How to reduce file to a specific size?

[matrixprotocol]

Description of problem or question:
How Do I use Handbrake to reduce video to a specific file size?
I used Handbrake many years ago... I'm sure this was an option.
(Or maybe I'm confused with another program!!)

I've got a video file that is 2.5GB.
I need to get to be 500MB or less.
I've run handbrake twice now. First time I got 1.2GB. Next time 525MB.

An alternative would be to get an estimation of file size? Maybe if there was a counter running that told you of the predicted file size, that would be helpful. Not sure if this would be possible - since the beginning could be few graphics and moving objects, whereas in the 2nd half could be explosions of stars and loads of other graphics?

HandBrake version (e.g., 1.0.0): 1.3.3

Operating system and version (e.g., Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, Windows 10 Creators Update): Windows 10

HandBrake Activity Log ***required*** (see How-to get an activity log)
Not applicable.

Thanks.

[Woodstock]

If you are limited by file size, you need to use a bitrate calculator to determine what bitrate you need for the duration of your video and your target file size, then limit handbrake to that bitrate.

Handbrake itself is not going to give you an estimated file size, because that is source- and option-dependent. Your memory is of a version many years ago, prior to "target file size" being removed because it was wildly inaccurate.

[matrixprotocol]

Thanks for the reply/ So I was't going mad after all, it definitely was there

Bitrate calculator. Just looked up and got a value
I'll give it a go

Thanks.

[Deleted User 13735]

Here's yer bitrate calculator:
Time (Sec) x Bitrate (Mbps) x .125 = File Size (MB)

• Only works with ABR encoding
• Be sure and allow room for your Audio