How can I easily add a batch of files to the HandBrake queue?

Question

How do I add multiple files into the queue at once in HandBrake?

I heard that multiple files can be added to the queue by selecting the folder. But when I select the folder as source, only the first file is added, rather than all the files.

Am I missing something?

Answer 1

After adding the folder as the source, File>Add All Titles To Queue

Answer 2

I've wondered about automating HandBrake using the command line interface (CLI) and Automator. Here's a tutorial that covers lots of details of using the CLI, though I think it only processes one file at a time, rather than building a queue: http://www.mactalk.com.au/18/87490-guide-convert-movies-ipod-format-one-click-finder.html

While looking for a solution to answer this question, I came upon a thread about using Hazel (instead of Automator - not free): http://www.noodlesoft.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=859&p=3356#p3356

For the amount of labor I go through when converting videos, I'm considering giving this a try since it can help with other tasks such as copying to iTunes and my NAS.

For reference, here's a link to HandBrake's CLI Guide: https://trac.handbrake.fr/wiki/CLIGuide

Answer 3

Here's your answer. It's a Handbrake add-on for Automator.

Download the most recent zip, open it, double-click on the automator action to add the Handbrake action to Automator.

Answer 4

If you want more control over the HandBrake/Automator integration, I wrote a blog post covering a custom Service I made with Automator that uses AppleScript to talk to the CLI.

http://dovfrankel.com/post/37269517618/using-handbrake-on-a-list-of-files

Answer 5

The Mac OS version has no explicit "open folder" option, however, you can still open a folder and process the content in batch mode.

Click the button "Open Source" and... if you are inside the folder you want to process, "do not select any file", just click the open button.

OR

Select the folder to process and then click open.

Answer 6

The only way to set up multiple files for processing is to use the 'Add to Queue' button (or the ⌘B shortcut) in Handbrake.

This is by design as Handbrake requires you specify a destination folder and file name for the converted video file. If you were able to add all files in a folder, how would Handbrake know the unique output location and name for each rendered file? It doesn't make any guesses about those things, it requires the user to specify them for each render.

Once you've staged each file in the queue you can use the Start button (or the ⌘S shortcut) to tell Handbrake to begin processing the queue.