---
title: ".vob file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .vob file is a DVD Video Object. The video files inside the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/vob/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .vob files

**.vob file: DVD Video Object**

The video files inside the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD.

## What opens a .vob file

- **Windows:** VLC, MPC-HC
- **macOS:** VLC, IINA
- **Linux:** VLC, mpv

## What a .vob file is

A VOB is an MPEG-2 program stream carrying the video, audio and subtitles of a DVD title, split into roughly 1 GB chunks alongside .IFO and .BUP navigation files. VLC plays them straight from the disc or the copied folder, though playing a single VOB out of order loses menus and chapter structure. Commercial DVDs also use CSS encryption, which a plain copy of the files does not carry over.

## Converting it

A .vob file is commonly converted to .mp4, .mkv, .avi or .mpg. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .vob
- **Full name:** DVD Video Object
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** video/mpeg
- **Created by:** DVD Forum
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .vob file?

On Windows use VLC; on macOS use VLC; on Linux use VLC. The video files inside the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD.

### What is a .vob file?

DVD Video Object. A VOB is an MPEG-2 program stream carrying the video, audio and subtitles of a DVD title, split into roughly 1 GB chunks alongside .IFO and .BUP navigation files. VLC plays them straight from the disc or the copied folder, though playing a single VOB out of order loses menus and chapter structure.

### Can I convert a .vob file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .mp4, .mkv, .avi or .mpg, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.mp4 — MPEG-4 Part 14 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mp4/)
- [.mov — QuickTime Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/mov/)
- [.mkv — Matroska Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mkv/)
- [.avi — Audio Video Interleave](https://atoneplace.net/file/avi/)
- [.srt — SubRip Subtitle](https://atoneplace.net/file/srt/)
- [.webm — WebM Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/webm/)
- [.ts — MPEG Transport Stream](https://atoneplace.net/file/ts/)
- [.wmv — Windows Media Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/wmv/)
- [.mpg — MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mpg/)
- [.m4v — iTunes Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/m4v/)
- [.vtt — WebVTT Caption](https://atoneplace.net/file/vtt/)
- [.swf — Shockwave Flash Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/swf/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)