1. Hallam digital skills /
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  3. HandBrake

Learn HandBrake for Converting Video and Media Files

We use media in many different formats, from videos for social media to high-resolution files for broadcast and film. Different platforms often require different settings for size, quality, and format, which makes exporting a crucial part of the production process.   

What is HandBrake? 

HandBrake is a powerful, free application for encoding, converting, and compressing video files. It can be used for everything from quickly reducing file sizes for the web to creating high-quality exports for personal or professional projects. 

Access HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source application for converting video files. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Access for free

The application is available on AppsAnywhere when using a university PC. 

To download to a personal device: 

1. Go to the official HandBrake website: https://handbrake.fr

2. Click Download HandBrake and select the version for your operating system.

3. Once downloaded, open the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.

- Windows: Run the .exe installer and choose your installation location.

- Mac: Open the .dmg file and drag HandBrake into your Applications folder.

- Linux: Follow the package installation instructions provided on the HandBrake website.

After installation, you can open HandBrake from your applications menu or start menu. 

Copyright considerations

So changing the format of a media file so that you can use it in a different context is both useful and quite straightforward to do. But if the file that you are encoding is not one that you yourself have created, you must also consider whether there are any copyright implications in your re-use of that content. 

This Hallam library guide gives some more detailed information about the copyright of images and video in a UK context, gives guidance about some potential sources and provides links to sources of further information.