on third-party libraries including FFmpeg, , and for its encoding capabilities, runs entirely locally without requiring connectivity or , and emphasizes user by offering an optional update checker that can be disabled. As of its latest stable release, version 1.10.2, HandBrake continues to evolve through community contributions, focusing on quality preservation and format flexibility for both amateur and professional video workflows.

Overview

Description

HandBrake is a free and open-source video transcoder that converts video from nearly any format to modern, widely supported codecs such as MP4, MKV, and . Developed by a of volunteers, it serves as a tool primarily aimed at making videos compatible with a wide range of playback devices and platforms. The core workflow of HandBrake is straightforward and user-friendly: an individual selects a source video file, configures output settings such as resolution and bitrate to suit their needs, and then initiates the encoding process to generate the new file. This process emphasizes practical applications, including compressing large video files to reduce storage requirements, optimizing content for specific devices like mobile phones or media players, and preserving high quality suitable for archiving or streaming purposes. HandBrake enhances through both a (GUI) for intuitive operation and a (CLI) for advanced or automated tasks, allowing users of varying technical expertise to perform efficiently.

Platforms and licensing

HandBrake is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and , with a (CLI) supported across all platforms for scripting and automated workflows. On Windows, the software requires version 10 (build 1909 or later) or , targeting 64-bit x86_64 and ARM64 architectures; support for 32-bit Windows ended with version 1.0.7, after which all official builds are 64-bit only. For macOS, HandBrake supports version 10.13 High Sierra and later, with universal binaries providing native optimization for both and (M-series) processors since version 1.4.0. On , there are no official pre-built binaries, but users can install via from Flathub, build from , or use community-provided AppImages, with compatibility tested on distributions like 41/42 and 22.04/24.04 LTS. Additionally, versions 12 and 13 are supported through source builds. HandBrake is released under the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2), which permits free use, modification, and distribution provided derivative works are also licensed under GPLv2 and is made available. This open-source licensing encourages community contributions while requiring compliance for any redistributed versions, such as including the full license text and preserving attributions. Certain features, like DVD decryption for protected discs, rely on external libraries such as , which users must install separately due to potential legal restrictions on bundling; itself is licensed under GPLv2 but operates independently of HandBrake's core codebase. Official installation methods include downloading binaries from the HandBrake website (handbrake.fr/downloads.php) for Windows and macOS, or releases and snapshots for development builds across platforms. For , the recommended approach is installation via flatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb, which includes both GUI and CLI components. compilation is available from the repository for custom builds on any supported system. Users are advised to avoid third-party download sites, as they may contain or modified versions; official sources emphasize that HandBrake is entirely free, requires no registration, and runs locally without dependencies. Features remain consistent across platforms, with the GUI providing identical options, presets, and filters on Windows, macOS, and , while the CLI offers the same functionality for headless environments. Platform-specific optimizations, such as native acceleration on macOS, ensure comparable performance without compromising core capabilities.

History

Origins and early development

HandBrake was initiated in 2003 by French developer Eric Petit, under the "titer," as a free and open-source tool licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2. The software was designed primarily for DVDs and converting them to and MPEG-4 formats, leveraging libraries from FFmpeg for decoding and MEncoder for encoding to streamline video processes. The project's early motivation stemmed from Petit's desire to simplify DVD backups for personal media libraries on devices like computers and portable players. Early development emphasized multithreading for improved performance and cross-platform compatibility, with initial ports to , OS X, and . Notable early contributors included Laurent Aimar (fenrir), who added H.264 and encoders. A significant challenge arose from proprietary DVD Content Scramble System (CSS) encryption, which Petit and collaborators circumvented by integrating the library, allowing the tool to access protected content without built-in decryption to comply with legal distributions. By 2005–2006, the project faced dormancy as Petit shifted focus to other pursuits, including contributions to and Transmission torrent client, halting official updates after the last Subversion commit in April 2006 and leaving the codebase inactive for several months.

MediaFork and porting efforts

In late , as HandBrake's development had stalled following its last official update in April, community developers initiated a to revive the project and extend it to Windows, resulting in the MediaFork initiative. This effort, led by figures such as "," Rodney Hester, and , began with unofficial work in August 2006, including the creation of a repository mirroring HandBrake version 0.7.1 to incorporate updates like support for Apple's 640×480 H.264 video format. The fork was formally named MediaFork on January 26, 2007, and quickly delivered multiplatform builds, providing the first command-line versions for Windows alongside Mac OS X and support. These Windows ports adapted the tool for the platform by integrating compatibility with Windows-specific input sources, such as for media handling, and enabling file path management suited to the operating system. Despite its progress, MediaFork encountered several challenges, including concerns over GPL license compliance during the unofficial phase, as the project relied on external tools like DGIndex for indexing DVD VOB files and lacked full authorization from original developer Eric Petit (titer). Features such as chapter markers remained incomplete in early builds, limiting some advanced DVD handling options. The effort also faced maintainer burnout, contributing to a temporary stall by mid-2007. MediaFork's Windows adaptations laid the groundwork for official platform support, influencing subsequent HandBrake releases while providing that expanded the user base among Windows users prior to the project's revival. Contact with Petit was reestablished on February 13, 2007, leading to approval for continued work and the reintegration of MediaFork into HandBrake by March 2, 2007. This transition fostered broader community engagement and culminated in the April 2007 release of HandBrake 0.8.5b1, which included a native Windows GUI.

Revival from 2007 onward

Following a period of dormancy after its original developer's reduced involvement in , HandBrake saw its revival in early 2007 through community efforts that reintegrated fragmented projects. In January 2007, a named MediaFork was established to continue development, and by March, the efforts were unified under the HandBrake name, hosted at m0k.org, with support from the original developer "" (Eric Petit). This resurgence emphasized stability and cross-platform support, leading to the release of version 0.9.4 in November 2009, which introduced over 1,000 improvements including enhanced audio-video synchronization, 64-bit builds, and official distributions for Windows and to broaden accessibility. Key milestones marked steady progress in functionality and performance. Version 0.10.0, released in November 2014, integrated updated libraries for improved H.264 encoding quality and speed, alongside support for new audio encoders like Opus and enhanced hardware decoding options. Version 1.10.0, released in August 2025, fixed Opus and passthrough validation in containers (Linux-specific). The project reached its first release with version 1.0.0 in December 2016, after over 13 years of development, featuring full multi-threading for faster encoding on multi-core systems and refined for better across platforms. Leadership transitioned to a collaborative model with the HandBrake team adopting GitHub in October 2015, facilitating pull requests and community contributions while maintaining focus on cross-platform parity for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Recent developments have emphasized modern codecs and efficiency; version 1.6.0 in December 2022 added AV1 encoding support via the SVT-AV1 software encoder and Intel Quick Sync hardware acceleration, enabling high-efficiency video compression. Subsequent releases, including 1.7.0 in November 2023, expanded hardware acceleration for AV1 on AMD VCN and NVIDIA NVENC GPUs. The latest version, 1.10.2 released on September 6, 2025, includes bug fixes such as crash resolutions for high-depth video encoding and stability enhancements, along with updates to third-party libraries like SVT-AV1 to version 3.1.2. HandBrake's sustained growth has been driven by its active forums for user support and feedback, comprehensive resources, and regular integration of updates from underlying libraries like FFmpeg to incorporate the latest encoding advancements.

Features

Core transcoding functions

HandBrake's core process begins with demuxing the source streams to separate video, audio, and subtitle data for independent processing. Filters are then applied to the video stream to enhance quality or adapt the content, such as denoising to reduce grain and improve compression efficiency, scaling to adjust resolution, and using the Yadif algorithm to remove comb artifacts from interlaced sources. Following filtering, the streams are re-encoded: video and audio are compressed using selected codecs, while subtitles are either burned into the video or preserved as separate tracks, with the final muxing step combining everything into the output container. Video encoding in HandBrake supports multiple modes, including constant via the Rate Factor (RF) scale ranging from 0 to 51, where lower values yield higher and larger s. Average bitrate (ABR) mode targets a specified bitrate for consistent output size, while 2-pass encoding analyzes the video first to allocate bits more efficiently across scenes, improving at a given bitrate compared to single-pass methods. These options allow users to balance , , and encoding time based on content needs. Audio handling provides flexibility through passthru, which remuxes compatible source audio without re-encoding to preserve original quality, supporting formats like AC3, DTS, and AAC. For re-encoding, users can set bitrate controls to adjust quality and size, with options for sync adjustments to align audio tracks temporally. This approach minimizes quality loss while enabling compatibility adjustments. Subtitle integration includes burning subtitles into the video for permanent display, suitable for PGS or SSA formats, or adding soft subtitles as selectable tracks in the output file for player-controlled viewing. HandBrake detects forced subtitles—those appearing briefly, such as for non-native dialogue—via scanning modes that identify tracks used less than 10% of the time. Chapter markers from the source are preserved during to maintain navigational structure. Quality metrics are fine-tuned using encoder-specific parameters for (H.264) and (H.265), including from ultrafast (prioritizing speed with minimal compression efficiency) to placebo (maximizing quality at the cost of long encode times). Tune options optimize for content types like or , adjusting algorithms for better perceptual quality without altering the core RF or bitrate targets. These settings significantly impact the between encoding speed and output .

Hardware acceleration

HandBrake supports hardware-accelerated video encoding and decoding through vendor-specific APIs, enabling faster on compatible GPUs while offloading compute-intensive tasks from the CPU. These include VideoToolbox for Apple devices, NVENC for GPUs, Quick Sync Video (QSV) for processors, VCN/AMF for GPUs, and VAAPI for Linux-based decoding. Hardware acceleration is enabled via the application's preferences, but the CPU remains responsible for tasks such as video filtering, audio processing, and muxing. For encoding, HandBrake utilizes GPU-based H.264 and H.265 codecs across supported hardware, with encoding available since version 1.6.0 via Intel QSV on compatible devices like GPUs, with support extended to NVIDIA NVENC and VCN in version 1.7.0. NVIDIA's NVENC encoder, for instance, offers presets ranging from P1 (fastest) to P7 (highest ), allowing users to balance speed and compression efficiency for H.264, H.265, and outputs. Similarly, Intel QSV supports encoding via presets like "AV1 QSV 2160p 4K," while VCN provides H.265 and options on RDNA2 and later architectures. Apple's VideoToolbox handles H.264, H.265, and 10-bit H.265 encoding on Macs from 2011 onward. Hardware acceleration delivers significant gains, often achieving 2-5x faster encoding speeds compared to CPU-only methods—for example, official benchmarks show NVENC achieving up to 76 FPS for H.264, comparable to at 72 FPS, but significantly faster for H.265 (76 FPS vs. 28 FPS for ). However, trade-offs include potential degradation in complex scenes due to simplified algorithms, larger file sizes (e.g., up to 2x larger than CPU equivalents), and limitations such as reduced lookahead passes and fewer B-frames in some encoders like NVENC. These factors make hardware options ideal for where speed is prioritized over optimal compression. Setup requires compatible hardware and drivers: GPUs need version 570.0 or later (no support on macOS), Intel Quick Sync requires 2nd-generation Core () or newer processors; for encoding, 12th-generation Core or GPUs with recent drivers (e.g., 31.0.x.x on +) are needed, VCN mandates RX6000 series or better with proprietary drivers on (e.g., amdgpu-pro), and VideoToolbox works on macOS 13+ for decoding. VAAPI decoding on is automatically utilized when available, reducing CPU load for supported formats. In version 1.10.0 and later (released in 2025), HandBrake introduced VideoToolbox AV1 hardware decoding for macOS, alongside DirectX-based AV1 decoding on Windows ARM and library updates like oneVPL 2.15.0 for improved Intel QSV performance, enhancing overall hardware efficiency for AV1 workflows.

Batch processing and presets

HandBrake features a queue system that enables users to set up and manage multiple encoding jobs for batch processing, processing them sequentially one at a time to avoid resource overload on the system. Users can add jobs to the queue by opening a source video, selecting a title or multiple titles, choosing a preset, and clicking the "Add to Queue" button on the toolbar; for bulk additions, options like "Add Multiple" on Linux or "Add All Selection to Queue" on Windows allow importing several titles simultaneously from a source. The queue window, accessed via the "Show Queue" button, displays all pending jobs, where users can remove individual entries using the delete icon or edit them by selecting the job and reconfiguring settings before re-adding, though editing temporarily removes the job from the list. Once prepared, encoding begins with the "Start Queue" button, supporting pause and resume functionality to interrupt and continue processing as needed. To streamline repetitive tasks, the queue includes options for duplicating jobs with variations, such as adjusting parameters for similar sources before re-adding them, and advanced features like setting process priority levels in preferences to "Normal" or higher for better system balance during long sessions. Enabling automatic output naming in preferences ensures unique filenames for each job, preventing overwrites during batch runs. HandBrake provides a robust preset system to simplify configuration for common workflows, with built-in official presets categorized into General, Devices, Hardware, and Web groups, each optimizing parameters like resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and aspect ratio for compatibility and efficiency. Device presets, for instance, target specific hardware such as iPhone and Android models with 720p30 H.264 video and AAC stereo audio in an MP4 container, or Apple TV with 1080p30 surround sound support, ensuring proper aspect ratios and bitrates for seamless playback without manual tweaks. General presets like "Fast 1080p30" focus on broad compatibility with MP4 output up to 2160p60 4K resolution and variable bitrates, while Hardware presets leverage GPU acceleration for faster encodes using H.265 or AV1 codecs. For tailored needs, users can create custom presets by adjusting encoding settings in the main interface—such as enabling auto detection for automatic dimension optimization or manually specifying values—and saving them via the "Save New Preset" button, which stores configurations in a file for easy , , and sharing across installations. The format allows presets to include filter details like detection modes (automatic for dynamic source analysis or manual for fixed dimensions), audio tracks, , and video encoder options, with files located in user-specific directories like C:\Users\%Username%\AppData\Roaming\HandBrake\presets.json on Windows. Custom presets can be set as defaults for new jobs, facilitating consistent batch processing across multiple files.

Supported formats

Input sources and compatibility

HandBrake supports a wide range of file-based input sources through its integration with the FFmpeg library, enabling it to read virtually all common video container formats. Examples include , MOV, (TS or M2TS), (from DVDs), MKV, MP4, WMV, FLV, , MXF, and files. Upon loading a source file, HandBrake scans the content to identify available titles, chapters, and angles, allowing users to select specific segments for processing. This capability extends to videos from diverse origins, such as mobile phones, cameras, screen recordings, web downloads, broadcast TV captures, and converted analog media like or . For disc-based inputs, HandBrake can access DVD, Blu-ray, /AVCHD Lite, and HD-DVD sources directly from , folder structures (e.g., VIDEO_TS or BDMV), or image files like ISO and BIN+CUE. DVD decryption requires the external library to handle (CSS) protection, while Blu-ray support involves libaacs for (AACS) and libbluray for playback, though BD+ protection has only partial compatibility. Encrypted or protected content cannot be processed natively and must be pre-ripped using third-party tools to create unencrypted files or images before import into HandBrake. Compatibility is enhanced for high-resolution content, with full 4K (Ultra HD) support introduced in version 1.2.0 and 8K handling available in subsequent releases via FFmpeg's capabilities. However, network streams and live captures are not directly supported, limiting inputs to local files and discs. AVCHD and HD-DVD playlists receive partial support, where individual streams or files may load successfully but full disc navigation can be inconsistent. Professional codecs like ProRes, DNxHD/DNxHR, , , and are also compatible when contained in supported wrappers.

Output formats and codecs

HandBrake supports three primary output container formats: MP4, MKV, and . The MP4 container, based on the (ISOBMFF), serves as the default option and is optimized for broad compatibility across devices and platforms, supporting features like chapters in Apple format, variable frame rate video, and soft subtitles. It accommodates video codecs such as H.264, H.265, , , , and , alongside audio tracks including AAC, , AC3, E-AC3, TrueHD, Opus, , and ALAC. MKV offers greater flexibility for advanced features, including multiple subtitle and chapter tracks, making it suitable for archival purposes; it supports a wider range of video codecs like H.264, H.265, , , , , , , and , with audio options encompassing AAC, , AC3, E-AC3, TrueHD, , Opus, , and ALAC. WebM is tailored for web delivery and focuses on open-source codecs, supporting , , and video with or Opus audio, though it limits subtitles to hard burning only. For video encoding, HandBrake provides a selection of codecs with various encoders to balance quality, speed, and compatibility. H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) is widely used for its excellent performance and device support, available via software encoders like or hardware options such as Quick Sync, VCE, and Nvidia NVENC. H.265 (HEVC, Part 2) delivers higher compression efficiency for smaller file sizes at comparable quality but requires more processing power and has broader hardware decoder support in modern devices; it uses software or similar hardware encoders. Open-source alternatives include and via , offering good web compatibility, and , which provides superior efficiency as a successor to VP9, encoded with SVT-AV1 or libaom software backends and where available. Profiles and levels, such as [email protected] for H.264 and H.265, constrain encoder features, bitrates, resolutions, and frame rates to ensure playback compatibility, with HandBrake automatically selecting levels based on source parameters while allowing manual profile adjustments. Audio output options emphasize versatility for different playback scenarios. Supported codecs include AAC (via FFmpeg or CoreAudio), (LAME), AC3 and E-AC3 (FFmpeg), Opus (libopus), (lossless, FFmpeg), , and ALAC. HandBrake enables track mapping to select and combine source audio tracks, along with downmixing capabilities, such as converting 5.1 surround (e.g., AC3 or DTS) to stereo AAC for mobile devices, and supports passthrough for unaltered formats like AC3, E-AC3, DTS, TrueHD, Opus, and when compatible with the container. Subtitle handling allows for both soft (selectable) and hard (burned-in) integration. Text-based formats like SRT can be added externally with timing offsets and adjustments, while SSA/ASS subtitles support passthrough to preserve styling in MKV or MP4, though burning in extracts a static frame to avoid issues. subtitles, such as PGS or VobSub from discs, can be passed through as multiple soft tracks in MKV or burned as a single track into the video; CEA-608 closed captions are also supported for passthrough in both MP4 and MKV. restricts subtitles to burning only. Native encoding was introduced in HandBrake 1.6.0, released on December 28, 2022, enabling efficient, royalty-free video compression via SVT-AV1. Subsequent updates in version 1.10.0, released on August 9, 2025, added for decoding. SVT-AV1 natively handles 10-bit and 12-bit encoding for content. As of version 1.10.2 (released September 6, 2025), minor updates in 1.10.1 and 1.10.2 include fixes for SVT-AV1 10-bit and crashes during high-depth video encoding, improving stability for these formats.

Development

Open-source model and contributions

HandBrake operates as an open-source project under the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2), enabling free use, modification, and distribution of its source code. The project's governance is centered on the GitHub platform, where it is hosted under the HandBrake organization, facilitating collaborative development through issue tracking for bug reports and feature requests, pull requests for code submissions, and structured release cycles managed by the core team. All contributions adhere to a formal code of conduct to ensure respectful and inclusive collaboration. The contributor ecosystem consists of volunteers from around the world, with the core development team distributed across the , , and . Key contribution areas include code enhancements, such as upstreaming improvements to underlying libraries like FFmpeg for better video handling, user interface and experience refinements using the Qt framework since version 1.0, and maintenance of project documentation. Contributors are encouraged to review open issues labeled "help wanted" before submitting changes, and AI-generated code must be disclosed in pull requests to maintain quality and security standards. Development processes leverage GitHub Actions for automated continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), enabling efficient building, testing, and packaging across platforms without requiring external infrastructure. Translation efforts support user interface localization in over 30 languages through the Transifex platform, with separate workflows for desktop variants like and macOS, ensuring global accessibility. Community bug reporting and discussions have transitioned to Discussions, providing a 24/7 forum for support and collaboration following the decommissioning of legacy web forums. Documentation contributions are handled via a dedicated repository, with guidelines emphasizing clarity and accuracy. Challenges in the project include dependency management, where the GPLv2 licensing of HandBrake's core requires careful selection of compatible libraries—such as using LGPL variants for binary distributions to broaden usability while avoiding stricter GPL propagation. for decoder components, which rely on third-party libraries like FFmpeg, demands ongoing vigilance; for instance, a 2017 compromise of a download mirror led to distribution, highlighting the need for robust server protections and code reviews. Community initiatives bolster the project's sustainability, with the official HandBrake Documentation site offering detailed guides on usage, development, and troubleshooting to empower users and contributors alike. Engagement channels include Discussions for real-time interaction, supplemented by historical IRC support, fostering a collaborative environment without formal chat platforms like or Slack. As a volunteer-driven effort without a legal entity or dedicated sponsorship program, the project relies on these mechanisms to coordinate efforts and resolve issues.

Release history and versions

HandBrake's development prior to version 1.0 emphasized building a stable foundation for video transcoding, with the 0.9.x series spanning from August 2007 to May 2013. This era focused on enhancing core stability, improving GUI consistency across platforms, and refining basic encoding capabilities using libraries like x264 for H.264 output. Releases such as 0.9.1 (October 2007) addressed initial bugs and introduced better DVD source handling, while later updates like 0.9.9 (May 2013) incorporated performance optimizations and broader format compatibility. The 0.10 series, released from November 2014 to February 2016, marked a transition toward advanced encoding options. Version 0.10.0 (November 2014) introduced native H.265 (HEVC) support via the library, for hardware-accelerated H.264 encoding on Windows, and encoding as a replacement for the deprecated codec. Subsequent patches, including 0.10.5 (February 2016), fixed encoding crashes and updated dependencies, while noting the removal of binary distributions for certain platforms due to licensing changes. HandBrake 1.0.0, released on December 24, 2016, initiated the stable release branch after years of beta development. It overhauled the preset system into a JSON-based format for multi-threaded processing and cross-platform consistency, added WebM container support with VP9 video and Opus audio codecs, and introduced high bit-depth encoding (10-bit for x264, 10/12-bit for x265). Legacy presets from the 0.10.x series were preserved for backward compatibility via migration tools. Subsequent 1.x milestones introduced codec advancements and hardware integrations. HandBrake 1.2.0 (December 2018) added hardware-accelerated encoding via VCE, NVIDIA NVENC, and Apple VideoToolbox, alongside a switch to FFmpeg for core decoding. Version 1.4.0 (July 2021) enabled native 10-bit and 12-bit encoding pipelines, supported hardware, and refined hardware encoder options. HandBrake 1.6.0 (December 2022) provided full encoding support through the SVT-AV1 software encoder and Intel Quick Sync hardware acceleration, following previews in nightly builds. Later, 1.8.0 (May 2024) updated the SVT-AV1 encoder to version 2.1.0 and achieved UI feature parity across platforms using GTK4 on . The most recent stable release, 1.10.2 (September 2025), includes library updates for improved stability, fixes for high bit-depth video crashes, and compatibility enhancements for modern drivers and . HandBrake follows a semantic versioning scheme (major.minor.patch), where major releases introduce significant features or breaking changes, minor versions add enhancements, and patch releases focus on bug fixes and security updates. Beta and nightly builds are provided for community testing of upcoming features, available via the official downloads page. is maintained through preset migration utilities, which convert older configurations to new formats during upgrades, and detailed notes in release announcements. For instance, support for 32-bit operating systems ended with version 1.0.0, with the supported OS matrix outlining last compatible releases for legacy platforms like macOS 10.9 and Windows 7. contributions, including testing betas, help ensure smooth transitions across versions.
VersionRelease DateKey Innovations
0.9.x series2007–2013Stability improvements, GUI refinements, basic H.264 encoding
0.10.0November 22, 2014H.265 support, Quick Sync H.264, encoding
1.0.0December 24, 2016 presets, //Opus, high bit-depth encoding
1.2.0December 22, 2018Hardware encoders (VCE, NVENC, VideoToolbox), FFmpeg decoding
1.4.0July 18, 202110/12-bit pipelines, support
1.6.0December 29, 2022Full AV1 encoding (SVT-AV1, QSV)
1.8.0May 20, 2024SVT-AV1 2.1.0 update, GTK4 UI
1.10.2September 6, 2025Library updates, bit-depth crash fixes, driver compatibility

Reception

Critical reviews

HandBrake has received positive evaluations from technology reviewers for its (GUI), which balances accessibility with advanced functionality, and for producing high-quality video outputs comparable to commercial software such as Adobe Media Encoder. The software's free and open-source nature is frequently highlighted as a major advantage, enabling professional-grade without licensing costs. In a 2025 review, awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its stability, speed, and ability to handle diverse formats efficiently. Reviewers note HandBrake's strengths, including intuitive that allow beginners to achieve quick results and detailed controls for experienced users to fine-tune parameters like bitrate and filters. Its cross-platform consistency across Windows, macOS, and ensures a uniform experience, with capabilities streamlining workflows for multiple files. However, the interface's density of options can present a steeper for novices, requiring consultation of to optimize settings effectively. Criticisms include occasional crashes when processing complex or corrupted sources, and while updates have improved error handling and stability, some issues persist in recent versions. The absence of a built-in editing timeline limits its appeal for users needing integrated trimming or effects, positioning it more as a dedicated transcoder than a full media suite. In comparisons, HandBrake outperforms in batch scenarios due to superior customization and queue management, making it preferable for large-scale conversions. Its CLI variant, while powerful, falls short of FFmpeg's scripting flexibility and raw command-line efficiency for automated or highly specialized tasks. Recent 2025 assessments emphasize HandBrake's enhanced encoding efficiency for 4K content, offering better compression than H.265 while maintaining visual fidelity, as seen in version 1.9.0 and later. Updates in 1.10.0 have also improved performance, providing native support that boosts speeds on devices like and Windows systems.

Usage and popularity

HandBrake is widely employed for home media compression, enabling users to convert DVDs and Blu-rays into more compact digital formats suitable for personal libraries and streaming setups. This application is particularly valued for preserving collections against degradation, such as bit rot, by and content into efficient containers like MP4 or MKV. In workflows, HandBrake facilitates optimization of videos for online platforms, allowing creators to reduce file sizes while maintaining quality for faster uploads and broader compatibility. It also supports archival efforts by converting legacy formats, such as older tapes or discs, into modern codecs that ensure long-term without excessive storage demands. The tool's popularity stems from its status as a leading open-source video transcoder, consistently ranked among essential for multimedia tasks across platforms. Its repository reflects robust community involvement, with approximately 110 contributors actively maintaining the project. HandBrake integrates seamlessly into broader workflows, often paired with utilities like MakeMKV for initial ripping before compression. By providing accessible, high-quality transcoding without cost barriers, HandBrake has democratized video processing for hobbyists and independent users, fostering widespread adoption in personal and semi-professional environments. In 2025, its usage has surged for AV1 encoding, driven by the codec's superior compression efficiency that yields significant bandwidth and storage savings compared to predecessors like H.264, with millions of downloads reported annually as of September 2025. Community-driven enhancements continue to extend support for niche formats through custom presets and filters.

References

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