How to Convert Your CDs and DVDs into Digital Files: A Complete Guide

Redaksi

Updated: 02 Apr, 2025 • • min read

Table of Contents

FOKUS NEWS - Learn how to digitize your CDs and DVDs and why you should do it. Find out the best software, tools, and methods to convert your discs into digital files. Discover the benefits, tips, and FAQs of digitizing your media.

Do you have a collection of CDs and DVDs that are taking up space and collecting dust? Do you want to access your favorite music, movies, and shows on any device without relying on streaming services? Do you want to preserve your precious memories and personal media in a digital format? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to consider digitizing your CDs and DVDs.

Digitizing your CDs and DVDs means converting them into digital files that you can store on your computer, external hard drive, cloud service, or personal media server. By doing this, you can enjoy many benefits, such as:

Saving space and decluttering your home
Protecting your media from physical damage or loss
Enhancing the quality and compatibility of your media
Having more control and flexibility over your media
Sharing your media with others more easily

In this article, we will show you how to digitize your CDs and DVDs using some free and easy-to-use software. We will also cover how to sell or donate your discs after you digitize them, and answer some common questions about the process.

1. What You Need to Digitize Your CDs and DVDs

Before you start digitizing your CDs and DVDs, you will need the following items:

A computer with a DVD/CD drive, or an external drive
A DVD/CD ripping software, such as MakeMKV
A video/audio transcoding software, such as Handbrake
An external hard drive or cloud service for backup (optional)

A. A computer with a DVD/CD drive, or an external drive

If your computer has a built-in DVD/CD drive, then you are good to go. However, if you have a newer laptop or desktop that does not have an optical drive, you will need to buy an external one that connects to your computer via USB. You can find many affordable options on Amazon or other online stores. For example, you can get this external CD drive for less than $25, or this external Blu-ray drive for less than $100.

B. A DVD/CD ripping software, such as MakeMKV

A DVD/CD ripping software is a program that allows you to extract the data from your discs and save them as digital files on your computer. There are many DVD/CD ripping software available, but we recommend using MakeMKV, which is free, open source, and compatible with both Windows and Mac. MakeMKV can rip any DVD or Blu-ray disc, regardless of the region code or copy protection. It can also preserve the original quality and features of your discs, such as subtitles, menus, and chapters.

C. A video/audio transcoding software, such as Handbrake

A video/audio transcoding software is a program that allows you to convert the digital files from your discs into different formats, sizes, and qualities. This is useful if you want to reduce the file size, improve the compatibility, or customize the settings of your media. There are many video/audio transcoding software available, but we recommend using Handbrake, which is also free, open source, and compatible with both Windows and Mac. Handbrake can transcode any video or audio file, and offers many presets and options for different devices and platforms.

D. An external hard drive or cloud service for backup (optional)

Although digitizing your CDs and DVDs will protect them from physical damage or loss, you still need to backup your digital files in case of computer failure, theft, or virus attack. You can use an external hard drive or a cloud service to store a copy of your media. An external hard drive is a portable device that connects to your computer via USB and offers a large storage capacity. A cloud service is an online platform that allows you to upload and access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. Some popular cloud services are Google Drive, Dropbox, and [OneDrive].

2. How to Digitize Your CDs and DVDs Using MakeMKV and Handbrake

Now that you have everything you need, you can start digitizing your CDs and DVDs using MakeMKV and Handbrake. The process is similar for both types of discs, but there are some differences that we will point out. Here are the steps to follow:

A. Insert your disc into your drive and open MakeMKV

The first step is to insert your CD or DVD into your drive and open MakeMKV. The program will automatically detect your disc and show you the information and options. You can also click the disc icon with a plus sign to manually scan your disc.

B. Select the content you want to rip and choose an output folder

The next step is to select the content you want to rip and choose an output folder for the digital files. MakeMKV will show you a list of titles and tracks on your disc, along with their duration, size, and language. You can select or deselect the ones you want by checking or unchecking the boxes next to them. You can also preview the content by clicking the play button.

For CDs, you will usually see one title with multiple tracks, corresponding to the songs on your disc. You can rip the whole CD or select specific tracks.

For DVDs, you will usually see multiple titles, corresponding to the main movie, bonus features, trailers, etc. You can rip the whole DVD or select specific titles. The main movie is usually the longest title, but you can also use the preview feature to confirm.

After selecting the content you want to rip, you need to choose an output folder for the digital files. You can do this by clicking the folder icon next to the “Output folder” field and browsing to the location you want. You can also create a new folder if you wish.

C. Start the ripping process and wait for it to finish

The final step is to start the ripping process and wait for it to finish. You can do this by clicking the “Make MKV” button at the right bottom corner of the program. MakeMKV will then start extracting the data from your disc and saving them as MKV files in your output folder. MKV is a container format that can hold multiple video, audio, and subtitle streams. It is a versatile and high-quality format, but it is not widely supported by all devices and platforms.

The ripping process can take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and speed of your disc and drive. You can monitor the progress and status of the process on the program window. You can also pause or cancel the process at any time by clicking the corresponding buttons.

When the ripping process is done, you will see a message saying “Operation successfully completed”. You can then eject your disc and close MakeMKV. You can also open your output folder and check the digital files you have created.

D. Open Handbrake and select the source file

The next step is to open Handbrake and select the source file you want to transcode. You can do this by clicking the “Open Source” button at the top left corner of the program and browsing to the MKV file you have created with MakeMKV. Handbrake will then scan the file and show you the information and options.

E. Choose the preset and adjust the settings

The next step is to choose the preset and adjust the settings for the transcoding process. Handbrake offers many presets for different devices and platforms, such as Apple, Android, Roku, YouTube, etc. You can find them on the right panel of the program. You can also create your own preset by clicking the “Add” button.

After choosing the preset, you can adjust the settings for the video, audio, and subtitles on the tabs below the preview window. You can change the format, quality, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec, etc. of your media. You can also preview the output by clicking the “Preview” button.

F. Choose the destination folder and file name

The next step is to choose the destination folder and file name for the transcoded file. You can do this by clicking the “Browse” button next to the “Save As” field and selecting the location and name you want. You can also create a new folder if you wish.

G. Start the transcoding process and wait for it to finish

The final step is to start the transcoding process and wait for it to finish. You can do this by clicking the “Start Encode” button at the top of the program. Handbrake will then start converting the MKV file into the format and quality you have chosen and saving it in your destination folder.

The transcoding process can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size and quality of your file and the speed of your computer. You can monitor the progress and status of the process on the program window. You can also pause or cancel the process at any time by clicking the corresponding buttons.

When the transcoding process is done, you will see a message saying “Queue Finished”. You can then close Handbrake and check the transcoded file in your destination folder.

3. How to Sell or Donate Your Discs After You Digitize Them

After you digitize your CDs and DVDs, you might want to sell or donate your discs to free up space and make some money or goodwill. There are many ways to do this, such as:

Selling your discs online, such as on [eBay], [Amazon], or [Decluttr]
Selling your discs locally, such as at a garage sale, a pawn shop, or a used media store
Donating your discs to a charity, such as [Goodwill], [Salvation Army], or [Books for Africa]
Donating your discs to a library, school, or community center
Recycling your discs at a local recycling center or through a mail-in program, such as [CD Recycling Center] or [GreenDisk]

Before you sell or donate your discs, you should make sure that you have backed up your digital files and that you are not violating any copyright laws or terms of service. You should also check the condition and value of your discs and clean them if necessary.

4. Common Questions About Digitizing Your CDs and DVDs

Here are some common questions and answers about digitizing your CDs and DVDs:

Q: How much space do I need to store my digital files?
A: The amount of space you need depends on the number and quality of your files. Generally, a CD can take up about 700 MB, a DVD can take up about 4.7 GB, and a Blu-ray can take up about 25 GB. However, these numbers can vary depending on the length, resolution, bitrate, and codec of your media. You can reduce the file size by transcoding your files into a lower quality or a more compressed format, but this may also affect the quality and compatibility of your media.
Q: How long does it take to digitize a CD or DVD?
A: The time it takes to digitize a CD or DVD depends on the speed of your disc and drive, the size and quality of your file, and the settings and options you choose. Generally, it can take from a few minutes to an hour to rip a CD or DVD, and from a few minutes to several hours to transcode a file. You can speed up the process by using a faster drive, choosing a smaller file size or a simpler format, or using a more powerful computer.
Q: What is the best format to use for my digital files?
A: The best format to use for your digital files depends on your preferences and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different formats have different advantages and disadvantages. Some factors to consider are:
- Quality: The quality of your media refers to the clarity, detail, and fidelity of your video and audio. Higher quality usually means larger file size and better viewing experience, but it may also require more processing power and storage space. Some formats that offer high quality are MKV, MP4, FLAC, and WAV.
- Compatibility: The compatibility of your media refers to the ability of your devices and platforms to play your video and audio. Higher compatibility usually means smaller file size and wider accessibility, but it may also compromise the quality and features of your media. Some formats that offer high compatibility are MP4, MP3, AAC, and WMA.
- Customization: The customization of your media refers to the degree of control and flexibility you have over your video and audio. Higher customization usually means more options and features, but it may also require more technical knowledge and skills. Some formats that offer high customization are MKV, AVI, OGG, and M4A.

You can choose the format that best suits your needs, or you can use multiple formats for different purposes. For example, you can use MKV for archiving your media in the highest quality, MP4 for playing your media on most devices and platforms, and MP3 for listening to your music on your phone or MP3 player.

Conclusion

Digitizing your CDs and DVDs is a great way to save space, protect your media, and enjoy your media on any device. By using some free and easy-to-use software, such as MakeMKV and Handbrake, you can convert your discs into digital files in a few simple steps. You can also sell or donate your discs after you digitize them, or keep them as a backup or a souvenir. We hope this article has helped you learn how to digitize your CDs and DVDs and why you should do it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading. ***

FAQ

How do I play my digitized CDs and DVDs on my TV?

There are several ways to play your digitized CDs and DVDs on your TV, depending on the type of TV and the format of your files. Some of the common methods are:

Using a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. You can copy your files to a USB flash drive or an external hard drive and plug it into your TV’s USB port. Then, use your TV’s remote control to navigate to the media player app and select the files you want to play. Note that some TVs may not support all file formats, so you may need to transcode your files into a compatible format, such as MP4, before copying them.
Using a streaming device or a smart TV. You can use a streaming device, such as a Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, or Apple TV, or a smart TV with built-in streaming apps, such as Plex, Kodi, or VLC, to access your files from your computer, external hard drive, or cloud service. You will need to install the app on both your TV and your computer or device, and make sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, you can browse and play your files from your TV’s app interface.
Using an HDMI cable. You can use an HDMI cable to connect your computer or laptop to your TV and use it as a second monitor. Then, you can open your files on your computer using your preferred media player software, such as VLC, and watch them on your TV screen. You may need to adjust the display and sound settings on your computer and TV to get the best quality.

What is the difference between ripping and burning a CD or DVD?

Ripping and burning are two opposite processes that involve transferring data from or to a CD or DVD. Ripping means extracting the data from a CD or DVD and saving it as a digital file on your computer or device. Burning means writing the data from a digital file on your computer or device to a blank CD or DVD. Ripping is useful for digitizing your CDs and DVDs, while burning is useful for creating physical copies of your files.

How can I edit my digitized CDs and DVDs?

If you want to edit your digitized CDs and DVDs, such as trimming, cropping, merging, splitting, adding effects, or adding subtitles, you will need a video editing software, such as [Filmora], [Adobe Premiere Pro], or [iMovie]. You can import your files into the software and use the tools and features to edit them as you wish. You can also export your edited files into different formats and qualities, depending on your needs.

How can I share my digitized CDs and DVDs with others?

There are many ways to share your digitized CDs and DVDs with others, such as:

Using a cloud service. You can upload your files to a cloud service, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and share the link or folder with others. They can then download or stream your files from the cloud service. This is a convenient and secure way to share your files, but it may require a lot of storage space and internet bandwidth.
Using a personal media server. You can set up a personal media server, such as Plex, Kodi, or Emby, on your computer, external hard drive, or NAS device, and stream your files to other devices, such as TVs, smartphones, tablets, or computers, over the internet or your local network. You can also invite others to access your server and watch your files. This is a flexible and customizable way to share your files, but it may require some technical skills and equipment.
Using a social media platform or a video sharing site. You can upload your files to a social media platform, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or a video sharing site, such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Dailymotion, and share them with your friends, followers, or the public. They can then watch your files online or download them if allowed. This is an easy and popular way to share your files, but it may compromise the quality and privacy of your files.

How can I organize my digitized CDs and DVDs?

If you have a large collection of digitized CDs and DVDs, you may want to organize them in a way that makes them easy to find and manage. Some of the ways to organize your files are:

Using a file naming and folder structure system. You can use a consistent and descriptive file naming and folder structure system to sort your files by categories, such as genre, artist, album, year, etc. For example, you can name your files as “Artist - Album - Track Number - Track Name” and create folders for each artist and album. This will help you locate and identify your files quickly and accurately.
Using a media player software. You can use a media player software, such as VLC, Windows Media Player, or iTunes, to import, play, and organize your files. The software will automatically scan your files and add them to its library, where you can view them by metadata, such as title, artist, album, genre, etc. You can also create playlists, ratings, tags, and comments for your files. This will help you manage and enjoy your files easily and efficiently.
Using a media catalog software. You can use a media catalog software, such as All My Movies, Plex, or Collectorz, to store, organize, and search your files in a database. The software will automatically retrieve and display information and images for your files from online sources, such as IMDb, Amazon, or Wikipedia. You can also edit, filter, sort, and export your files. This will help you create and maintain a professional and comprehensive catalog of your files.

How can I improve the quality of my digitized CDs and DVDs?

The quality of your digitized CDs and DVDs depends on several factors, such as the original quality of your discs, the speed and accuracy of your drive, the settings and options of your ripping and transcoding software, and the format and compatibility of your files. To improve the quality of your files, you can try the following tips:

Use a clean and undamaged disc. You can wipe your disc with a soft cloth or a disc cleaner to remove any dust, dirt, or scratches that may affect the reading and ripping process. You can also use a disc repair kit or a professional service to fix any major damage on your disc.
Use a fast and reliable drive. You can use a high-quality drive that can read your disc at a high speed and with minimal errors. You can also update the firmware of your drive to ensure its optimal performance. You can also adjust the speed of your drive to balance between quality and time.
Use a high-quality ripping and transcoding software. You can use a reputable and powerful software, such as MakeMKV and Handbrake, to rip and transcode your files. You can also choose the best settings and options for your files, such as the format, resolution, bitrate, codec, etc. You can also use the highest quality or lossless mode to preserve the original quality of your files.
Use a compatible and versatile format. You can use a format that can retain the quality and features of your files, such as MKV, MP4, FLAC, or WAV. You can also use a format that can play on most devices and platforms, such as MP4, MP3, AAC, or WMA. You can also use multiple formats for different purposes, such as MKV for archiving, MP4 for playing, and MP3 for listening.

How can I protect my digitized CDs and DVDs from loss or damage?

Although digitizing your CDs and DVDs will protect them from physical damage or loss, you still need to protect your digital files from computer failure, theft, or virus attack. You can do this by:

Backing up your files. You can copy your files to another location, such as an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a DVD or CD. You can also use a backup software, such as [EaseUS Todo Backup], [Acronis True Image], or [Macrium Reflect], to automate and schedule your backup process. You should also keep your backup updated and secure.
Encrypting your files. You can encrypt your files to prevent unauthorized access or use. You can use a file encryption software, such as [VeraCrypt], [AxCrypt], or [FileVault], to create a password-protected container or folder for your files. You can also use a full disk encryption software, such as [BitLocker], [FileVault], or [DiskCryptor], to encrypt your entire hard drive or partition.
Scanning your files. You can scan your files for any virus, malware, or corruption that may harm or delete your files. You can use an antivirus software, such as [Avast], [Norton], or [Malwarebytes], to detect and remove any threats from your files. You can also use a file repair software, such as [Stellar Repair], [Remo Repair], or [File Repair], to fix any errors or damage in your files.

How can I digitize my VHS tapes and vinyl records?

If you have a collection of VHS tapes and vinyl records that you want to digitize, you will need some additional equipment and software, such as:

A VCR or a camcorder with a video output, or a vinyl record player with an audio output
A video capture device or an audio interface that can connect your VCR, camcorder, or record player to your computer via USB, HDMI, or RCA cables
A video or audio editing software, such as [Audacity], [VideoPad], or [Wondershare UniConverter]
A DVD/CD burner or a USB flash drive for backup (optional)

The process of digitizing your VHS tapes and vinyl records is similar to digitizing your CDs and DVDs, but with some differences. Here are the steps to follow:

Connect your VCR, camcorder, or record player to your computer using the video capture device or the audio interface. Make sure the drivers and software are installed and working properly.
Open your video or audio editing software and select the source and the destination for your files. You can also adjust the settings and options for the quality, format, and size of your files.
Start the recording process and play your VHS tape or vinyl record. You can also pause or stop the process at any time. You can also trim, crop, split, merge, or add effects to your files using the tools and features of your software.
Save your files to your computer or to a DVD/CD or a USB flash drive for backup. You can also upload your files to a cloud service or a personal media server for sharing or streaming.

How can I digitize my photos and documents?

If you have a collection of photos and documents that you want to digitize, you will need a scanner or a smartphone with a camera and a scanning app, such as [Google Photoscan], [CamScanner], or [Adobe Scan]. You will also need a photo or document editing software, such as [Photoshop], [GIMP], or [Microsoft Word]. Here are the steps to follow:

Place your photo or document on a flat surface with good lighting and no glare or shadows. Make sure it is clean and undamaged.
Use your scanner or your smartphone to scan your photo or document. You can also use the scanning app to adjust the settings and options for the quality, format, and size of your files. You can also crop, rotate, or enhance your files using the app.
Save your files to your computer or to a cloud service or a personal media server for backup, sharing, or streaming. You can also edit your files using the photo or document editing software. You can also print your files if you wish.

How can I digitize my photos and documents?

Place your photo or document on a flat surface with good lighting and no glare or shadows. Make sure it is clean and undamaged.
Use your scanner or your smartphone to scan your photo or document. You can also use the scanning app to adjust the settings and options for the quality, format, and size of your files. You can also crop, rotate, or enhance your files using the app.
Save your files to your computer or to a cloud service or a personal media server for backup, sharing, or streaming. You can also edit your files using the photo or document editing software. You can also print your files if you wish.

How can I digitize my cassette tapes and audio CDs?

If you have a collection of cassette tapes and audio CDs that you want to digitize, you will need a cassette player or a CD player with an audio output, an audio cable, and an audio recording software, such as [Audacity], [WavePad], or [GoldWave]. You will also need an audio editing software, such as [Audacity], [WavePad], or [GoldWave], and an audio converter software, such as [Freemake Audio Converter], [Switch], or [Any Audio Converter]. Here are the steps to follow:

Connect your cassette player or CD player to your computer using the audio cable. Make sure the volume and sound settings are adjusted properly.
Open your audio recording software and select the source and the destination for your files. You can also adjust the settings and options for the quality, format, and size of your files.
Start the recording process and play your cassette tape or audio CD. You can also pause or stop the process at any time. You can also trim, split, merge, or add effects to your files using the tools and features of your software.
Save your files to your computer or to a cloud service or a personal media server for backup, sharing, or streaming. You can also edit your files using the audio editing software. You can also convert your files into different formats and qualities using the audio converter software.

Learn how to digitize your CDs and DVDs and why you should do it. Find out the best software, tools, and methods to convert your discs into digital files. Discover the benefits, tips, and FAQs of digitizing your media.