When you’re trying to burn an old MPG video to a DVD or want it to play on certain DVD players, the MPG format may not cut it. That’s where VOB comes in. VOB is the standard format for DVD video files and is compatible with most standalone players and DVD authoring tools. Converting MPG to VOB is straightforward if you use the right tools, and there’s no shortage of free and easy methods to get it done.
Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or just looking for an online solution, this guide will walk you through your options without the tech speak. Let’s get started.
HandBrake is a popular open-source video converter. It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. While it doesn’t export directly to VOB, there’s a workaround using its standard features.
Download and install HandBrake from its official website. Open it and load your MPG file. Under the “Format” tab, select “MPEG-2” as your video codec and choose “MKV” as the container. Now, this isn’t a direct VOB file, but once you have this MPEG-2 output, you can use DVD authoring tools to create a proper DVD structure that includes VOB files.
This method works best if you’re planning to burn a DVD. HandBrake handles the re-encoding cleanly and offers extra controls for quality, subtitles, and audio.
If you’re not afraid of using a terminal or command prompt, FFmpeg gives you full control. It’s lightweight, fast, and does exactly what you tell it to do.
Once you install FFmpeg, open your terminal (Command Prompt on Windows). Use this command to convert:
ffmpeg -i input.mpg -target ntsc-dvd output.vob
You can change ntsc-dvd to pal-dvd if you’re in a PAL region. The file will be ready in VOB format without the need for extra processing.
FFmpeg is useful when you need quick conversions or are automating tasks. It doesn’t have a GUI, so it’s not for everyone, but it’s very reliable if you’re comfortable with command lines.
Wondershare UniConverter is one of the simplest tools out there for converting MPG to VOB. It has a clean interface and includes features like editing, trimming, and compression.
Download and install UniConverter. Open the tool and click “Add Files” to load your MPG video. At the bottom, choose the output format. Click on “Device” or “Video” and scroll to find “VOB.” Choose the right preset (like “DVD NTSC Movie” or “DVD PAL Movie”).
Click “Convert” and wait for the process to finish. You’ll find the new VOB file in your specified output folder.
This tool is great if you prefer a simple interface. It does the job in just a few clicks and doesn’t require much setup.
Any Video Converter is another tool you can use for free. It supports a wide range of input and output formats, including VOB.
Download and install the software. Load your MPG file by clicking the “Add Video” button. Under the output format menu, choose “Customized DVD Movie (*.vob)” or search for VOB in the dropdown.
You can trim the video, adjust resolution, or change audio settings before clicking “Convert Now.”
The free version includes some ads and offers fewer export presets, but it works well for casual users. It’s a good option if you want something less commercial than UniConverter.
VLC is mainly a media player, but it also includes a basic converter.
Launch VLC and go to “Media” > “Convert / Save.” Click “Add” and choose your MPG file. Press “Convert / Save” again.
Under “Profile,” select a format that uses MPEG-2. You won’t find VOB as a preset, but you can create a custom profile using MPEG-2 and save the file with a .vob extension.
It’s not the most accurate method, and the file structure might not be DVD- authoring ready, but if all you want is a quick format switch to VOB for testing, VLC works fine.
DVDStyler isn’t just for burning discs—it also turns your MPG videos into a proper DVD structure with VOB files. It’s free, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and is beginner-friendly if you’re building a DVD from scratch.
After installing DVDStyler, open the app and start a new project. Choose NTSC or PAL based on your region. Drag your MPG file onto the timeline. When you’re ready, click “Burn,” then select “Create ISO image” or “Just generate DVD folder structure” to skip the disc burning.
Once done, DVDStyler will give you a VIDEO_TS folder that includes your VOB file. It’s a solid option if you want working DVD files with menus or chapters, not just a standalone video.
If you don’t want to install anything, online tools can help. Sites like CloudConvert, Zamzar, and ConvertFiles let you upload an MPG file and choose VOB as the output format.
Just drag your file into the upload box, select VOB, and click convert. Once it’s done, download the new file.
These tools are easy to use but depend heavily on your internet speed and file size. Most of them also have limits for free users. They’re best for small, quick jobs or one-time needs.
Turning MPG files into VOB isn’t hard once you know your options. Whether you like working with software or prefer the ease of online tools, there’s something for everyone. HandBrake and FFmpeg are free and flexible, but you may need to take extra steps. Wondershare UniConverter and Any Video Converter offer smoother experiences. VLC is already on many machines and works in a pinch. And for casual needs, online converters save time without extra downloads. No matter the method, you’ll end up with a VOB file ready for DVD playback, archiving, or sharing. Try one and see which one fits your workflow best.
Explore the 6 best Android to-do list apps of 2025 to boost productivity and manage tasks on the go.
Explore the top eight Mac to-do list apps of 2025 that help organize your tasks and boost daily productivity.
Improve your file compatibility by converting AVI to MOV effortlessly using the right tools for high-quality results.
Discover top MPG players for seamless video playback. Learn how to enhance your viewing experience with the best tools and features.
Learn how to easily convert MPEG to MP3 using reliable tools. Simplify the process and achieve high-quality audio for versatile use.
How to easily convert MPEG files to WAV format with this step-by-step guide, including tips, tools, and best practices for high-quality results.
Improve your file compatibility by converting AVI to MOV effortlessly using the right tools for high-quality results.
Need to convert MOV to VOB for DVD playback? Learn how to convert MOV to VOB online and for free using simple tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, and others.
Explore free and easy methods to convert M2TS files to QuickTime MOV using tools like iMovie, VLC Media Player, and HandBrake. Perfect for cross-platform users!
Learn how to convert AVI files to XviD, SWF, or FLV formats easily using online tools, desktop software, and specialized methods.
Discover the best tools to convert MXF files for Sony Vegas, solve compatibility issues, and streamline your video editing workflow effortlessly!
Learn how to convert FLV to MOV on Windows using five free and easy tools. This guide covers simple software and online converters to help you upgrade your old videos.