Handbrake Beginners Guide 2024 | Handbrake video compression tutorial with a detailed explanation

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to use Handbrake, a popular open-source video transcoder, to compress large files into smaller sizes and convert videos into different formats. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

Getting Started with Handbrake

1. Download Handbrake: To begin, navigate to the Handbrake website. Once there, click on "Downloads" and select the appropriate version for your operating system. For instance, if you're using Windows 11, download the Windows version.

2. Installation: After the download completes, run the installer. Follow the prompts to install the software on your computer.

3. Opening Handbrake: Once installed, launch Handbrake to start encoding videos. Before making changes, navigate to Preferences.

4. Setting Preferences:

   • Theme Selection: Use the drop-down menu next to the theme option to choose your desired interface.
   • Preview Player: To customize the preview player, find the executable path of your music player by searching for it on Windows and right-clicking to select "Open file location". Copy this path and paste it in Handbrake’s preferences.
   • Default Output Path: Under the Output Files tab, click Browse next to the default path and select where you want to save your encoded files.
   • File Naming: Add a specific format next to File Format and drag from the options available.
   • Enable Hardware Support: Go to the video section to enable hardware options suitable for your system (e.g., Nvidia).
   • Advanced Settings: You can adjust advanced settings under the Advanced tab.

5. Resetting Changes: If you need to reset preferences, use the reset buttons in the preferences window to revert to default settings.

6. Restart Handbrake: Ensure you restart the application after making changes to preferences.

Video Conversion Example

To demonstrate video conversion, we will convert a .mov file to .mp4:

1. Add Video: Drag and drop your .mov file into Handbrake.
2. Select Preset: Choose a preset that suits your requirement.
3. Select Format: Pick the desired file format.
4. Start Encoding: Click Start Encode. Your encoded .mp4 file will be ready once the process concludes.

Reducing File Size

Method 1: Quick Size Reduction

1. Add Video: Import a 1.6 GB video file.
2. Select Resolution: Choose a 720p resolution preset, which is lower than the original.
3. Adjusting FPS and Audio:
   • Set the frame rate to "same as source."
   • In the audio settings, match the original bitrate, mix-down, and sample rate.
4. Start Encoding: After adjustments, click Start Encode to significantly reduce the file size (from 1.6 GB to 200 MB).

Method 2: Maintain Resolution & FPS

1. Add Video: Start with a 4.6 GB file, 1920x1080 resolution at 60 FPS.
2. Select Preset: Choose a matching preset.
3. Adjust Video Settings:
   • Enable hardware support based on your graphics card.
   • Choose the encoder as h.264 NVENC.
   • Set frame rate to "same as source," change encoder preset to "slow," and set constant quality to 24.
4. Audio Settings: Change the bitrate to 160 and mix down to stereo.
5. Start Encoding: This method reduces a 4.6 GB video to 1.5 GB with preserved resolution.

Batch Processing

To process multiple videos:

1. Add Videos: Import multiple videos into Handbrake.
2. Setup Title: Select the video title from the dropdown menu.
3. Adjust Settings: After making settings for one video, click Add to Queue.
4. Repeat: Do this for all videos you wish to queue.
5. Start Queue Encoding: Once all are added, click Start Encode to process them all at once.

Preset Management

Creating a New Preset

1. Select a Video: Import a video and pick a preset.
2. Make Adjustments: Modify as needed.
3. Save New Preset: Click on Save New Preset, give it a unique name, and create a category.

Editing and Deleting Presets

• Edit a Preset: Select a preset, go to Presets, click Edit Preset, make necessary modifications, and save changes.
• Delete a Preset: Choose a preset, navigate to Presets, and select Delete Preset as needed.

Additional Video Editing Features

Previewing Changes

To preview encoding changes, adjust preview duration and click Encode Preview.

Upscaling or Downscaling

1. Upscaling: In Dimensions, set higher resolution limits, enable upscaling, and click Start Encode.
2. Downscaling: Set the resolution lower than the original. Disable upscaling for this option.

Flipping, Rotating, and Cropping

• Flip Video: Enable "Flip" under Dimensions.
• Rotate Video: Choose a rotation angle from the dropdown menu.
• Crop Video: Set cropping values under Dimensions.

Adding Borders and Filters

1. Borders: Set custom fill values under Borders. Choose color options and input an appropriate color code.
2. Grayscale Effect: Enable the grayscale option in Filters for black-and-white videos.

With these detailed instructions on Handbrake's functionality, you are well equipped to utilize its features for video compression and editing.

Keywords

Handbrake, video compression, video conversion, file formats, video editing, presets, batch processing, encoding, upscaling, downscaling, audio settings, filters, grayscale, crop, flip, rotate, video quality.

FAQ

1. What is Handbrake? Handbrake is an open-source video transcoder that allows users to convert and compress videos into various formats.

2. How do I download Handbrake? Visit the Handbrake website and select the version suitable for your operating system from the Downloads page.

3. Can I reduce file size with Handbrake? Yes, by adjusting settings such as resolution, frame rate, and audio bitrate, you can significantly reduce file size.

4. How do I batch process videos in Handbrake? Import multiple videos, set the desired settings for each, and add them to the queue before starting the encoding process.

5. What video formats can Handbrake convert? Handbrake supports various formats, including MP4, MKV, and more, depending on the selected presets.