Video compression software HandBrake helps make big video files smaller so they are easier to store or share. It is free, simple, and gives you good control over quality. If your videos take too long to upload or fill your device, learning how to use this tool can save time and space. In this article, we will show you the steps for compressing videos, the best settings to try, and a few smart tricks. You will also find out about other tools that work just as well or even better.

Use HandBrake Compress Videos

Part 1. How to Compress a Video in HandBrake

If you want to make your videos smaller without losing much quality, the HandBrake compress video is simple. Follow these easy steps to shrink your file while keeping it clear and sharp.

Step 1 Download and install HandBrake from its official website, then open the app on your computer. Click File and choose Open Source to load the video you want to compress.

Step 2 After the video loads, open the Presets menu and select Fast 1080p30 for a good balance of speed and quality. Then, go to the Video tab and make sure these settings are applied:

  • Video Encoder: H.264
  • FPS: Same as source, Constant Framerate
  • Quality: Constant Quality, RF 22
Add Video Preset

Step 3 Go to the Audio tab and set the Bitrate to 192 kbps or 160 kbps for a smaller output. If you want to compress more videos, click Add to Queue. When ready, press the green Start Encode button to begin.

Once the process finishes, your new video will be held as an .mp4 file with a reduced size. You can now store, upload, or share it easily.

Part 2. Advanced HandBrake Compression Settings (For Optimal Results)

Once you have learned the basics, you can fine-tune your HandBrake video compression settings to get better control over file size and quality. These advanced steps help you reach the best balance for smooth playback and faster uploads.

Step 1 Open HandBrake on your computer and click Source to select the video you want to compress. Under the Save As section, click Browse to choose where to save the new file. Give it a simple, easy-to-recognize name so you can find it later.

Step 2 In the Presets panel, select Very Fast 720p30 for quicker compression with stable quality. If the Presets panel does not appear, click Presets at the top-right corner. Then, go to the Video tab and pick Avg Bitrate (kbps). Type in the bitrate value that fits your video's resolution. Next, switch to the Audio tab and set the Bitrate to match the recommended number from your reference table.

Set Preset AVG

Step 3 To speed up processing, return to the Video tab and check Fast Decode. You can also move the Encoder Preset slider to the left until it says Ultrafast for faster compression. Once done, click Start Encode to begin. HandBrake will show the estimated completion time at the bottom.

After HandBrake Video Converter finishes, your video will be smaller and ready to upload, share, or store without losing much quality.

Part 3. Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

If you are learning how to use HandBrake to compress a video, encountering issues is normal. Knowing the common problems and their solutions will help you get smooth, high-quality results every time. Here are some numbered tips and fixes for common challenges, including the handbrake no valid source found error:

1. Quality Loss

Compressed videos are sometimes worse than they should be. To correct this, change the RF in the Video tab or turn to a higher quality preset. You should also not reduce the bitrate excessively since that is a direct determinant of image quality.

2. Incomplete Compression

In case of a process stoppage or failure, investigate your system resources. Ensure that your computer has sufficient RAM and storage, and no other intensive programs are in operation. The process can also be successfully finished with the help of Fast Decode or smaller presets.

3. Audio Sync Issues

After compression, the video may be ahead of the audio. Make sure that in the Video tab, the Constant Framerate option is set, and the audio bit rate should be set equal to the original file. The audio synchronization can be fixed by re-encoding the audio alone at other times.

4. Unsupported Formats & No Valid Source Found

HandBrake cannot handle every video type. If you see a Handbrake no valid source found error, convert your file to a supported format like MP4 or MKV before compressing. Corrupted files may also trigger this issue, so using a repair program can help.

5. Optimize Performance

To get the best results with HandBrake, always update the software to the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and improvements. Make sure your system meets the recommended requirements so your device can handle video compression smoothly.

To save time and to be confidant in the obtained results, it is better to apply presets that are built into HandBrake than to tweak every bit by hand. This method will promise the consistency of quality and minimize errors and processing time.

6. Advanced Repair

When the above fails to work, a special video repair program should be used. It is able to repair corrupted files and unsupported formats, or even videos that cannot be properly encoded and leave HandBrake to do the compression without any trouble.

The following tips will guide you to compress videos in a manner that will reduce the errors to a minimum, giving you high-quality files that are assembled and can be shared or stored.

Part 4. Best HandBrake Alternative to Compress Video Without Losing Quality

For those looking to HandBrake reduce file size without the hassle, Tipard Video Converter Ultimate offers a simpler, faster solution. It keeps videos clear and high-quality while making compression easy. You can adjust file size, resolution, or bitrate in just a few clicks, and it works with almost any video format.

Built-in device presets also let you prepare videos for sharing online or saving on your drive without complicated settings. Tipard is a convenient choice for anyone who wants reliable, smooth video compression without the usual learning curve.

Tipard Video Compressor

Why Choose Tipard Over HandBrake for Video Compression?

Tipard is easier to use than HandBrake, making video compression simple even for beginners. It keeps videos clear while reducing file size and works with almost any video format, so you do not have to worry about unsupported files or errors.

The built-in presets make it easy to prepare videos for sharing online or storing on your device. You can also quickly adjust resolution, bitrate, and file size without complicated settings. Overall, Tipard saves time and effort while giving reliable, high-quality results.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use HandBrake to compress videos makes videos smaller and easier to share. This guide showed simple steps, settings, and fixes for common problems. If HandBrake feels tricky, Tipard Video Converter Ultimate is an easy tool that keeps videos clear while making them smaller. Using these tips, compressing videos is fast and simple, so your files are ready to store or share.

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