Movavi Video Suite is the professional DVD authoring software with a screen recorder, in-built video editor, and media files format converter. Let's now discuss how to create a DVD with Movavi’s DVD authoring software in this step-by-step guide.
10 Best DVD Authoring Software for Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac
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Key takeaways
- I tested and compared the best DVD authoring software for Windows 10 and Windows 11: Movavi Video Suite, Cisdem DVD Burner, Express Burn, and several free DVD authoring software tools like DVD Author Plus and DevedeNG.
- While open-source and free programs cope with simple burning tasks accurately, premium tools like Movavi DVD Creator stand out with more dexterous encoding, intuitive video editing, and modern Blu-ray support.
- Picking the right DVD creator rests on your workflow. Casual users may prefer easy menu templates. Meanwhile, creators who value control will lean toward flexible editors with full AVI and HD video support.
- Most tools tested work faultlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. But stability and format compatibility still vary – another reason Movavi quietly dominates the field.
- To get the best results, always export your video in high quality, test your project before final burning, and use reliable media, a small step that ensures your disc looks as polished as your work.
Producing a DVD isn’t as old-fashioned as it sounds; a solid DVD authoring software can turn messy clips into polished discs. I exercised every program on this list myself and picked the best DVD authoring software that actually works. These tools help with burning, menus, subtitles, and even minor editing, saving you time and headaches.
Fun fact: the first DVD burners appeared in 1997. Long before YouTube or streaming existed! If you want your videos to play perfectly on Windows 10, Windows 11, or a classic player, you'll want a reliable DVD creator. I've got some great recommendations for you.
My top picks
- Best overall – Movavi Video Suite
Simply the best because it handles everything (editing, burning, menus) without making me pull my hair out. - Best free option – DeVeDeNG
It’s simple, free, and actually gets DVDs done without fuss. - Best for Mac users – Apple iDVD
Works finely with iMovie, so making a DVD felt effortless. - Best beginner-friendly option – Wondershare DVD Creator
You can drag, drop, and burn in minutes, even without prior experience. - Best lightweight app – WinX DVD Author
Quick, no-clutter, and does the job without slowing your PC. - Best all-in-one tool – Wondershare UniConverter
Converts, edits, and burns in one place, so you will not need extra apps. - Best minimalist tool – DVD Author Plus
It’s no-frills, fast, and just works for simple DVD projects. - Best cross-platform option – Cisdem DVD Burner
You can use it on both Windows and Mac without any weird glitches. - Best simple burn – Express Burn
Drag-and-drop workflow makes burning DVDs completely painless. - Best legacy format support – Aiseesoft DVD Creator
Handles every old and new format you throw at it, and the output will stay sharp.
Comparison table: Best DVD authoring software
To ensure that you receive only verified information, we do the following:
When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
Movavi Content Team has tested all the products covered in this article.
When testing products, we compare all key parameters, including merging video clips, changing video speed, recording voice-overs, creating slideshows, and other significant features.
We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.
We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.
List of the best DVD authoring software – free and paid tools
Why I picked it: a full-circle media toolkit that amazingly tackles edits and burns like a champ. It’s rare to find DVD authoring software that nails editing, conversion, and burning this smoothly across Windows 11 and macOS.
OS: Windows 7/8/10/11; macOS 12 and higher
Movavi Video Suite isn’t just another DVD creator. It’s a complete media studio to create masterpieces. You can burn DVDs and Blu-rays, edit AVI or 4K video, digitize VHS tapes, and even convert files on the fly.
The 2025 update added AI background removal, automatic audio leveling, and faster rendering that truly cuts through complexity. For newcomers, it can easily become the best DVD authoring software because it feels like pro-grade tech without the learning headache.
When I first used it, I tossed in a few old family clips and turned them into a polished DVD in under an hour. The timeline editor felt natural: keyframing, chroma key, and PiP just clicked. Burning to disc was quick, and the quality was crisp even on a big screen. It runs like a dream on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and I barely noticed any lag while multitasking.
Ratings
Pros:
It is a very quick DVD creating tool with an in-built video editor, compressor, converter, and VHS digitizing tool
You get advanced video editing options like chroma-keying, sound transitions, motion tracking, encoding, and ISO burning
Cons:
Limitations of the free trial
How to create a DVD with Movavi's DVD authoring software
Step 1. Download, install, and launch the software
First, download the program on your PC. Install Movavi Video Suite by following the on-screen instruction. After installation, launch the software. You’ll see the main window: here, in the Video Editor area, select Launch.
Step 2. Add media files
The next step is to select and add the media files from your computer that you need to create your DVD. Click Add Files to add videos to the Project files. Next, drag the files you’ve added onto the Timeline from the Project files. You can also use the drag-and-drop feature of Movavi Video Suite to add your files to the program and convert them into a DVD.
Step 3. Edit your video
If your video is too long or you want to cut unneeded parts, use the splitting feature. Place the red marker at the beginning of the segment and click Split, then do the same at the end of that segment. Select the part you’ve separated and hit the Delete button.
If you want to spice up your video, you can access Movavi Video Suite’s editing features like effect packages, background changes, sound settings, music alterations, and so much more. You can also compress the size of your video, add titles, transitions, and stickers. Just use the corresponding tabs in the left part of the program interface.
Step 4. Save the edited video
After you’ve finished editing your video, make sure to save it on your computer. To do this, click the Export button, specify the saving settings, and hit Start. After the video is saved, close the video editor window and open Movavi Video Suite’s main window again.
Step 5. Specify the settings for your DVD
Open the Data tab in the main window and click Launch in the Burn disc area. In the new window that opens, open the Video tab in the top-left corner. Drag your video to the program window.
In the tab on the right side of the program window, you can specify the settings. You can choose the disc type, quality, and aspect ratio. If needed, you can also choose the DVD menu template: just open the DVD menu template list and choose an appropriate option.
Step 6. Burn your video on a DVD
Finally, to burn your DVD, click the Burn Disc button and wait until the burning process is complete.
Why I picked it: I wanted a DVD creator that doesn't drive you to your wits' end. Wondershare DVD Creator delivers speedy burning and editing that's easy to grasp right from the start.
OS: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS
This intriguing DVD authoring software handles over 150 video formats, including AVI, MP4, and MKV. Also, it can burn both DVDs and Blu-rays on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can trim, crop, and enhance videos with its built-in editor, add subtitles, and customize menus with over 100 templates.
Notable elements also include one-click burning and slideshow creation for photos with music. The program even supports ISO and data disc burning, so I do want to call it one of the best DVD authoring software options around!
I tried creating a holiday DVD from a mix of MP4 clips and family photos. It runs as expected–drag, drop, edit a bit, and burn. Adding a menu with chapters was a piece of cake, and the quality stayed sharp on Blu-ray. Even mixing videos of different formats was seamless, and I could resume my project anytime.
Ratings
Pros:
Supports 150+ video formats and Blu-ray burning
Built-in editor for trimming, cropping, subtitles, and effects
Flexible DVD menus with 100+ templates
One-click burning and slideshow creation for photos
ISO and data disc support
Cons:
Free trial limits full burning options
The Mac version lacks Blu-ray support
Advanced editing features are limited compared to dedicated editors
Why I picked it: Aiseesoft DVD Creator ignited my curiosity with its lovely interface and support for nearly every video format that comes to mind. It also produces crisp outputs!
OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
Aiseesoft DVD Creator will appeal to anyone craving for high-quality DVD production without stress. It handles AVI, MP4, MOV, and dozens more. Plus, it supports DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and even Blu-ray burning. Customizable menus, multiple audio tracks, and subtitle options give projects a personal touch. The editor lets you tweak brightness, crop, trim, and watermark your videos before burning. Hardware acceleration ensures DVD creation runs like a dream.
When I fired it up, I was impressed at how fast I could turn a pile of MP4 clips into a playable DVD with custom menus. The menu templates made styling easy; adding background music was painless. I also liked how I could preview the DVD in real time, making adjustments on the fly.
Burning a Blu-ray copy of my vacation videos was a no-brainer, and the result looked sharp on my TV. I was able to manage subtitles and audio tracks effortlessly, and that definitely made my project feel polished and professional. For someone who juggles video projects on Windows 11 and 10, it’s efficient and satisfying.
Ratings
Pros:
Real-time preview of all edits and effects
Hardware acceleration for faster output
Great for DVD burning and Blu-ray creation
Supports tons of formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, MPEG, etc.
Customizable menus, multiple audio tracks, and subtitle support
Cons:
Trial version limits some advanced features
Occasional lag when handling very large video files
Only a 30-day money-back guarantee; not free long-term
4. Apple iDVD
Why I picked it: I chose it because for many Mac users, it’s the native DVD tool that just works with Apple’s ecosystem. On compatible machines, it’s extremely handy for menu-based DVD projects.
OS: macOS (older versions)
iDVD is designed for macOS (Mac OS X 10.6.7 or later) and works best on Macs that support DVD burning. It lets you drag in video or photo slideshows, pick a themed menu, drop in music or voiceovers, tweak buttons, and burn to DVD. There are built-in “drop zones” for looping background video in menus, animated templates, and support for chapters.
You can download Apple iDVD 7.1.2 from Apple’s support site, but it’s seemingly not receiving updates this year. The app is 32-bit and won’t run on macOS Catalina or newer, so it only works reliably on older systems like High Sierra. On modern Macs, crashes or failure to launch are possible.
I fired up my 2012 MacBook Pro running macOS High Sierra to finally put together a DVD of old family videos. I opened iMovie, dragged in several MP4 and MOV clips, exported them to iDVD, picked a theme with animated menus and background music, set chapters, then burned it to a blank DVD-R disc using the built-in SuperDrive. Menus looked smooth, transitions were natural, and the DVD played flawlessly on our living room player. Even though the encoding took longer than with newer software, the quality was more than good enough: crisp video, synced audio, readable subtitles.
Ratings
Pros:
With features like Magic iDVD, users can easily create DVDs with minimal effort
Offers over 150 themes and customization elements to produce beautiful DVDs
Allows for convenient file transfers from iMovie and iPhoto in the iLife suite
Cons:
Limited to Macs that support DVD burning
No Blu-ray support
Newer macOS versions may not run it well (32-bit app limitations)
Quick summary
Movavi Video Suite
I love how it edits, burns, and handles Blu-ray all in one. Smooth, fast, and works on Windows 10 and 11.
Wondershare UniConverter
Slick menus, tons of formats, and decent editing tools. Makes DVD projects feel polished.
DeVeDeNG
Free and sturdy. Does the job for basic DVDs without fuss.
5. DeVeDeNG
Why I picked it: I picked DeVeDENG because it’s clean, no-frills, and still powerful.
OS: Windows, Linux
This free, open-source DVD authoring tool churns videos into playable DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs, and DivX/MPEG formats. Unlike basic burners, it lets you add menus, subtitles, and background images. Choose it for home video compilations or backups.
DeVeDeNG handles popular formats like AVI, MP4, MKV, and MPEG. The interface looks bland, almost old-school: you pick your disk type, drop in video files, set subtitles, tweak audio, and design a menu. It doesn’t trim clips or add effects, but for straightforward DVD authoring, it gets the job done.
It may feel dated at first glance, but DeVeDeNG is far from abandoned. The latest version, 4.21.0, dropped on February 8, 2025, fixing crashes with older projects. Version 4.20.0, from January 18, 2025, sorted FFMPEG detection and polished UI translations.
I fired it up to convert old home videos for a family reunion DVD. Adding the clips, arranging a simple menu, and burning the disc was intuitive. The DVD played perfectly on standard players, keeping the memories intact and easy to share.
Ratings
Pros:
Supports multiple formats and disk types
Lets you customize menus and add subtitles
Free, open-source, and actively maintained
Cons:
No advanced editing features
Functional but visually plain interface
Can run slowly on large files
Why I picked it: I picked WinX DVD Author because it’s one of the few actually free DVD authoring programs for Windows that still feels modern.
OS: Windows 10 or lower
WinX DVD Author is hard to ignore in the ocean of the best DVD authoring software. No paywalls, no watermarks, no hidden tricks. Just clean, fast burning for anyone who wants to turn digital videos into something real – a playable DVD you can hold in your hand.
The solution works on Windows 10 and 11 and burns MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, VOB, and even online videos directly to DVD. It lets you add menus, chapters, subtitles, and music: all inside a tidy, ad-free interface. You can burn to DVD±R/±RW or dual-layer discs without converting files manually. There’s even an option to trim videos or adjust resolution and aspect ratio before authoring.
The built-in encoder and deinterlacing tech produce sharp, high-quality output, whether it’s a family trip, a YouTube video, or an old camcorder clip. It supports Dolby Digital AC-3 audio and fits both 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 TVs. And yes, it’s fast, a full 4.3 GB DVD in about an hour.
I used it to burn a set of HD MP4 clips from a GoPro into a family gift DVD. The drag-and-drop workflow was effortless. I added subtitles, picked a background image, and laid in a soft acoustic track over the menu. The final disc looked polished and played flawlessly on a standard DVD player.
Ratings
Pros:
100% free with no ads or watermarks
Supports a plenty of video formats and subtitles
Clean interface with high-quality video and audio output
Cons:
Only available for Windows
Interface feels humdrum compared to pro tools
Slow when handling very large or high-bitrate files
Why I picked it: I liked DVD Author Plus because it’s one of those rare, no-fuss tools that still make DVD creation easy on modern Windows systems – a dying art, honestly.
OS: Windows
This free DVD authoring software (for a trial period) keeps things refreshingly straightforward. It lets you create DVDs and CDs in just a few clicks, whether you’re backing up old home movies, archiving family photos, or burning an audio mix for the car. The interface feels like something from an earlier Windows era, but that’s part of its charm.
I used DVD Author Plus to burn a collection of MP4 videos into a standard DVD format for an old player still connected to my living room TV. The process was an easy thing: add files, choose settings, and hit burn. Within minutes, the disc was ready. And yes, it played perfectly on a decade-old DVD player. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
It’s not without its quirks. If you’re looking for varied customization options or advanced DVD authoring capabilities, it may not live up to expectations. But DVD Author Plus remains a much-talked-about throwback – proof that sometimes, simple tools still get the job done beautifully.
Ratings
Pros:
Simple, clutter-free interface
Compatible with most DVD drives and formats
Can create ISO images and audio CDs
Free and lightweight, runs even on older PCs
Cons:
No fancy menus or templates
Lacks modern editing tools
Still demands a payment to unlock something extra
Why I picked it: for Mac and Windows users alike, it hits the sweet spot between simplicity and serious control. An elegant option when you need more than just a click-and-burn tool.
OS: macOS Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave/High Sierra/Sierra
Cisdem DVD Burner is a nifty free DVD authoring software (with paid upgrade for full use) that handles video, DVD disc, DVD folder, or ISO output. It supports a galore of disc formats (DVD-5, DVD-9, ±R/RW, dual layer). And it imports virtually any video file: MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, VOB, etc.
Its built-in editor lets you trim, crop, rotate, add watermarks, and subtitles. You also get themed menu templates for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and more. Also, you can tweak background music, layout, thumbnails, text. Real-time preview helps you catch mistakes before burning. On macOS, the 6.11.0 update (Jan 2025) improved interface compatibility and bug fixes. It also has compatible versions for Windows 11/10/8/7 to be grabbed from the platform’s official site.
I challenged Cisdem DVD Burner to turn a mix of smartphone and DSLR footage into a keepsake DVD. I dragged in my clips, cropped a few, added subtitles and a soft background track, picked a wedding-theme menu, previewed everything, and hit Burn. The disc ran smoothly in my home DVD player–menus, chapters, artwork all intact.
Ratings
Pros:
Supports multiple video formats and disc types
Good menu customization with theme templates
Real-time preview before burning
Editing tools included (trim, crop, watermark, subtitles)
Keeps output quality close to source (1:1 when possible)
Cons:
Free version limits burning to the first 5 minutes or half of the video
Pricier than some alternatives for a full license
Menu templates and some UI tweaks are limited in flexibility
9. Express Burn
Why I picked it: if you’re on a hunt for a basic disc burning package, Express Burn delivers. Just drag and burn, no mess.
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10
Express Burn was brought to the world by NCH Software. It is a disc-burning and DVD authoring tool that manages audio, video, and data discs. You can burn CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs; create DVDs from video files (MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, VOB, etc.); copy discs; and generate ISO images.
It supports dual-layer burning, lets you choose NTSC or PAL, aspect ratio, encoder settings, and has a built-in menu system with generic templates. The interface is not geeky, though somewhat dated: tabs for Audio, Video, Data, and ISO.
I tasked Express Burn to convert a batch of MP4 travel videos into a DVD that would run on an older TV system. I dropped them into the Video tab, chose PAL, picked a simple menu template, and hit burn. The disc came out clean. The menus worked, the video played nicely, and it ran without hiccups. It’s not flashy. But it orchestrates core tasks confidently.
Ratings
Pros:
Supports burning to CD, DVD, Blu-ray, and can make ISO images
Lets you set encoder settings, aspect ratio, and choose PAL/NTSC modes
Generic menu templates are included, and the ability to import custom images
Drag & drop workflow is simple and quick
Cons:
Interface feels old and less classy compared to modern titles
Basic version limitations; full DVD/Blu-ray features require a license
Template styles are generic and less customizable
Sometimes slower when encoding high bitrate video
Why I picked it: it’s one of those rare, all-in-one tools that does almost everything right.
OS: Windows, macOS
Wondershare UniConverter is not just a DVD burner. It’s a full-blown video suite that converts, edits, compresses, records screens, and yes, burns flawless DVDs without losing a pixel of quality. A much-talked-about app in creator circles, UniConverter is an all-inclusive video toolbox.
Burning DVDs here is simple: drag, drop, and done. You can import over 1,000 video formats, from MP4 and MOV to WMV and FLV. Then, turn them into polished discs that play anywhere.
The interface that boasts dark aesthetics walks you through every step: adding files, picking one of its clean menu templates, setting aspect ratio, TV standard, and quality. You can even tweak finer details like subtitles, music, and disc labels before hitting Burn.
But what really sells UniConverter is the polish. While free tools often cut corners, Wondershare brings a premium touch: built-in trimming, cropping, watermarking, and subtitle editing all sit neatly in one place. It’s fast, stable, and well-documented. You can burn directly to a DVD, ISO, or folder, or just back things up for later.
It’s not without its quirks, though; some elements are a paid service. The interface occasionally feels too sleek for its own good. Still, if you value speed, quality, and creative control, it’s an amazing DVD authoring software platform. I used UniConverter to compile family vacation footage into a playable DVD with a personalized menu and background track. It eventually looked like something out of a pro studio.
Ratings
Pros:
Burns DVDs in over 1,000 formats without quality loss
Includes video editing, compression, and conversion tools
Highly polished, handsome interface
Customizable menus with music, images, and labels
Actively updated for Windows and macOS
Cons:
Some advanced features require the paid version
Sleek UI can feel cluttered with options at first
Heavier on resources than simpler burners
How to choose the best DVD authoring software
Choosing the right DVD authoring software? It really comes down to your needs. Want a full-featured tool? Something for editing, burning, and Blu-ray output? Movavi Video Suite is my favourite product. It’s fast, pleasure-to-use, and works irreproachably. Solid on both Windows 10 and 11.
For free options? DeVeDeNG or WinX DVD Author are wise choices. Perfect for simple projects. On a Mac, Cisdem DVD Burner is good. Even iDVD can be useful. Both handle quick, menu-based DVDs well. Seeking a polished, all-in-one experience? With creative control? Wondershare UniConverter or Aiseesoft DVD Creator really impress.
Finally, consider your workflow. What formats do you use? (AVI, MP4, MOV). And do you need Blu-ray support? Test a few apps. See what feels natural. Always preview before burning. That small step ensures your DVDs look great, matching the effort you put into your videos.
Movavi Video Suite
*The trial version of Movavi Video Suite has the following restrictions: 7-day trial period, watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.
Frequently asked questions
What is DVD authoring software?
What is DVD authoring software?
Before talking about DVD authoring software, we want to talk about the process of DVD authoring, which is extracting material from a video and combining it with media, including pictures and music, artwork, photos, commentary, animation, and so much more. However, to do all that, you need DVD authoring software for viewing the content of the DVD video on your choice of streaming device (laptop, mobile, etc.). A DVD authoring service helps you create your own DVD and lets you edit it the way you want.
What is Blu-ray authoring software?
What is Blu-ray authoring software?
First, you shoot a video with an HD camera, and you make it as good as possible, think producer quality like. You take care of all the important details during the production process of your video, which shows that you are committed to providing the best quality to your viewers & mastering your post-production.
However, your video is not ready for playing and viewing by your audience until it is authorized, and that's where the Blu-ray authoring software kicks in. Both DVD authoring and Blu-ray authoring are a part of optical disc authoring, and for that, you require Blu-ray authoring software.
People choose Blu-ray because it does not let your video pixelate on the big screen. And a Blu-ray authoring software lets you edit your video the way you want and offers you stylish menu templates and many more customizable options.
What is the fastest DVD authoring software?
What is the fastest DVD authoring software?
If you are looking for the fastest DVD authoring software, you need to check out Movavi, as it offers its users a free trial to get familiarized with the software. If you are not familiar with using any of Movavi’s programs, you can find a collection of tutorials on Movavi’s ‘How-tos’ section of the website.
Whether you are creating new videos or digitizing your old family videos, Movavi is your answer. It is also great if you're starting out a YouTube channel and do not want to invest in DVD authoring software. So, try Movavi Video Suite because it is your all-in-one DVD-creating solution.
What is the best DVD player software?
What is the best DVD player software?
I usually just pop the disc in my system’s default player. Another popular option is to use VLC – it works every time, no headaches.
What is the best DVD ripping software?
What is the best DVD ripping software?
I tested DeVeDeNG: simplistic, open-source, streamlines conversions without extra fluff.
What are the best DVD burning software options?
What are the best DVD burning software options?
Movavi Video Suite is my go-to; Wondershare DVD Creator and Aiseesoft DVD Creator are solid too, fast and reliable.
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