But if you need something quick you can do with software you already have, you can rip DVDs with VLC. If you want a more robust experience, Handbrake is an excellent alternative app for ripping even copy protected DVDs.

While there are programs out there for removing DRM from DVDs, note that ripping DVDs with VLC won’t defeat any kind of DRM, and it can be a little buggy at times.

Some DVDs do have copy protection, which others do not. In general, ripping DVDs is illegal provided you don’t circumvent copy protection. For folks with big home entertainmenst systems or a home media server, this is a great tool to breathe new life in to older content. This allows you save non-copy protected DVDs to your computer as video files, either for archiving or watching without the disk. If needed, you can rip DVDs to your Mac with VLC. However, few users realize it can do more than just play files. You’ve probably used it to play media files on your Mac for when QuickTime doesn’t work properly.

VLC is a powerful and well-loved application.

Handbrake copy protection mac