Optimized Handbrake Presets to Encode Video for Your New iPad or iPhone 4

Apple has strict video encoding guidelines for its devices, and popular encoding tool Handbrake's default presets are a little out-of-date. So we put together our own presets optimized for creating both iPad and iPhone 4-optimized video in Handbrake.

Note: these presets were designed to work with the new iPhone 4 and the iPad. They may not be compatible with other Apple devices.

Installing the Presets

First, you need to download the presets. To import our presets, choose go to Presets -> Import in the Handbrake menu and select the preset files you just downloaded and unzipped. That's all you have to do. They should appear in the Handbrake presets panel, available for use.

We've had some issues importing these presets in the Windows version of Handbrake (they looked like they had imported and appeared in the preset list, but the settings didn't actually make the trip), so if you find you have the same problems you should download this file instead. Hit Win+R, then paste %appdata%\Handbrake and add the downloaded presets file. You'll see two other preset files in the folder: handbrake_presets.xml and user_presets.xml. If you don't have any of your own presets, go ahead and delete the user_presets.xml file and change the name of the downloaded file (currently windows_ipad_iphone_presets.xml) to user_presets.xml. If you do have your own presets, you can just open both files and copy the contents of windows_ipad_iphone_presets.xml into user_presets.xml. Either way, when you're finished just open Handbrake and the new presets should now be available.

Choosing the Right Preset

If you're ripping a DVD you're dealing with standard definition video, so the SD preset is all you'll need. If you're converting HD content, however, you have a choice. You can either convert the content to a full 720p or use the iFrame preset, which will create a file that's approximately 960x540. This is half-1080p resolution and is a size Apple likes to promote for HD content. It's nearly full resolution on your iPad and is as close as you'll get to full resolution on your iPhone 4. This is a good option for saving space if you're planning on watching your videos mainly on the iPad. If you plan on showing them on your television or want a higher-quality file, using the 720p preset may be a better choice.