How to Convert ISO to MKV with All Chapter, Audio, and Subs

"I have a HUUUUUGE library of ISO (blu-ray and DVD backups), a 1:1 quality conversion. Probably 8-10 TB's worth!! I want to create MKV files from these ISO image files so that I can play on my Xbox One X easily, and ISO is not one. Would love to keep most of the quality, even though I know that is a pipe dream."

ISO image file is an archive file of an optical disc. It is a sector-by-sector copy of the source DVD or Blu-ray by specific disk imaging software, and it contains all written contents from an optical disc and owns large file size - almost the same file size as original DVD or Blu-ray disc. When you convert an ISO image to a digital format, you may want to keep all the content of the ISO image if possible. MKV is the format that will contain all the video, audio, subtitle tracks, menus of an ISO image without quality loss while provide better compatibility than ISO image.

If you want to transcode a Blu-ray/DVD ISO image to MKV video and don't want to lose video quality, you've come to the right place. In this post, we will show you the right way to convert ISO to MKV without re-encoding. Also we will share some tips on how to encode ISO image to MKV with good quality-size tradeoff.

Part 1: Why Users Choose to Convert ISO to MKV?

1. ISO to MKV Backup can Reserves all Blu-ray/DVD content

If you have ever encoded ISO into MP4, AVI, or MPEG format, and been slightly frustrated with the loss of DVD or Blu-ray extra elements, then you can switch to MKV as the Blu-ray or DVD backup format, which is able to contain all detailed chapter information, sub-chapters, titles, multiple audio and video streams, subtitles, attachments and custom metadata.

2. MKV Container Is as Universal as MP4 with High Quality

Since MKV supports any type of video/audio tracks and subtitles inside, and is quite efficient for storage and streaming, it's widely used on video transmitting. Usually, common ISO converters can help convert a large Blu-ray/DVD ISO movie to a digital file in hundreds of MB, but you will get much quality loss. Only some seasoned ISO to MKV backup tools balance well on video file size and encoding speed.

Part 2: Best Software to Convert Blu-ray/DVD ISO to MKV without Losing Quality

There are many ISO to MKV converters on the market. If you're looking for a tool with fast speed and lossless quality, the battle-tested ISO converter - DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper will be your best choice. It's available for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, etc. And it has a Mac version compatible with macOS Monterey, Big Sur and lower. Its features include but are not limited to:

◉ Transcode Blu-ray ISO and DVD ISO image to MKV with original quality within 5 minutes;
◉ Convert ISO image file to MKV as well as other formats such as MP4, HEVC, H264, AVI, MOV, M4V, MPG, FLV, etc. video with good quality-size balance.
◉ Support coping with both homemade Blu-rays/DVDs, and store-bought Blu-ray and DVD discs with almost all copy-protections;
◉ Encode ISO image to MP4 for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, and other devices with optimized presets.
◉ Finish conversion at fast speed, owing to the support for the world's advanced Intel QSV, Nvidia CUDA/NVENC, and AMD 3DNow! Tech.
◉ Edit videos by trimming, merging, cropping, adding subtitle, etc. Aadjust resolution, bit rate, codec, etc to produce optimal file size.

Why Should You Use DumboFab instead of Handbrake to Convert ISO to MKV?

Handbrake is a free and well-known program and it can also convert ISO to MKV files. However, the MKV video ripped with Handbrake has quality loss. Handbrake can't extract the MKV from discs without transcoding. It decodes the ISO image and re-encodes the video into MKV in x264, x265, other codecs, during which quality loss happens.

[Tutorial] How to Convert ISO to MKV with Full Quality

To get started, you need to download, install DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper on your computer.

Step 1. Load BD/DVD ISO Image Files

Run DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper on your Windows or Mac, click Load disc button and then click Load IFO/ISO to choose and load the ISO image file you want to convert. If you have original movie on your Blu-ray or DVD disc, you can also load it to the program for conversion.

Step 2. Choose Lossless MKV as Target Format

Click Format bar and move mouse cursor to Multi-track Video category and select Lossless/encoded Multi-track MKV(*.mkv) as the output format.

Step 3. Remove unwanted audio or subtitle track (optional)

By default, all audio & subtitles tracks in a source ISO image file are checked to be saved in the MKV container. If there are some tracks you don't like, you can click Settings button and go to Multi-task Settings window to uncheck and remove them under Audio tab and Subtitle tab.

Step 4. Start ISO to MKV conversion.

If you do not have other advanced and personalized settings, just hit "Convert" to beging conversion from BD/DVD ISO to lossless MKV. The conversion will be completed within 5 minutes.

Tips: How to Decode ISO to MKV with Good Quality-Size Tradeoff

The lossless MKV can keep the original quality but also produces the rip as large as the original ISO image files. If you want to encode ISO to MKV with optimal quality and small size, then you're recommended to choose MKV(Matroska) Video (*.mkv) from Common Video category as the output format. This will help you convert an ISO image file at huge size to a smaller MKV file.

Part 3: ISO to MKV Conversion FAQs

1. Can VLC convert ISO to MKV?

No. VLC doesn't support converting ISO image file to MKV format. But you can use VLC to convert ISO to MP4, FLV, iPad formats.

2. Can Handbrake convert ISO to MKV format?

Yes. HandBrake can convert DVD ISO to MKV.

❶Load the ISO file to HandBrake you want to convert to MKV.
❷ Choose title and chapters.
❸ Choose a MKV preset in 720x480/720x576 or lower.
❹ Click Start Encode to start converting ISO file MKV video.

3. Can MakeMKV remux ISO to MKV format?

Yes. MakeMKV can turn proprietary discs into a set of MKV files while preserving most informat.

Step 1. Download MakeMKV for your Windows or Mac computer. Then, install and open it.

Step 2. Click "File" -> "Open files" or press "Ctrl + O" to browse and import target ISO file. MakeMKV will take some time to process titles and decrypt data.

Step 3. When ISO is loaded, you will see titles, video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a tree structure. What you need to do here is to select desired titles and tracks.

Step 4. Set output folder and then click "Make MKV". Then, simply wait for the process to finish.