How to Install MakeMKV on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

MakeMKV is a premier software solution for converting physical media, such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs, into high-quality digital MKV files. Below, we will cover some key features and factors that make MakeMKV a popular installation option on your system.

Key Features of MakeMKV:

  • High-Quality Conversion: MakeMKV transforms DVD and Blu-ray discs into pristine MKV files, ensuring no loss in quality.
  • Comprehensive Media Preservation: The software retains all video and audio tracks, encompassing subtitles and multiple audio languages.
  • Swift Processing: With its multi-threaded processing capabilities, MakeMKV ensures rapid conversion speeds.
  • Broad OS Support: Designed for versatility, MakeMKV supports major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Intuitive Interface: Catering to novices and experts, MakeMKV offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface.

Distinguishing Factors:

  • Versatile Media Support: While some tools limit to either DVD or Blu-ray conversion, MakeMKV seamlessly handles both.
  • Full Track Preservation: Unlike many competitors, MakeMKV upholds all video and audio tracks, ensuring users receive a complete media experience.
  • Enhanced Speed: Leveraging multi-threaded processing, MakeMKV promises faster conversion times than other market options.

With its robust features and user-centric design, MakeMKV is a top choice for Ubuntu users seeking efficient media conversion. We will now demonstrate two methods for installing MakeMKV using the official PPA, Flatpak, or Snap package managers via the command-line terminal.

Method 1: Install MakeMKV APT PPA

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.

Import MakeMKV PPA

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

Complete MakeMKV Installation

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:

T-QPyLcE8ZjcuccBRkvnbBGAP9xA4q2k1BjlY9kVWID0drUOFXSM4FFvCjaUnTtUq5Nx

Method 2: Install MakeMKV via Flatpak and Flathub

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

Note: If you haven’t installed Flatpak yet, check out our guide on installing Flatpak on Ubuntu with the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.

Enable Flathub for MakeMKV (Situational)

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.

Install MakeMKV 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 easily install MakeMKV using Flatpak and Flathub.

Method 3: Install MakeMKV via Snap

Utilizing Snap is an intuitive method for incorporating and managing software on Ubuntu. In this guide, we’ll delineate the procedure for seamlessly setting up MakeMKV, a leading tool for converting video files, with Snap’s assistance.

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

Install MakeMKV via Snap Command

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

CLI Commands to Launch MakeMKV

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

GUI Method to Launch 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.

Additional MakeMKV Commands

Update MakeMKV

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 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

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

Conclusion

If you’re using Ubuntu, use the official PPA, Snap, or Flatpak to install MakeMKV. Once installed, you can quickly launch it from the command line or the application menu. With MakeMKV, you can transform your physical media into high-quality MKV files.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using MakeMKV on an Ubuntu system:

  • MakeMKV Beta Key Forum: Visit this forum thread for the latest MakeMKV beta key, which updates every few months.
  • MakeMKV Official Website: Visit the official MakeMKV website for information about the software, features, and download options.
  • MakeMKV FAQ: Access the frequently asked questions page for answers to common queries about using MakeMKV.
  • MakeMKV Online Help: Explore the online help section for detailed guides on using and configuring MakeMKV.
  • MakeMKV Forum: Join the MakeMKV community forum to discuss issues, share solutions, and get support from other users.

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