Feb 8, 2024 7 min read

How to Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04

Install makemkv on ubuntu 22.04 with our step-by-step tutorial. It is popular video conversion software that can convert DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04
Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04
Table of Contents

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Introduction

Before we discuss how to install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04, let's first understand-What is MakeMKV?

MakeMKV is a popular video conversion software that can convert DVDs and Blu-ray discs into MKV format. By installing MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04, you can easily convert your favorite movies and videos into a more versatile format for playback on different devices.

This tutorial will explain how to install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04.

Advantages

  1. Easy DVD/Blu-ray Conversion: MakeMKV simplifies the process of converting DVDs and Blu-ray discs into the MKV format without significant loss in video quality.
  2. Preservation of Video Quality: MakeMKV preserves the original video quality during conversion, ensuring that the converted files retain their high resolution and fidelity.
  3. Subtitle and Audio Track Retention: MakeMKV allows you to include multiple audio tracks and subtitles from the original DVD or Blu-ray disc in the converted MKV files.
  4. Chapter and Metadata Preservation: MakeMKV preserves chapters, meta-information, and other relevant data from the source disc, providing a comprehensive DVD/Blu-ray experience in the new MKV file.
  5. Platform Compatibility: MakeMKV is compatible with multiple platforms, including Ubuntu 22.04, allowing users to enjoy its benefits on various devices.

Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via APT PPA

Step 1: Update Ubuntu System Packages Before MakeMKV Installation

Before installing MakeMKV, ensuring your system packages are up-to-date is important. To do this, open the terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update your package list and install any available updates.

Step 2: Import MakeMKV PPA on Ubuntu

Next, import the MakeMKV PPA with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:heyarje/makemkv-beta -y

Next, run a quick update to reflect the newly added repository source:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via APT command

Now, with the PPA imported, and APT cache updated, run the following command to install MakeMKV:

sudo apt install makemkv-oss makemkv-bin

After the installation, you’ll need a registration key to use MakeMKV.

The current beta key, valid until February 2024, is as follows:

T-ocdqxyxgcXfTChWA2wWkv9P0QVVolgkD3GyOgZ1Z30p7t1Fm14kPcT5eIAYEneuDBx
ℹ️
Note:Keep in mind that this key may expire, and you’ll need to visit the official MakeMKV forum to obtain an updated key. You can find the latest key and additional information at the following link: http://www.makemkv.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1053.

Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

Alternatively, you can install MakeMKV through Flatpak, a package manager that creates a secure application environment. To install MakeMKV through Flatpak, add the Flathub repository to your system first.

Step 1: Enable Flathub for MakeMKV on Ubuntu

First, if you’ve installed Flatpak, enable the Flathub repository. Open the terminal and enter the following command:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This will add the Flathub repository to your system.

Step 2: Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via Flatpak Command

Once you’ve done this, you can install MakeMKV by running the following command:

flatpak install flathub com.makemkv.MakeMKV

Following these steps, you can install MakeMKV using Flatpak and Flathub easily.

Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via Snap

On Ubuntu, using Snap is a simple way to integrate and control software. This tutorial will walk you through the process of easily configuring MakeMKV, a top video file conversion program, using Snap.

Step 1: Confirm Snap’s Availability on Your Ubuntu System

Canonical, the creator of Ubuntu, introduced Snap to streamline software integration. If you don’t have Snap on your system, use the command below to install it:

sudo apt install snapd -y

Step 2: Enable Snap Classic Support (Optional)

Specific snap applications, MakeMKV included, thrive under the ‘classic’ mode, granting them enhanced system resource access. To toggle this beneficial mode, a particular command comes to the rescue:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Step 3: Install the Core Snap

Integrating the "core" snap first makes sense before starting the MakeMKV installation process. This integration serves as the cornerstone, creating a conducive atmosphere for snaps to function well. The directive to introduce this fundamental component is as follows:

sudo snap install core

Step 4: Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04 via Snap

With the preparatory phases behind it, you can introduce MakeMKV to your system. A singular command propels you towards this end:

sudo snap install makemkv

After executing this, Snap assumes control and seamlessly integrates MakeMKV, preparing you for smooth video conversions.

Launch MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04

If you installed MakeMKV using the official PPA, you could launch it from the command line using the following commands:

makemkv

If you installed MakeMKV using Flatpak, you could launch it from the command line using the following command:

flatpak run com.makemkv.MakeMKV

For users that installed MakeMKV via Snap, use the following command:

snap run makemkv

Alternatively, you can launch MakeMKV using the application icon in the menu:

  1. Click on the “Activities” menu.
  2. Use the search bar to search for “MakeMKV.”
  3. Click on the MakeMKV icon to launch the application.
MakeMKV launch icon on an Ubuntu 22.04.

Tips on Getting Started with MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04

After successfully installing MakeMKV on Ubuntu, it's time to explore some crucial advice on how to get the most out of this flexible program. These pointers have been arranged to help you make the most of the software and realize all of its possibilities.

General Tips with MakeMKV on Ubuntu

MakeMKV Additional Packages For Support on Ubuntu

Before using MakeMKV, ensure you have all the required dependencies. Often, MakeMKV may need additional packages to function optimally.

sudo apt install build-essential pkg-config libc6-dev libssl-dev libexpat1-dev libavcodec-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libqt4-dev

Familiarize with the MakeMKV Interface on Ubuntu

  • MakeMKV has a relatively straightforward interface. Still, spending a few minutes exploring the different options is good.
  • The main window will display available drives. Clicking on a drive will show the titles contained within.
  • You’ll see advanced options on the right pane, allowing you to tweak certain parameters if necessary.

Learning to Use MakeMKV Shortcuts on Ubuntu

Efficiency matters. Use these shortcuts to save time:

  • Open disc: Ctrl + D
  • Start conversion: Ctrl + S
  • Stop conversion: Ctrl + E

Customizations with MakeMKV on Ubuntu

Set Default MakeMKV Output Folder on Ubuntu

By default, MakeMKV saves the output files to your home folder. If you prefer another location:

  • Go to View > Preferences.
  • In the General tab, change the Default destination to your preferred folder.

Adjust MakeMKV Minimum Title Length on Ubuntu

If you want to exclude shorter clips, like studio logos or trailers:

  • Go to View > Preferences.
  • Under the Video tab, adjust the Minimum title length (seconds) as per your requirements.

Modify Naming Conventions with MakeMKV on Ubuntu

To ensure your output files follow a consistent naming pattern:

  • Head to View > Preferences.
  • Under the Output files tab, you can modify the File name and Directory name patterns.
MakeMKV installation on Ubuntu 22.04

Additional MakeMKV Commands with Ubuntu 22.04

Update MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04

For desktop users who installed MakeMKV using the APT package manager, the software should update automatically with your system packages. To check manually for updates, use the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak's users can update MakeMKV using the following command:

flatpak update com.makemkv.MakeMKV

Lastly, Snap installations of MakeMKV can use the following command:

snap refresh

Remove MakeMKV From Ubuntu 22.04

If you installed MakeMKV using the APT package manager, you could uninstall it using the following command:

sudo apt remove makemkv-oss makemkv-bin 

Next, remove the imported PPA if you have no desire to re-install the software:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:heyarje/makemkv-beta -y

For Flatpak installations, use the following command to remove MakeMKV:

flatpak uninstall com.makemkv.MakeMKV

Lastly, for Snap installations, run the following command:

sudo snap remove makemkv

FAQs to Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 22.04

Can MakeMKV convert copy-protected DVDs and Blu-ray discs?

MakeMKV can bypass most copy protection measures used on DVDs and Blu-ray discs, allowing you to convert them.

Does MakeMKV support batch conversion?

MakeMKV does not have built-in batch conversion capabilities. However, you can process multiple discs consecutively by launching MakeMKV multiple times.

Can MakeMKV preserve multiple subtitles and audio tracks in the output MKV files?

Yes, MakeMKV can preserve multiple audio tracks and subtitles from the original disc, allowing you to choose the desired ones during playback.

Does MakeMKV compress the converted MKV files?

By default, MakeMKV does not apply any compression to the converted files, aiming to maintain the original quality. However, you can manually compress the resulting MKV files using other tools if desired.

Can I select specific chapters during the conversion process with MakeMKV? 

MakeMKV allows you to choose specific chapters or segments for conversion, providing flexibility in selecting the content you want to include.

Is MakeMKV free to use on Ubuntu 22.04?

MakeMKV is free to use while it is in beta. However, it is recommended to register the software to obtain a free key for extended usage.

Can I convert MKV files back to DVDs or Blu-ray discs using MakeMKV? 

No, MakeMKV focuses on converting DVDs and Blu-ray discs to MKV format. To burn MKV files back to DVDs or Blu-ray discs, you'll need separate software designed for that purpose.

Conclusion

You may install MakeMKV on Ubuntu by using the official PPA, Snap, or Flatpak. It may be easily opened from the program menu or the command line once it has been installed. You may convert your physical media into high-quality MKV files with MakeMKV.

If you have any queries, feel free to ask them in the comments section, and we would be happy to respond to them....

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