How to Rip DVD with VLC Media Player

Updated: June 4, 2026 · Full review · Alternatives · Video Players

VLC Media Player can rip DVDs through its streaming output feature, which captures disc content to your hard drive—though the process requires a few specific steps since this isn't a front-and-center function.

Understanding DVD Ripping in VLC Media Player

The application doesn't advertise DVD ripping as a primary feature. Instead, the workflow its codec support and streaming capabilities to extract video from protected or unprotected discs. How to rip DVD with VLC media player involves using the "Convert" tool paired with the media stream output settings, which few users discover because the menu path isn't obvious.

Start by inserting your DVD, then navigate to Media → Convert/Save. Select your disc drive from the dropdown. The software immediately reads the disc structure and displays available titles. This step works because of its broad format conversion capabilities—the same engine that handles all video codecs also processes DVD MPEG-2 streams.

Step-by-Step Ripping Process

Access the Convert Menu

Open VLC and select Media from the top menu. Click Convert/Save (or press Ctrl+R). The application displays a file browser. Navigate to your DVD drive letter, and the tool recognizes the VIDEO_TS folder automatically.

Select Output Format and Location

Choose your desired output format: MP4, MKV, or AVI. Each has trade-offs. MP4 offers best compatibility; MKV preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitle streams; AVI is older but still widely supported. The software provides hardware acceleration options in the output settings—enabling this speeds up encoding on modern systems.

Specify a destination folder and filename. The conversion will take 30–90 minutes depending on disc length and your system performance.

Start the Conversion

Click Start and the ripping process begins. No ads interrupt the workflow, and the software doesn't require registration or additional plugins. Progress appears in a small window showing percentage complete and estimated time remaining.

This method differs from dedicated ripping tools. Media Player Classic BE or The KMPlayer are faster for playback but don't include built-in conversion. How to rip DVD with VLC media player remains the most accessible option for users who already have a free media player installed.

Common Issues and Workarounds

Some DVDs include regional coding or copy protection that the software cannot bypass—this is a legal limitation, not a software flaw. If conversion fails, check that you've selected the correct VIDEO_TS folder, not the root DVD directory.

Audio sync problems occasionally occur with older DVDs. Enable Tools → Preferences → Video → Deinterlacing before ripping if the source is interlaced (common on older releases).

Pro Tip: Use the Tools → Preferences → Video Output menu to set your video filter stack before conversion. Adding brightness/contrast or deinterlacing adjustments applies them during encoding, saving a second pass. This hidden workflow cuts total ripping time by 40% when you need color correction.

Why Choose This Approach

Learn about VLC's security model to understand why this open-source option is trusted. The application created in 1996 has maintained zero ads and open-source code across all platforms—Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

How to rip DVD with VLC media player requires patience but delivers reliable output without licensing fees or watermarks. The subtitle sync and audio effects engines ensure quality results. For streaming scenarios where you need the ripped file immediately available, the conversion completes as a single file ready for your media library.

Explore VLC's full feature set to discover other capabilities beyond playback. The equalizer, crossfade, and screen recording functions extend its utility beyond basic video playback, making it a practical choice for users managing digital media collections.