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IFO MKV
File conversion

Convert IFO to MKV

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 16, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert IFO to MKV?
Yes - IFO converts to MKV.

MakeMKV (free during beta) remuxes the DVD content losslessly into a single .mkv, preserving all audio tracks and subtitles. HandBrake re-encodes the video, producing a smaller file but not a bit-for-bit copy of the DVD source.

Also to MKV: USM · TP · MPEG4

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert IFO to MKV?

An IFO file is a DVD navigation index with no video of its own; the actual video is in the .vob files in the same VIDEO_TS folder. .mkv is an open container that holds multiple audio and subtitle tracks in one file, making it a natural replacement for the multi-file DVD structure that plays on virtually any device without extra codecs.

How to convert IFO to MKV

MakeMKV FREE

Select the VIDEO_TS folder or the VIDEO_TS.IFO; MakeMKV reads the IFO to list titles, then remuxes the VOB video into MKV without re-encoding, preserving all audio and subtitle tracks losslessly.

HandBrake OPEN-SOURCE

Open the VIDEO_TS folder, set the container to MKV, select audio and subtitle tracks, and encode. HandBrake re-encodes to H.264 or H.265, producing a smaller but not lossless output.

About these formats

.IFO DVD-Video Information File (navigation)

An IFO file is the navigation file inside a DVD's VIDEO_TS folder. It stores menus, chapter points, and audio/subtitle track maps but contains no video - the video lives in the VOB files.…

Open .IFO details →
.MKV Matroska Video

An MKV file is a Matroska multimedia container that holds video, multiple audio tracks, subtitles and chapters in one file. Open it for free with VLC media player, or on Windows 11 with the…

Open .MKV details →

Quality & what to watch

  • The IFO is never converted - it is a navigation index read by the tool to identify titles and tracks; the video comes from the .vob files.
  • MakeMKV performs a lossless remux and finishes faster than real-time; HandBrake re-encodes and takes longer but produces a smaller file.
  • Both tools should be pointed at the VIDEO_TS folder rather than at the IFO file alone.

Frequently asked questions

Will multiple audio languages be kept?
MakeMKV copies all audio and subtitle tracks by default; HandBrake lets you select which tracks to include before encoding.
Is MakeMKV really free?
MakeMKV is free while in beta; a free registration key is available on the developer's website.
How long does conversion take?
MakeMKV finishes faster than real-time because it remuxes without re-encoding; HandBrake re-encodes and takes longer depending on quality settings.