How to Rip Subtitles from DVD

If you're digitizing your DVD collection or want to create custom video files with subtitles intact, knowing how to rip subtitles from DVD is essential. Subtitles can be a valuable part of your media experience, whether you're learning a new language, watching foreign films, or simply need accessibility features.

But DVD subtitles aren’t as straightforward as copying text files—they’re embedded in the DVD structure and require special tools to extract. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to rip DVD with subtitles, extract subtitle streams, and preserve them during conversion.

Preparations for Ripping Subtitles from DVD

Before we dive into tools and steps, make sure you’re ready with the essentials:

What You’ll Need:

• A DVD drive (internal or external)
  
  
• The DVD you want to rip
  
  
• Sufficient storage space (ripped files can be large)
  
  
• A reliable DVD ripping tool
  
  
• Optional: Subtitle editing software if you want to modify the extracted subtitles
  
  

Top Methods to Rip Subtitles from DVD

Let’s go over the best tools to extract subtitles from DVD, each with their own features and benefits.

1. SubRip (Windows)

SubRip is a lightweight and free tool used specifically to extract subtitles from DVD. It converts the subtitles into .SRT format, which is editable and compatible with most media players.

• Pros: Free, extracts subtitles as editable text
  
  
• Cons: Outdated interface, Windows-only, can be tricky to configure
  
  
• Use case: Perfect if you only need the subtitle files
  
  

Anchor: extract subtitles from dvd

2. Leawo Blu-ray Ripper

Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is one of the best DVD ripper tools available today. Despite its name, it works flawlessly with DVDs as well. It allows you to rip DVD with subtitles, and even lets you select specific subtitle tracks to include in your output file.

• Pros: Easy interface, supports subtitle selection and hardcoding, various output formats
  
  
• Cons: Paid software (free trial available), large installer
  
  
• Use case: Ideal for ripping DVDs and keeping high-quality subtitles synced
  
  

3. HandBrake

HandBrake is a well-known open-source video transcoder that lets you rip DVD with subtitles by either burning subtitles into the video (hardcoding) or embedding them as a selectable track.

• Pros: Free, open-source, cross-platform
  
  
• Cons: Can’t extract subtitle files separately
  
  
• Use case: Great if you want soft or hard subtitles in MP4/MKV files
  
  

4. VLC Media Player

VLC isn’t just a media player—it can also rip DVD content and extract subtitles. However, it's a bit limited when it comes to subtitle file output.

• Pros: Free, available on most platforms, simple for basic rips
  
  
• Cons: Not optimized for subtitle management
  
  
• Use case: Good for quick rips, but not for editing or advanced subtitle extraction
  
  

5. EaseFab DVD Ripper

This all-in-one tool is designed to rip DVD with subtitles and offers advanced editing features like subtitle selection, cropping, trimming, and format conversion.

• Pros: Modern UI, high-speed ripping, customizable output
  
  
• Cons: Paid software
  
  
• Use case: Ideal for users who want a one-click solution with subtitle control
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Rip Subtitles from DVD

(Using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper as an example)

To give you a clear idea, here's a detailed guide on how to extract subtitles from DVD using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper.

🔹 Step 1: Install Leawo Blu-ray Ripper

• Download and install Leawo Blu-ray Ripper from the official website.
  
  
• It’s part of Leawo Prof. Media Suite.
  
  

🔹 Step 2: Load the DVD

• Insert your DVD into your drive.
  
  
• Open Leawo Blu-ray Ripper and click “Add Blu-ray/DVD”.
  
  
• Choose the disc and wait for it to load.
  
  

🔹 Step 3: Select Content and Subtitles

• After loading, choose the mode:
  
  
• • Main Movie – selects only the main film.
    
    
  • Full Movie – includes everything on the DVD.
    
    
  • Custom Mode – pick exactly what you want.
    
    
• Then, click the subtitle dropdown to choose the subtitle track you want to keep.
  
  

🔹 Step 4: Choose Output Format

• Click the format icon > Change > Select from formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, etc.
  
  
• MKV is best if you want selectable subtitles.
  
  

🔹 Step 5: Start Ripping

• Click the green “Convert” button.
  
  
• Set your output folder and click Convert again to begin ripping.
  
  
• Wait until the process finishes. You now have your video with the subtitle track included!
  
  

This method ensures you maintain video quality and subtitle accuracy, making Leawo Blu-ray Ripper a strong choice among the best DVD ripper tools on the market.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I extract subtitles as separate files?

Yes. Tools like SubRip allow you to extract subtitles from DVD and save them as .SRT or .SUB files, which can be edited or used with other media.

Q2: Can I rip DVDs with burned-in (hardcoded) subtitles?

Yes. Tools like HandBrake and Leawo Blu-ray Ripper let you hardcode subtitles into the video during the rip process, meaning the subtitles become part of the video image.

Q3: What format should I choose to preserve subtitles?

Use MKV format if you want selectable subtitle tracks. If you want hardcoded subtitles, MP4 is a good option. Both formats are supported by most players.

Q4: Why aren't my subtitles showing after ripping?

Make sure you selected the right subtitle track before ripping. Also, verify that your media player supports external or embedded subtitles.

Q5: Is it legal to rip subtitles from DVDs?

If the DVD is personally owned and you're ripping for backup or personal use, it's typically allowed under fair use in many regions. However, bypassing copy protection may still be legally restricted, so proceed with caution.

Conclusion

Ripping subtitles from DVDs doesn’t have to be complicated — with the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can quickly learn how to rip subtitles from DVD for personal use. Whether you're converting your DVD collection to digital or preparing videos with accessible content, maintaining subtitle integrity is a key step.

Among all the methods, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper stands out as a powerful, user-friendly, and versatile solution. It’s the ideal choice for those who want a simple yet effective way to rip DVD with subtitles, offering flexibility in output, subtitle selection, and video quality.

So, go ahead and try one of the methods listed here. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to extract subtitles from DVD and enjoy your favorite content with the clarity and accessibility that subtitles provide.