Step-by-Step Guide to Compress DVD Files on Mac & Windows

Compressing DVD files is a great way to save space on your device. When you rip and compress DVDs, you can reduce their size while keeping the quality. It is especially helpful if you have a large collection and limited storage. To learn how to compress DVD files easily, continue reading for simple methods you can try!

Part 1. 3 Ways to Compress DVD Files by Ripping It

1. Tipard DVD Ripper

If you have many DVD files taking up space and want to save them as smaller files on your computer, there is an easy way to do it. Tipard DVD Ripper can compress DVD files by ripping them. You can rip your DVD to various file formats, such as MP4, MKV, and more, which helps reduce the file size.

The best part is that you can keep the video quality high while saving space on your computer or device. Also, it lets you choose specific DVD parts, like the main movie or bonus content, and adjust settings to fit your needs. It is a simple way to get smaller, high-quality files from your DVDs.

Step 1 Download Tipard DVD Ripper and follow the installation instructions. Insert your DVD into your computer's drive and run the program afterward.

Step 2 In Tipard DVD Ripper, click the Load DVD button on the upper-left side to load your DVD.

Step 3 Once the DVD is loaded, select Main Title or Full Title List and click the OK button.

Step 4 In the top-right corner, click the Format drop-down menu and select the format you want, such as MP4 or MKV. These formats keep the video clarity high while decreasing the file size, making it easier to save and share. You can also hit the Custom Profile button to fine-tune video and audio settings.

Step 5 Pick a destination for the output file and click Rip All to begin the ripping process. After seconds of waiting, your DVD is compressed and saved in the format you selected。

2. HandBrake

If you want a free and easy way to compress DVD movies by ripping them, HandBrake is a great option. You will find it easy to use, and the best part is that you can personalize your DVD rips. You can fine-tune the output to fit your needs, whether changing the video format and quality or adding subtitles. It is a great choice if you want to rip DVDs and keep control over the results.

Step 1 Insert the DVD into your computer's DVD drive and open HandBrake.

Step 2 In HandBrake, click the Open Source button. It will load the DVD to prepare for ripping.

Step 3 Choose your preferred settings, like the encoder and the audio or subtitles you want to include. You can pick the format and quality that suits you.

Step 4 Once you have set everything, click Start Encode to begin ripping the DVD. Wait for HandBrake to finish the process.

3. VLC

VLC is a well-known, free media player that many users already use. It can play regular videos and DVDs but also has a hidden feature that lets you rip DVDs. It allows you to easily compress your DVD content into smaller, more manageable digital formats. It is a simple, no-cost solution for anyone who wants to save their DVDs in a digital form.

Step 1 Put the DVD you want to rip into your computer's DVD drive.

Step 2 Open VLC. Go to the Menu and click Media, then select Convert/Save. It will allow you to load the DVD to rip.

Step 3 Once the DVD is loaded, click on Convert/Save again. Here, you can choose an encoder. Pick the format in which you want to save the ripped file, like MP4 or MKV.

Step 4 After you have selected the settings, click Start to begin ripping. Wait for VLC to finish. The time it takes will be based on the size of the DVD.

Below is a comparison table of three tools, Tipard DVD Ripper, HandBrake, and VLC, to compress DVD files by ripping. Each tool has different features and capabilities, so here is a breakdown to help you decide which one works best for you:

Part 2. Directly Compress DVD to Another DVD Disc

Many DVDs, especially the large ones, can be tricky to copy directly onto another disc because of their size. Thankfully, there is a tool that can help you with this. Aside from the fact that it can copy and clone DVDs, Tipard DVD Cloner allows you to compress a DVD on Mac and Windows from DVD-9 (which holds more data) to DVD-5 (which has less capacity). It is done by adjusting the target size during the setup process. It makes it perfect for copying larger DVDs to a single-layer disc without losing important details.

Step 1 Download and install Tipard DVD Cloner on your computer. Once installed, open the program and insert your source DVD (DVD-9) into the disc drive. If you have two disc drives, put the blank DVD (DVD-5) in the second one.

Step 2 Head to the File menu, click the Select Source option and select DVD-9 as the source.

Step 3 Decide whether to choose Full Copy, Main Movie or Customize. Next, click the Target Size option and choose the D5(4.35G).

Note: The 4.35G part indicates the data size that can fit that storage space. So, choose DVD-5 to compress the DVD-9 content to fit onto a smaller disc.

Step 4 Hit the Next button, and then click the Start button so Tipard DVD Cloner will begin compressing your DVD-9 to DVD-5.

Part 3. Tips for DVD Compression

Before proceeding into DVD compression, it is important to do it correctly to keep quality and reduce file size. Here are some tips that can help you get the best results while compressing your DVD:

1. Choose a Higher-Compression Codec

Select a codec like H.264 or H.265. These codecs can compress files better without losing too much quality.

2. Adjust Quality Settings

Please do not overdo it with compression. Too much can make your video look blurry. Try to find a balance between size and quality.

3. Use a Smaller Resolution

If you do not need the highest resolution, reducing it slightly can save space and make the file smaller.

4. Remove Unwanted Parts

If there are extra audio tracks or subtitles you do not need, remove them. There are DVD compression programs that can help you reduce the file size.

5. Test Your Settings

Before committing to a full DVD rip, try ripping a short part of the movie. It will let you see the quality after compression and adjust if needed.