handbrake

open-source video transcoder

TLDR

Convert video to MP4

$ HandBrakeCLI -i [input.mkv] -o [output.mp4]

Use preset

$ HandBrakeCLI -i [input.mkv] -o [output.mp4] --preset="Fast 1080p30"

Specify quality

$ HandBrakeCLI -i [input.mkv] -o [output.mp4] -q [20]

Convert DVD

$ HandBrakeCLI -i [/dev/dvd] -o [output.mp4]

List presets

$ HandBrakeCLI --preset-list

Extract specific title

$ HandBrakeCLI -i [input.mkv] -o [output.mp4] -t [2]

SYNOPSIS

HandBrakeCLI [options] -i source -o output

HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder. HandBrakeCLI is the command-line interface for batch processing, scripting, and headless operation.
It supports various input formats including DVDs, Blu-rays, and common video files, outputting to MP4, MKV, and WebM containers.

PARAMETERS

-i source

Input file or device.

-o file

Output file.

-t title

Title number to encode.

--preset name

Use preset configuration.

-q quality

Quality (0-51, lower is better).

-e encoder

Video encoder (x264, x265, nvenc).

-E encoder

Audio encoder (aac, mp3, flac).

-B bitrate

Audio bitrate.

-r fps

Framerate.

--width pixels

Output width.

--height pixels

Output height.

CAVEATS

DVD decryption requires libdvdcss. Hardware encoding needs compatible GPU. High-quality encoding is slow. Preset names are case-sensitive.

HISTORY

HandBrake was created by Eric Petit in 2003 as a tool for ripping DVDs on BeOS. It evolved into a general-purpose video transcoder and is now maintained by a community of developers.