HandBrake is a versatile and powerful open-source video transcoder that allows you to convert videos from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs. It offers an intuitive interface and extensive customization options, including support for batch processing, presets for various devices, and advanced video and audio parameter adjustments such as bitrate control, cropping, scaling, and subtitle integration. HandBrake also supports hardware acceleration for faster encoding on compatible systems, making it an essential tool for anyone needing to convert, compress, or optimize video files.
To install HandBrake on Fedora 40 or 39, you have two primary methods: using RPM Fusion or Flatpak with Flathub. These methods ensure you get a reliable and up-to-date version of HandBrake with all its powerful features.
Method 1: Install HandBrake with RPM Fusion
Update Fedora Linux Before HandBrake Installation
Ensure your Fedora Linux system is up to date before proceeding with the installation. This helps avoid potential conflicts during installation and promotes good system maintenance.
To update your system, execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshImport RPM Fusion Repositories For HandBrake
Utilizing the RPM Fusion third-party repositories is recommended for installing HandBrake on Fedora Linux. Follow the steps below to install the free and non-free RPM Fusion repositories.
Enable RPM Fusion Free Repository
The RPM Fusion Free Repository is required to install HandBrake. To enable it, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpmEnable RPM Fusion Non-free Repository (Optional)
The RPM Fusion Non-free Repository is optional and not required for HandBrake installation. However, if you want access to popular closed-source software in the future, you can enable it now. To do so, execute the following command:
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpmInstall HandBrake and HandBrake GUI
With both RPM Fusion repositories enabled, you can install HandBrake and its graphical user interface (GUI) using the DNF package manager. Run the following command:
sudo dnf install handbrake handbrake-guiMethod 2: Install HandBrake via Flatpak and Flathub
This section will guide you through installing HandBrake on Fedora Linux using Flatpak and the Flathub repository. Flatpak is a popular option similar to Snap, and it comes natively installed with Fedora, making it a preferred choice for many users.
Enable Flathub Repository For HandBrake Installation
First, you must enable the Flathub repository for Flatpak on your Fedora system. Flathub is a central repository for Flatpak applications and provides easy access to a wide range of software.
To enable Flathub, run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command checks if the Flathub repository has already been added; if not, it adds the repository to your system.
Install HandBrake via Flatpak Command
With the Flathub repository enabled, you can now install HandBrake using Flatpak. Execute the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb -yHandBrake Flatpak Installation Troubleshoot
In case you encounter an error message like “Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub’,” you will need to enable the Flathub remote using the command below:
flatpak remote-modify --enable flathubAfter running this command, retry the HandBrake installation using the flatpak install earlier command.
Launching HandBrake UI
Now that you have successfully installed HandBrake, you can launch the application using either the Command Line Interface (CLI) or the Graphical User Interface (GUI), depending on your preference.
CLI Commands to Launch HandBrake
If you prefer using the terminal, you can launch HandBrake with the following command:
handbrakeFor those who installed HandBrake using Flatpak, you will need to use the following command instead:
flatpak run fr.handbrake.ghbGUI Method to Launch HandBrake
While launching HandBrake from the terminal may be convenient for some, most users will find it more practical to use the GUI. To launch HandBrake through the graphical interface, follow the steps below:
- Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your desktop.
- Select Show Applications (represented by a grid icon) at the screen’s bottom.
- Locate and click on the HandBrake application icon to launch the program.
Additional HandBrake Commands
Update HandBrake
Although updates should appear in notifications, it’s always a good idea to check for updates manually using the terminal. To do so, use one of the following commands depending on your installation method:
DNF Method Command to Update HandBrake
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshFlatpak Method Command to Update HandBrake
flatpak updateRemove HandBrake
If you no longer need HandBrake, use the appropriate command below based on your installation method to remove the application:
APT Method Command to Remove HandBrake
sudo dnf remove HandBrake HandBrake-guiIf you wish to disable RPM Fusion, use the following commands:
Disable RPM Fusion Free Updates Repository
sudo dnf config-manager --set-disabled rpmfusion-freeDisable RPM Non-Free Updates Repository
sudo dnf config-manager --set-disabled rpmfusion-nonfreeTo verify if the repositories have been disabled, use the dnf repolist | grep command:
dnf repolist | grep rpmfusionIf the repositories are disabled, you won’t see any output. The command will display a list of the repositories if they are still present.
Flatpak Method Command to Remove HandBrake
flatpak remove --delete-data fr.handbrake.ghb -yConclusion
With HandBrake successfully installed on your Fedora system, you can easily convert and optimize your video files. Whether you choose the RPM Fusion repository for a straightforward setup or Flatpak with Flathub for a more flexible installation, both methods provide access to HandBrake’s robust capabilities. Regularly check for updates to keep your software current and enjoy the comprehensive video transcoding features that HandBrake offers.