Top 5 Ways to Convert ISO to MKV: Best Guide

Video editors often convert MKV to ISO because ISO preserves the original DVD structure effectively. ISO is compressible, suitable for USB storage and playback, and can be converted to MKV and burned to DVD. However, if you want to avoid compatibility issues and further compress the file size, you can convert ISO to MKV using competent converters.

This blog post aims to share the best free and paid ISO to MKV converters to help you process your videos on all devices without losing quality. Be in for a detailed conversion process with a step-by-step guide.

Top Methods to Convert ISO to MKV: A Quick Glimpse

Before converting ISO to MKV, compare all the free and paid converters for their compatible devices and other essential functions to choose the most suitable tool for your conversion needs.

Complete Guide to Convert ISO to MKV With Best Tools

Transforming ISO to MKV helps save storage space without compromising the quality of your Blu-ray or DVD content, making it a smart choice. MKV retains all original elements, such as chapters, subtitles, and audio tracks, ensuring broad compatibility across media players and platforms like Plex, Xbox One, and Roku for versatile playback and streaming options. Let's look at the five best ISO to MKV converters in detail, including their conversion process.

1. Use DVDFab DVD Ripper to Convert ISO to MKV

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a professional and versatile tool for converting 2D or 3D DVDs, Blu-rays, or UHD ISO files to various video and audio formats. It is comprehensively device-compatible and has a robust MKV editing feature. It also supports output lossless MKV. Pass through and also other MKV profiles to suit your needs.

How to Convert DVD ISO to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Open DVDFab 13, then add an ISO file for processing

To begin with the DVDFab 13 Ripper module, download and install the software. Insert your DVD into the drive or add ISO files/folders from your computer. DVDFab supports batch conversion, processing multiple ISO files simultaneously.

Step 2: Select your targeted and preferred output profile

DVDFab automatically identifies the ISO type (DVD, Blu-ray, UHD Blu-ray). To convert ISO to MKV, navigate to Profile Switcher (Choose Other Profile) and select Format. Then, click General and choose MKV. Select the corresponding options in the profile settings for other formats like MP4, AVI, and MOV based on your specific conversion requirements.

Step 3: Tailor your final video content

Access video editing via Advanced Settings and Video Edit tools on the main interface within the program. Advanced Settings allow adjustments to video resolution, quality, frame rate, encoding method, and other technical aspects to tailor output according to specific preferences and requirements.

Conversely, DVDFab DVD Ripper’s Video Edit menu allows users to crop, trim, add subtitles, and insert watermarks effortlessly.

The main menu also offers extra features, allowing users to select audio tracks and choose specific chapters or titles for a customized experience. These options vary depending on the type of ISO being ripped. Features differ when ripping a DVD ISO compared to a UHD Blu-ray ISO, reflecting their distinct formats and capabilities.

Step 4: Convert ISO to MKV

Before initiating the conversion of ISO to MKV, specify the destination folder using the "Save to" option at the bottom. Ripping Blu-rays takes longer than DVDs because of their increased size.. However, DVDFab Ripper operates at a speed approximately ten times faster than standard ripping speeds.

2. Convert ISO to MKV with DumboFab DVD Ripper

DumboFab DVD Ripper is another excellent option for converting ISO to MKV. It swiftly converts video, DVD, and Blu-ray (protected) to over 300 formats/devices, preserving quality. It offers quick Blu-ray/DVD backup and includes a user-friendly video editor.

• Transforms all types of DVDs into mainstream formats for multiple devices
• Fast conversion while maintaining and enhancing DVD Quality
• Quickly duplicates DVDs accurately in 30x speedier speed
• Protects DVDs with digital backups against physical damage

• The interface may be challenging for beginners
• The free version has limitations and restrictions
• Doesn't recognize the latest DVDs reliably

How to Use DumboFab DVD Ripper to Convert ISO to MKV

Step 1: Install DumboFab Video Converter Ultimate. Open the program, click "Load Disc," then "Load IFO/ISO" to convert ISO to MKV.

Step 2: After loading the ISO, click "Format," go to "Multi-track video," and choose Lossless/encoded Multi-track MKV for conversion.

Note: All audio and subtitle tracks are saved in MKV by default. Go to Settings > Multi-task Settings > Audio and Subtitle tabs to exclude tracks.

Step 3: To convert ISO to MKV, go to "Format," select "HD/4K Video," and pick "MKV HD Video (*.mkv)." Adjust audio and subtitle settings in their respective tabs.

Step 4: After configuring settings, click "Convert" to initiate the conversion of BD ISO or DVD ISO to MKV, ensuring lossless or high-quality output according to your settings.

3. Convert ISO to MKV with MakeMKV

MakeMKV is a popular choice for users looking to convert DVD ISO to MKV. It efficiently extracts MKV files from DVDs and Blu-rays, including ISOs, ensuring there’s no loss in quality during the process. It preserves all tracks, chapters, and metadata by directly extracting, ensuring fast conversion without video transcoding.

• Reads DVD and Blu-ray discs, including protected versions
• Retains all video and audio tracks, including HD audio
• Maintains chapter and meta-information (track language, audio type)
• Converts at the speed of the data read

• Converts the output video in only one format: MKV
• Creates an exceptionally large MKV file upon export

How to Convert DVD ISO to MKV with MakeMKV

Step 1: Obtain the installer file for MakeMKV from the official website on your desired device.

Step 2: Install the MakeMKV software and launch it on your system.

Step 3: Use the "Open File" option (Ctrl+O) or click the folder icon to load the ISO file.

Note: If detection fails, mount ISO as a virtual DVD in Windows. To emulate the ISO as a virtual DVD, simply right-tap the ISO file and select "Mount" from the context menu options.

Step 4: Designate the destination for your converted MKV file in the right-hand section.

Step 5: Once that's set, start the conversion by clicking the "Make MKV" button within the application to begin the process.

4. Convert ISO to MKV with HandBrake

HandBrake is a widely-used open-source software for converting ISO to MKV, MP4, and WebM formats, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. It offers advanced parameters for precise encoding but requires some learning.

• Versatile format compatibility
• No cost, accessible source code
• Supports multiple OS like Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Utilizes hardware for faster encoding processes

• Converts the output video in only three formats: MP4, MKV, and WebM
• Modifies original video and audio streams during conversion
• Always compresses video and audio files during conversion

How to Convert ISO to MKV Using HandBrake

Step 1: Obtain HandBrake from its official website and quickly complete the installation process on your computer.

Step 2: Open HandBrake and select the File menu to load your ISO file for conversion.

Note: ​​HandBrake scans ISO files upon opening. If it shows "No valid source or titles found," the ISO might be undetected or protected. Use alternative methods to handle protected ISO files.

Step 3: Select an output setting that aligns with the specifications of the original source video file.

Review details like resolution (e.g., 720x480), frame rate (e.g., 23.98FPS), audio tracks, and subtitle tracks are available beside the source file name. Adjust settings in the software accordingly for accurate conversion.

Step 4: Set where the converted MKV file will be saved, then initiate the encoding process by clicking "Start Encode."

5. Convert ISO to MKV with VLC

VLC, known for its versatility in playing various media formats and physical discs, also includes a built-in feature to convert ISO to MKV and other formats, streamlining the conversion process.

• Plays files, webcams, devices, discs, and streams
• Supports codecs like MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix, iOS, Android OS
• Completely free with no spyware, ads, or user tracking

• Cannot convert protected ISOs without external methods
• Suitable only for converting a few unencrypted ISO files
• Limited settings for output quality compared to specialized software

How to Convert ISO to MKV Via VLC

Step 1: Get VLC from its official site and install it on your PC/Mac. Once done, open the application.

Step 2: Select "Media" from the menu, then click "Convert/Save" to start.

Step 3: In the "Open Media" window, go to the "File" tab. Click "+ Add" to choose your ISO file, then hit "Convert/Save" to start.

Step 4: Select MKV as your desired output format in the "Convert" window. If MKV isn't listed under Profile, click "Create a new profile," select MKV in the "Encapsulation" tab. Modify the video and audio settings as needed before starting the conversion process.

Step 5: Select "Browse" next to "Destination file" in VLC's conversion settings to designate a location for saving your converted MKV file before initiating the process.

Step 6: After setting up, click "Start" in VLC to initiate the conversion of the ISO file into MKV format. VLC will handle the conversion process accordingly.

FAQs

Q. Why Convert ISO to MKV?

There are many reasons to support the conversion of ISO to MKV. Here are a few.

• MKV uses efficient codecs for compact files compared to ISO
• MKV is more versatile across various devices than ISO
• MKV supports multiple audio tracks and subtitle options
• MKV maintains superior video quality that is similar to Blu-ray standards
• Convert ISO to MKV for improved quality without expensive hardware upgrades

Q. How to convert 3D ISO to MKV?

DVDFab Ripper efficiently transforms both 2D and 3D ISO images into multiple video formats, such as MKV, preserving or enhancing the original specifications. Here's how to convert 3D ISO to MKV format.

Step 1: Open DVDFab, choose the "Ripper" module, and import your 3D ISO file to begin the conversion process.

Step 2: Pick "Choose Other Profile," then select the 3D MKV format, adjusting video and audio settings as required for optimal results.

Step 3: Pick the location where you want to save the file, then click "Start" to start converting.

Q. Which software is best for ISO to MKV conversion?

There are several reputable software options available for converting ISO to MKV files. However, the DVDFab DVD Ripper is by far the best one. It is known for its versatility and robust features and supports converting protected DVD and Blu-ray ISO files to MKV, among other formats.

Final Wrap

Open-source software can be your go-to option for free when converting ISO to MKV. However, it lacks efficiency in handling copy-protected ISOs and quick conversions. Considering crucial factors like operating system compatibility, user-friendliness, supported ISO types, conversion speed, and cost-effectiveness, DVDFab DVD Ripper emerges as the optimal choice. It can effortlessly convert DVD ISO to MKV and various formats, offering additional functionalities beyond simple conversion tasks.