DVD guide

How to rip a DVD to MKV

Choose a stream-preserving or encoded MKV output, then check tracks and playback on Windows or Mac.

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later
  • DVD sourceDisc, VIDEO_TS, or ISO
  • Choose MKV modeOutput matched to this workflow
  • MKV playback or storage checkVerify before batch processing

Problem and solution

Confirm the DVD title and intended output.

Check the disc structure, aspect ratio, audio, subtitles, and destination requirements before creating a copy.

Choose between a remux and an encoded MKV

MKV can hold video, multiple audio and subtitle tracks, and chapters, but the container does not make every workflow lossless. A stream-preserving profile keeps compatible DVD streams, while an encoded profile creates new video or audio and may change quality and file size.

On Windows, use Lossless > Multi-track MKV > All tracks lossless when the goal is to retain compatible source streams and the required tracks. The intended player must support the video, audio, and subtitle formats inside the MKV. For a different video codec or a smaller file, use Video > MKV and review the encoding settings. Changing the resolution or choosing an HD profile does not guarantee a smaller file or preserve the original picture quality.

On Mac, converted output supports one hard-coded subtitle track per file. The subtitle becomes part of the picture, so burning it in requires video encoding and it cannot be switched off later. Choosing MKV on Mac does not make subtitles selectable. If you need selectable subtitle tracks, use a supported Windows multi-track output and test it in the destination player. See the disc and subtitle specifications.

Select the correct authorized title and required tracks. Verify aspect ratio, interlaced motion, chapters, audio language, subtitles, and sync in the intended player before processing another disc.

Need the original DVD menus?

An MKV export stores selected media tracks and chapters; it does not retain the original interactive DVD menu. If you need menu navigation and the complete disc structure, use Lossless > Full Disc Backup to create a DVD ISO or folder instead. Follow the full-disc DVD backup guide and confirm that your player supports that backup format.

Solution direction

Apply the solution in the workflow below.

Choose a stream-preserving or encoded MKV output, then check tracks and playback on Windows or Mac.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Choose a stream-preserving or encoded MKV output, then check tracks and playback on Windows or Mac.

01

Add the source

Load the DVD disc

Open LosslessConverter and select Add Disc. Add the DVD disc, then select the required title, audio, and subtitle tracks.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible
Source toolbarLoad the source from the main toolbar.
02

Match quality and track needs

Choose the MKV mode for your goal

On Windows, open Output Format, select Lossless > Multi-track MKV, then choose All tracks lossless to retain compatible source streams and the required tracks. For an encoded output with a different codec or file size, choose Video > MKV and check its encoding settings instead. These are separate output modes. On Mac, converted output supports one hard-coded subtitle track; burning it into the picture requires video encoding. Selecting MKV alone does not make Mac subtitles selectable. Verify a short output in the intended player.

LosslessConverter Output Format menu with Lossless and Multi-track MKV selected
Multi-track MKVSelect Lossless, then choose Multi-track MKV.
03

Create the current output

Select Start All, then verify in MKV playback or storage

Choose an output folder and select Start All. When processing finishes, open the MKV file in the destination player and verify the selected title, picture quality, aspect ratio, interlaced motion, audio tracks, chapters, and sync. On Windows, test switching and turning off retained subtitle tracks; on Mac, check that the selected hard-coded subtitle is visible.

LosslessConverter main window showing the Start All control at the lower right
Start AllRun the task, then verify the result.

Process your own media

Process one file, verify the result, then run the full batch.

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later Browse DVD Solutions

Continue exploring

Compare a nearby format, device, or editing workflow before choosing the final output.

About the author

Nora Bennett

Editorial pen name ยท DVD guides

Updated

DVD guides covering disc structure, full-disc backups, selected titles, playback compatibility, and subtitles.

Published by . Editorial policy.