The Vaultmastr preset pack is a free download in the Toolkit. It adds six presets to HandBrake, one for each file a scene needs, so every clip comes out the right size, length and quality without setting anything by hand.
HandBrake is free on Mac, Windows and Linux. The same preset file works on all three.
Import the presets
- Download HandBrake from handbrake.fr if you don't have it, and open it once.
- In Vaultmastr, open the Toolkit and download the HandBrake presets file. Don't open or change it.
- Import it into HandBrake:
- Mac: in the menu bar, click Presets, then Import from File, and pick the file.
- Windows and Linux: open the Presets panel (or the Presets menu), choose Import from File, and pick the file.
- A Vaultmastr folder appears in your presets list with the six presets inside.
Optional: name files automatically
In HandBrake's settings, under Output Files, turn on automatic naming. Each new file is then named after the clip you opened, so you don't have to type a name every time.
Make a file
- Cut the clip you need first (for example a 30 second trailer or a 10 second hover clip) in your editor or a cutting tool.
- Open it in HandBrake.
- Pick the preset that matches what the file is for (see the table).
- Click Add to Queue. Repeat for any other clips.
- Click Start.
Which preset for which file
| Preset | Use it for | Length | Max size | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| teaser | Explicit 30 second trailer | 30 s | 1080p | Yes |
| sfw-trailer | Safe for work 30 second trailer | 30 s | 1080p | Yes |
| hover | Hover clip on your site's thumbnails | 10 s | 720p | No |
| sfw-hover | Safe for work hover clip | 10 s | 720p | No |
| x | Short clip for X | About 8 s (5 to 15 s) | 1080p | Yes |
| 1080 | A 1080p copy of the full scene or trailer, for sites that want 1080p or smaller files | Full length | 1080p | Yes |
The presets never make a clip bigger than its source. They keep your source frame rate (24, 25 or 30 fps all work) and save MP4 files ready for the web.
Tips
- Never switch the encoder to VideoToolbox. The presets use the x264 software encoder on purpose. It's slower but gives better quality for the size.
- Keep Passthru Common Metadata off. It's off in every preset. Turned on, it copies any embedded cover picture into the new file, and some sites then show the video darker with crushed blacks.
- Don't re-encode your 4K master or your main trailer. Upload those as they came out of your editor. The presets are for the extra files cut from them.
- Clips came out with odd colours on one site? Run the clip through the matching preset and upload the new file. That strips the cover picture that usually causes it.
Learn more: Sizing videos for where they're going