Modifying torrents
Learn how to update metadata in existing .torrent files using the mkbrr modify command
The mkbrr modify command allows you to update metadata in existing .torrent files without needing access to the original content files. This is useful for mass-updating trackers, source tags, comments, or other metadata.
By default, the original torrent files are preserved. New, modified files are created with a prefix based on the tracker domain (e.g., tracker-domain_original-name.torrent). You can customize the output filename or directory.
The modify command strips all non-standard metadata during the process to ensure clean output.
Arguments
One or more paths to the .torrent files you want to modify. Glob patterns (like *.torrent) can be used if your shell supports them.
Flags
Input & Output
Set a new tracker URL (replaces existing).
Output directory for modified files.
Custom output filename (without extension).
When modifying multiple torrents, using --output with a fixed filename will cause subsequent files to overwrite the previous ones. Use --output-dir instead for batch modifications to preserve all modified files with unique names.
Advanced Input (Presets)
Use preset from config.
For reusing common settings across torrents. See the Presets documentation for details.
Preset config file (default ~/.config/mkbrr/presets.yaml).
Set custom path to presets.yaml. See the Presets documentation for details.
Torrent Internals
Make torrent private.
Private flag is enabled by default for tracker compliance. Only disable if you’re creating a public torrent.
Randomize the torrent’s info hash by adding or updating a unique, random entropy key in the info dictionary before hashing.
Cross-seeding is the practice of seeding the same content on multiple trackers. Using the entropy flag helps avoid conflicts between trackers.
Randomize the torrent’s info hash by adding or updating a unique, random entropy key in the info dictionary before hashing.
Cross-seeding is the practice of seeding the same content on multiple trackers. Using the entropy flag helps avoid conflicts between trackers.
Seeding & Metadata
Specify web seed URLs. Can be used multiple times.
Web seeds provide an HTTP fallback source for the torrent content, improving availability.
Specify the source string.
Some trackers require or recommend specific source tags. Check your tracker’s rules.
Specify a comment.
Omit the creation date from the torrent metadata.
Omit the creator string from the torrent metadata.
Execution & Output Control
Be verbose.
Enable quiet mode, printing only the final torrent file path upon success. Useful for scripts.
Show what would be modified without making changes.
Examples
Update the tracker for a single torrent:
new-tracker_original.torrentMake multiple torrents public:
modified_file1.torrent, modified_file2.torrent, etc.Update the tracker for a single torrent:
new-tracker_original.torrentMake multiple torrents public:
modified_file1.torrent, modified_file2.torrent, etc.Add a source tag and save to a specific directory:
Apply a preset and then add entropy:
Preview changes without saving:
By default, the original torrent files are preserved. New, modified files are created with a prefix based on the tracker domain (e.g., tracker-domain_original-name.torrent). You can customize the output filename or directory.
The modify command strips all non-standard metadata during the process to ensure clean output.
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