How to open a .vob file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .vob file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands VOB. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .vob file is a DVD Video Object. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads VOB yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .vob file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .vob. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VLC or MPC-HC.
On Mac, use VLC or HandBrake (convert).
On Linux, try VLC or mpv.
Still stuck? Convert the .vob to mp4, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .vob files

Windows

VLC
MPC-HC
HandBrake (convert)

macOS

VLC
HandBrake (convert)

Linux

VLC
mpv
HandBrake

Before you open it: Safe. VOB is DVD video decoded by a media player.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .vob file?

Almost always because no installed app understands VOB. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .vob file?

Play it in VLC, which handles DVD Video Objects directly. To make a portable copy, convert it to MP4 with HandBrake.

Why is my DVD split into several .vob files?

DVDs split video across VOB files of about 1 GB each. Players follow them in order; converting tools can join them into one file.