How To Use HandBrake

Before we discuss how to use HandBrake, it is important to understand why and when you would use it. All video files use what is called a codec in order to encode the video data. Different software or cameras, like the Flip camera, use different codecs. In order to ensure that you have a codec that is compatible with DragonDrop, it may be necessary to reencode your video file using a standard codec. HandBrake specifically works with MP4 files. If you have an MP4 file that you would like to upload to DragonDrop, it is recommended that you use HandBrake to ensure that the file is using the H.264 codec.

Download the Software

In order to process your video files you will need to download the software. Just click the download link for the operating system that you are running.

For Windows

Here are the step by step instructions on how to encode a video in H.264 using HandBrake on a Windows (200, XP, Vista, 7) system.

To Process a Single File

1. Start the HandBrake program
2. If this is your first time using the program, do the following:
   1. Click on Tools and choose Options
   2. Make sure you are on the General tab
   3. Under Output Files specify a Default Path for your encoded files
   4. Uncheck the box next to "Always use iPod/iTunes friendly file extension (m4v) for MP4"
   5. Click Close
3. At the top right, click on the Source icon and choose Video File
4. Select the file that you want to encode
5. Click Open
6. Click Start to begin the encoding process
7. Once the process finishes, your file is encoded

To Process More Than One File at a Time

Follow the steps as they appear above. When you get to step 6, click on Add to Queue. That will open up the Encode Queue window to show you all files that are scheduled for processing. When you want to add another file, close the Encode Queue window and repeat steps 3 – 6 using the Add to Queue button each time. Once all files are added, click on the Start button.

For Mac

Here are the step by step instructions on how to encode a video in H.264 using HandBrake on a Mac OS X (10.5, 10.6) system.

To Process a Single File

1. Start the HandBrake program
2. If this is your first time using the program, do the following:
   1. Click on HandBrake and choose Preferences
   2. Make sure you are on the General tab
   3. Make sure the box next to "Always use iPod/iTunes friendly file extension (m4v) for MP4" is unchecked
   4. Close Preferences
3. At the top right, click on the Source icon and choose Video File
4. Select the file that you want to encode
5. Click Open
6. Click Start to begin the encoding process
7. Once the process finishes, your file is encoded

To Process More Than One File at a Time

Follow the steps as they appear above. When you get to step 6, click on Add to Queue. That will add the file to the encoding queue. When you want to add another file, repeat steps 3 – 6 using the Add to Queue button each time. Once all files are added, click on the Start button.