Imagine you have a video file and only want the music or just the subtitles for editing, translating, or using elsewhere. MKVToolNix does exactly that. It’s a free tool that helps you pick out and save only the audio or subtitle parts from an MKV video file. This guide explains how to do it in easy steps and why it matters.
What Is MKVToolNix?
MKVToolNix is a free, open-source software that works with Matroska (MKV) files a flexible video container that can hold lots of tracks, like videos, audios, and subtitles all in one file .
It’s made up of several tools, including:
- mkvmerge – puts together different tracks into an MKV file.
- mkvextract – takes tracks (audio, subtitles, video) out of an MKV file .
- Others like mkvinfo (shows file info) and mkvpropedit (edits file properties).
MKVToolNix works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
How to Extract Audio or Subtitle Tracks with MKVToolNix GUI
Here’s how you can extract just the part you need using the MKVToolNix graphical interface:
- Open the MKV file in MKVToolNix GUI (like mkvmerge GUI or the latest Qt interface). The program will show all tracks inside the file.
- Uncheck what you don’t need—like the video or audio—so only the audio or subtitle track stays selected .
- Choose where to save the output file.
- Click “Start multiplexing” to extract the track. It’s fast and doesn’t re-encode—so quality stays the same .
Command-Line Method: Using mkvextract
Want to go text-based? The mkvextract command is powerful and precise:
- First, check track IDs with: cssCopyEdit
mkvmerge -i yourvideo.mkv - Then use mkvextract: rubyCopyEdit
mkvextract tracks yourvideo.mkv 2:subtitle.srt
This method gives you subtitle files like .srt or audio in formats like AAC or MP3, keeping the original quality .
Which Formats Can You Extract?
MKVToolNix preserves the original format of the track so if your MKV contains AAC audio or ASS subtitles, you’ll get them just like that .
For subtitle formats, MKVToolNix supports SRT, ASS, and VobSub. You can keep the exact format or convert later
Common Problems & Tips
- Output is still MKV when using “Multiplex” that’s just a remux, not true extraction .
- Use mkvextract to get real files you can use with subtitle editors or audio players.
- If the MKV file is damaged or has rare codecs, update to the latest MKVToolNix version to avoid bugs .
From real user forums: someone said dragging files in and pressing “Extract Tracks” works well for them .
MKVToolNix vs Other Tools
- FFmpeg – great for many formats, but harder to use for extracting specific tracks.
- HandBrake – friendly interface but limited for extracting individual tracks.
- MKVToolNix gives the most control, especially for complex MKV files
FAQ
Q: Can MKVToolNix extract to .srt directly?
A: Not with the GUI; that’s still an MKV file. You must use mkvextract for proper .srt output .
Q: How do I find the right track number?
A: Use mkvmerge -i filename.mkv to list all tracks and their IDs .
Q: Will the audio stay the same quality?
A: Yes extraction keeps the same encoding so you don’t lose quality .
Q: What if my MKV has graphic subtitles from a DVD?
A: These might export as image-based formats like sup or idx. You may need extra tools like SubtitleEdit to convert them to text .
If you want to pull just the sound, leave out the video, or grab subtitles for editing or translating, MKVToolNix makes it easy. Use the GUI for quick tasks or go with mkvextract when you need real output files. Choose your track, leave others behind, and keep quality intact. Whether you’re a translator, video editor, or hobbyist, MKVToolNix gives you exactly what you need nothing extra, nothing lost.
