One of the most popular methods for transferring, storing, and backing up data is DVDs, and they work well with almost any DVD player for easy access. It's quite simple to turn your own videos into a DVD. In simple terms, to make a DVD is putting your data onto a disc, and in this article we will inform you the steps and the tools available for doing so.
What You Need to Make a DVD
Before you make your own DVD, you'll need to have a few things on hand.
- A blank DVD: There are two primary types: DVD+R and DVD-R. These formats are nearly the same, and most modern DVD drives can read both, so either type will likely work for you. For longer movies, use dual-layer discs, which hold 8.5GB compared to 4.7GB on single-layer discs. While single-layer discs are typically more reliable, both will work as long as your drive supports dual-layer.
NOTE: Here are all kinds of DVD types for your reference.
- DVD-R (Recordable): A single-use, write-once disc. Once data is burned, it cannot be erased or rewritten.
- DVD-RW (Rewritable): A rewritable disc that allows data to be erased and rewritten multiple times.
- DVD+R (Recordable): Similar to DVD-R, but with slightly different technical characteristics. It is also a write-once disc.
- DVD+RW (Rewritable): A rewritable version of DVD+R, allowing multiple erasures and rewrites.
- DVD-R DL (Dual Layer): A dual-layer, write-once disc that holds more data than a standard DVD-R (up to 8.5 GB).
- DVD+R DL (Dual Layer): Similar to DVD-R DL, but with different formatting and technology. It also supports up to 8.5 GB of data.
- DVD-ROM: A pre-recorded disc that can only be read, not written to. Typically used for commercial movie releases or software.
- Mini DVD: A smaller version of standard DVDs, usually 8 cm in diameter, commonly used in camcorders.
- A DVD drive: If your computer includes an drive, it can likely burn DVDs. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase an external DVD drive. Internal drives are cost-effective, typically priced around $20, while external ones are slightly more expensive, usually costing an additional $5–$10.
- DVD burning software: To burn DVDs, you’ll need specialized software. Free options like DVDStyler provide basic features, while premium tools such as DVDFab DVD Creator offer advanced capabilities, like creating custom menus and simplifying the burning process. Before choosing software, confirm that it’s compatible with your operating system and meets your needs.
How to Make DVDs with Software
At times, we still need to burn videos to DVDs. That’s why it’s so important to have a reliable DVD burning tool. Whether you’re burning for saving memories, sharing with loved ones or creating a portable library, the right software can make all the difference. Here are some software for burning and making DVDs:
The Best DVD Software: DVDFab DVD Creator
DVDFab DVD Creator is a versatile software that converts video formats and burns them on DVD discs with high quality. It has video customization, menu creation and setting adjustment for best playback. With support for several formats, your video will be ready for DVD players, whether it's a simple home movie or a more complicated project.
Here's a complete guide to creating personalized DVDs using DVDFab DVD Creator:
Step 1: Open DVDFab 13 and select the "Creator" option, then click on "DVD Creator." From there, upload your source videos. You can load the files by either dragging and dropping them into the main window or clicking the "Add" button.
Step 2: Once your video has loaded, choose "Advanced Settings" to adjust the output size and quality. Next, choose "Menu Settings" to personalize your DVD menu.
Step 3: Choose a menu template and make adjustments. To modify the text, just click on it and change the font, size, and color. You can move the decorations by dragging them, and to update the background, click on the image icon at the bottom-left corner.
Step 4: Click the "Start" button after selecting the output directory in the "Save to" part.
Built-in Software: Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player is mainly known as a media player for Windows, but it can also burn video files to DVDs. While it’s not as feature-rich as dedicated DVD-making software, it’s a simple and useful option for basic users. However, if you need advanced features like custom menus or editing, you’ll need more specialized software.
How to make your own DVD with the built-in Windows application:
Step 1: First, insert the DVD into your computer's optical drive. Then, transfer the content of the DVD drive to a new folder.
Step 2: Remove the source DVD and put a blank disc into the drive.
Step 3: When the "Burn files to disc" prompt appears, choose either "With a CD/DVD player" or "Like a USB flash drive."
Step 4: Click "Next," then drag and drop your files into the blank disc window.
Step 5: Go to the "Manage" tab in Windows Explorer and select "Finish burning."
Free Software: How to Make DVDs with DVDStyler
DVDStyler is an open-source and free DVD creation tool that supports formats like MP4, MPEG, and AVI. It is not only a DVD maker, but also an excellent DVD menu creator. It enables you to add subtitles, audio tracks, and photo slideshows for a custom experience. You can create menus using its built-in templates or your own graphics and tailor navigation choices as needed. Thanks to its multi-core processing, it offers efficient burning of DVDs.
DVDStyler is a reliable DVD maker that allows you to burn digital formats to DVD for free. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1: When you start DVDStyler, a "Welcome" dialog will show. If it does not show, simply select "File" > "New" to open it.
Step 2: In the "New project" section, input the necessary details for your project, such as the bitrate, format, and aspect ratio. Then, click "OK" to proceed.
Step 3: Select a DVD menu template from the available categories. Once you're happy with your choice, click "OK." If you want, you can skip this step by selecting "No template."
Step 4: Drag your videos into the Titleset Manager below after selecting them from the File browser tab on the left.
Step 5: To burn your DVD, click the burn disc icon in the top menu bar, then insert a blank disc into your DVD drive.
Step 6: Click Start to begin the burning process.
How to Make DVDs Easily with Professional Service
If you prefer not to handle the technical side of DVD creation, professional services offer a simple and reliable solution. Below are some of the best options for premium DVD copies:
1. CVS Photo
Link: https://www.cvsyesdvd.com/services-and-pricing
Price: Starting at USD 19.49
Supported Formats: DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and MiniDVDs
Services: Provides digital copies with MemoryCloud internet access, as well as DVD, Blu-ray, or USB copies.
2. Walmart Photo
Link: https://www.dvdwalmart.com/pages/services-pricing
Price: Starting at USD 12.96
Supported Formats: DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and MiniDVDs
Services: Option to customize with captions, music, and special effects
3. Disc2Day
Link: https://new.disc2day.com/dvd-duplication/
Price: Starting from USD 59.75
Supported Formats: DVDs, CDs and USBs
Services: DVD duplication with options for different print and packaging choices. Provides quick turnaround times, with production ranging from 24 hours to 5 business days.
4. Total Media
Link: https://www.totalmediainc.com/media_duplication/dvd_duplication/
Price: Starting from USD 23.5
Supported Formats: DVDs, CDs and USBs
Services: DVD duplication with no minimum quantity. Multiple printing and packaging options.
5. Blank Media Printing
Link: https://www.blankmediaprinting.com/short-run-dvd-duplication
Price: Starting at USD 0.41
Supported Formats: DVDs, CDs and Blu-rays discs
Services: Short-run DVD duplication service with fast production (same-day shipping for print-ready artwork).
Create a Custom DVD Menu for Easy Navigation
Customizing the menu when you make your own DVD can improve both navigation and the overall viewing experience. Here's how to do it using DVDFab DVD Creator:
Step 1: Launch DVDFab. Go to "Creator" > "DVD Creator". Click the "+" button to load your video files. Once your videos are loaded, you’ll see input-output details and customization options.
Step 2: Click the "Menu Settings" button to choose templates. The default is the "starry sky" but you can choose from kid-friendly, school or movie-inspired menus.
Step 3: After selecting your menu, customize your menu by adjusting the font, size and color of the navigation text. You can also upload your own background image.
Step 4: Return to the main screen to add subtitles or audio tracks. You can also upload external subtitle files. Hit the "Play" button to see your changes.
Step 5: Put a blank DVD into the optical drive of your computer. Click the "Start" button to begin burning the DVD after everything is configured.
Final Wrap-Up
In conclusion, burning files to a DVD is a reliable way to store important data and memories. With the right software and a few easy steps, creating your own DVD is simple. If you want a hassle-free option, professional services can help you make a DVD. Even though digital media is popular, DVDs remain a trusted choice for safeguarding your files.
FAQs
What kind of DVD do I need to make DVD movies?
Before you make a DVD, you need to know the different types of discs out there, each serves a purpose. Here’s a rundown of the different types of DVDs and what they’re used for:
- DVD-R and DVD+R: These are write-once discs that can store up to 4.7 GB of data.
- DVD-RW and DVD+RW: These discs are rewritable and can be erased and written to multiple times, DVD-RW up to 4.7 GB and DVD+RW up to 8.5 GB.
- DVD-RAM: These discs are rewritable, allowing data to be written and deleted several times for a total capacity of 9.4 GB.
- DVD-ROM: These discs can only be read, cannot be written to or altered.
Can I burn a DVD without using a DVD drive on my computer?
To burn a DVD, a DVD drive is essential because it writes data to the disc. If your computer doesn't have an internal DVD drive, you can connect an external one via USB.
What should I do if my DVD burning fails?
Here are what you can do:
- Make sure your DVD is compatible with your DVD drive.
- Check your DVD drive. Maybe you need to uninstall, restart your PC, and reinstall the drive.
- Uninstall Windows Update and try System Restore. Windows Update might be the culprit.
- Try a different disc.
- Try a different app for DVD burning.
How to create a DVD with high-quality video?
You can create a DVD with high video quality by using the right disc and trusted dedicated software.