# MakeMKV > DVD and Blu-ray ripping software **Wikidata**: [Q11232702](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11232702) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/makemkv ## Summary MakeMKV is a cross‑platform DVD and Blu‑ray ripping program that converts optical disc video into the MKV container format. It runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Unix‑like operating systems, and the current stable release is version 1.14.4 (June 6 2019). ## Key Facts - **Software type:** DVD and Blu‑ray ripping application (instance of *software*). - **Latest stable version:** 1.14.4, released 2019‑06‑06 (source: download page, accessed 2019‑08‑03). - **Supported operating systems:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Unix‑like operating systems. - **Official website:** https://www.makemkv.com/ (English language). - **Distribution channels:** Available through Flathub (ID com.makemkv.MakeMKV), Snap (package makemkv), AUR (package makemkv), Gentoo (media‑video/makemkv), and FreeBSD ports (multimedia/makemkv). - **Image reference:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MakeMKV_BETA-1.15.2.png. - **Knowledge‑graph identifiers:** Google Knowledge Graph /g/121t14x8; Repology project makemkv; AlternativeTo ID makemkv. - **Package manager IDs:** Chocolatey community package MakeMKV; Flathub as distributor. ## FAQs ### Q: What does MakeMKV do? A: MakeMKV reads DVD and Blu‑ray discs and creates lossless MKV files, preserving video, audio, and subtitle tracks without re‑encoding. ### Q: Which operating systems can run MakeMKV? A: It runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and any Unix‑like operating system. ### Q: Where can I download the latest version of MakeMKV? A: The official download page is https://www.makemkv.com/, which hosts the current stable release (1.14.4 as of June 2019). ### Q: Is MakeMKV available through Linux package managers? A: Yes; it is packaged for Flathub, Snap, Arch User Repository (AUR), Gentoo, and FreeBSD ports. ### Q: What file format does MakeMKV output? A: It outputs video in the Matroska (MKV) container format. ## Why It Matters MakeMKV fills a crucial niche for users who need to preserve or repurpose physical media. By converting DVDs and Blu‑ray discs to the widely supported MKV container, it enables playback on virtually any modern device without sacrificing quality, since the conversion is lossless and retains original tracks. Its cross‑platform nature means that Windows, macOS, and Linux users can all employ the same tool, simplifying workflows for archivists, home‑theater enthusiasts, and developers alike. Moreover, the availability of MakeMKV in multiple package ecosystems (Flathub, Snap, AUR, Gentoo, FreeBSD) lowers barriers to installation and keeps the software up‑to‑date across diverse environments. In an era where physical media are increasingly obsolete, MakeMKV provides a reliable method for creating personal backups, ensuring that valuable video content remains accessible long after the original discs degrade or become unreadable. ## Notable For - **Cross‑platform support** across Windows, macOS, and Unix‑like systems. - **Lossless DVD/Blu‑ray to MKV conversion**, preserving all original tracks. - **Broad distribution** via Flathub, Snap, AUR, Gentoo, and FreeBSD ports. - **Active versioning** with a documented stable release (1.14.4, 2019‑06‑06). - **Recognition in multiple knowledge bases** (Google KG, Repology, AlternativeTo). ## Body ### Overview MakeMKV is a software utility designed to read optical disc media—specifically DVDs and Blu‑ray discs—and output the content as Matroska (MKV) files. The conversion process is lossless; video, audio, and subtitle streams are copied directly without re‑encoding, ensuring the resulting file matches the source quality. ### Platform Support - **Microsoft Windows:** Fully supported, allowing Windows users to rip discs directly. - **macOS:** Native support for Apple computers. - **Unix‑like operating systems:** Compatibility extends to Linux distributions and other Unix‑style environments, facilitated by package managers such as Snap and Flathub. ### Version History - **Version 1.14.4** is the latest stable release, dated **June 6 2019**. The release information is documented on the official download page (accessed August 3 2019). ### Distribution & Packaging MakeMKV is distributed through several channels: - **Flathub** (ID com.makemkv.MakeMKV) – primary source for Flatpak users. - **Snap Store** – package named *makemkv*. - **Arch User Repository (AUR)** – package *makemkv*. - **Gentoo Portage** – located in *media-video/makemkv*. - **FreeBSD Ports** – under *multimedia/makemkv*. - **Chocolatey** – community package for Windows. These multiple distribution methods ensure easy installation and updates across a wide range of systems. ### Usage Highlights - Users insert a DVD or Blu‑ray disc, launch MakeMKV, and select the desired titles and tracks. - The software creates an MKV file that can be played on virtually any media player, including VLC, MPV, and Plex. - Because the process is non‑destructive, the original disc remains untouched, making MakeMKV suitable for archival purposes. ### Technical Details - **File format output:** Matroska (MKV). - **License/Cost:** Not specified in the source material; the entry focuses on functional aspects. - **Image reference:** A screenshot of the interface is available at the Wikimedia Commons link provided. By providing a straightforward, cross‑platform solution for disc ripping, MakeMKV remains a valuable tool for media preservation and flexible playback. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.makemkv.com/download/)