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SPECIFICTION
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DVDStyler

dvdstyler.org

Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit dvdstyler.org
Spec score 8.6 #1 of 26 in DVD Authoring Software

What it is

DVDStyler is a DVD authoring application for creating video discs with menus designed for playback on standalone DVD players. Start with a template or build a menu by arranging buttons, text, images, and other objects. The software can make photo slideshows and add multiple subtitle and audio tracks. It supports formats including AVI, MOV, MP4, MPEG, OGG, WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, Xvid, MP2, MP3, and AC-3, among others. MPEG and VOB files can be used without re-encoding, and files with different audio or video formats can be placed on one DVD. The interface supports drag-and-drop, and menus use scalable vector graphics. DVDStyler runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is distributed under the GNU General Public License. The listed macOS installer requires OS X 10.15 Catalina or later. The application is free, with no free trial listed.

Spec sheet

What it does
DVDStyler authors and burns video DVDs designed for playback on standalone DVD players, including custom menus.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Purpose
DVDStyler authors and burns video DVDs with individually designed menus for playback on standalone DVD players.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Integrations
The maker's feature list describes importing media and image files but does not identify third-party service integrations.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Support
The contact page directs users with support questions to the DVDStyler forum.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
License
DVDStyler is open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Maker
The official site copyright identifies Alex Thüring as the copyright holder and maker.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Authoring options
DVDStyler supports using MPEG and VOB files without re-encoding and putting files with different audio or video formats on one DVD.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Basic editing
SourceForge describes basic trimming and cropping operations in addition to authoring.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Codec support
The site lists MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, Xvid, MP2, MP3 and AC-3 support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Current downloads
The official download page offers stable version 3.2.1 installers and source, plus a Windows 64-bit 3.3b3 beta build and source.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Developer language
SourceForge identifies C++ as the programming language and wxWidgets as a user-interface framework.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Disc capacity guidance
The official guide says a single-layer 4.7 GB DVD holds up to about 126 minutes at good quality, while Auto quality can reduce bitrate to fit more.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Documentation
Official documentation links to a guide, DVD script language description, operation manual, tutorials, FAQ/wiki material and third-party guides.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Downloads
The downloads page lists DVDStyler 3.2.1 installers for Windows and macOS, source code, and a Windows 3.3b3 build.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Drag and drop
The interface supports dragging movies and menu objects into a project.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
DVD scripting
Navigation can be customized with DVD scripting commands.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Formats
The site lists support for AVI, MOV, MP4, MPEG, OGG, WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, Xvid, MP2, MP3, and AC-3, among other formats.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Interactive DVD menus
Users can create DVD video with interactive menus.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Interface
The site describes a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop support and menu creation based on scalable vector graphics.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Licence
DVDStyler is distributed under the GNU General Public License; SourceForge identifies the project licence as GPLv2.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: installer complaints
Older independent reviews report bundled browser-toolbar or adware offers during installation and warn users to inspect installer choices carefully.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: preview and chapters
Reviewers request a stronger pre-render menu preview, report that embedded chapters from editing applications are not read, and say disc-size handling may require manual dual-layer selection.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: speed and output
Cisdem's testing rates DVDStyler's conversion as slow and reports that some burned videos can be jerky or laggy.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cisdem.com
Limit: stability
Recent SourceForge reviewers report crashes when dragging videos, crashes in settings, disappearing buttons and lost work related to undo behavior.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: subtitles
Cisdem reports that soft or hard subtitles may appear black on a DVD player after conversion.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cisdem.com
Linux availability
The maker describes DVDStyler as a tool for Linux and Windows and links to source code and Ubuntu downloads.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
macOS requirement
The official download page specifies macOS X 10.15 Catalina or newer for its Mac installer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Menu design
Users can create menus from templates or design their own, placing and customizing buttons, text, images, and other objects.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Menu styling
Users can change fonts, colors and other object parameters, resize objects, and copy menu objects or complete menus.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Menu templates
The application includes ready-made menu templates and also permits fully custom menu designs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Operating systems
The project directory lists Linux, Mac and Windows operating systems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Photo slideshow
DVDStyler can create photo slideshows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Praise: customization
Reviewers praise drag-and-drop authoring, custom backgrounds and menu graphics, subtitle support, and control over menu design.Read 15 Oct 2026 · videohelp.com
Praise: ease and value
Independent reviewers repeatedly describe DVDStyler as easy to use after learning it, effective for basic DVD menus, and unusually good value because it is free.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Project age
SourceForge records the project as registered on October 12, 2003.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Rating on Cisdem
4 out of 5 from the publication's comparative review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cisdem.com
Rating on SourceForge
4.0 out of 5 stars from 167 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Rating on VideoHelp
10 out of 10 overall from Swedaniel's January 14, 2024 review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · videohelp.com
Rating on WinTotal
4.20 out of 5 from 21 votes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wintotal.de
Repository move
A SourceForge wiki announcement reports that the official source repository moved to GitHub and that SourceForge issues and tickets will no longer receive responses.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Scripting backend
The manual explains that DVDStyler provides a GUI for dvdauthor and that its disc commands inherit dvdauthor's C-like scripting syntax.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Security data
Open Hub reports no vulnerabilities for the last ten releases it analyzed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · openhub.net
Slideshow
DVDStyler can create photo slideshows.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Subtitle and audio tracks
Projects may contain multiple subtitle tracks and multiple audio tracks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Tracks
DVDStyler supports adding multiple subtitle and audio tracks.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Vector menus
Menu creation is based on scalable vector graphics, with movable buttons, text, images and other objects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org
Video format support
The official feature list names AVI, MOV, MP4, MPEG, OGG and WMV among supported inputs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org

Plans and prices

DVDStyler Free Free software DVD authoring and burning · interactive menus · photo slideshows · Windows, macOS and Linux Read 15 Oct 2026 · dvdstyler.org

Every DVDStyler plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source under the GNU General Public License.
  • Creates menus from templates or custom layouts.
  • Supports multiple subtitle and audio tracks.
  • Uses MPEG and VOB files without re-encoding.

Limits

  • Listed macOS installer requires OS X 10.15 Catalina or later.
  • No free trial is listed.

Who it suits

DVDStyler suits people who want to create DVD menus and combine video, audio, subtitles, or photo slideshows on a disc. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

DVDStyler in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

DVDStyler is a free DVD authoring and burning application for people who want to shape the menus as well as assemble video for a standalone player. Its mix of custom menu tools, slideshow creation, and broad format support makes it a capable choice for authored discs without a software budget; the main trade-off is a narrow focus on DVD rather than a broader video workflow.

Key features

Menu design is the strongest reason to choose DVDStyler. You can begin with a template or compose a layout by placing and customizing buttons, text, images, and other objects. The drag-and-drop interface and scalable-vector-graphics menu approach give users room to personalize a disc instead of settling for a fixed menu, though that flexibility will matter most to people willing to make design decisions.

DVDStyler also creates photo slideshows and supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks. That makes it suitable for discs intended for viewers who need track choices or for projects that mix still images with video. It includes manual chapter tools, dual-layer DVD support, and support for both DVD standards, covering several practical authoring needs.

Input support spans formats including AVI, MOV, MP4, MPEG, OGG, WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, Xvid, MP2, MP3, and AC-3, among others. MPEG and VOB files can be used without re-encoding, and files with different audio or video formats can share a DVD. Those options help when assembling material from varied sources, while the focus remains on authoring a DVD rather than serving as a general-purpose media editor.

DVDStyler is open-source software under the GNU General Public License. Its feature description covers media and image imports but does not identify third-party service integrations; support questions are directed to the DVDStyler forum.

Pricing

DVDStyler costs nothing. The free plan is the application itself: an open-source DVD authoring tool with no paid tier described. That makes it a straightforward fit for individuals who need the included DVD features and are comfortable using GPL software. There is no free trial because the application is free, and no separate paid plan or renewal term is described.

Platforms

DVDStyler supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The downloads page offers Windows and macOS installers, source code, and a Windows 3.3b3 build alongside the DVDStyler 3.2.1 installers. The listed macOS installer requires OS X 10.15 Catalina or later. The maker also points Linux users to source code and Ubuntu downloads, so Linux users may need to choose an appropriate distribution route rather than a listed installer.

Who it's for

DVDStyler suits people who specifically want to create video DVDs with individually designed menus, combine varied media formats, or add slideshows and multiple tracks without paying for authoring software. It is a less suitable choice for someone whose priority is a tool beyond DVD authoring or who does not want to spend time arranging a custom menu.

Pros and cons

Pros: Custom layouts can be built from templates or designed from scratch, giving menu-focused projects more control than a fixed preset workflow.

Pros: Multiple audio and subtitle tracks, manual chapter tools, dual-layer discs, and both DVD standards support more involved disc projects.

Pros: MPEG and VOB files can be used without re-encoding, and mixed audio or video formats can be placed on one DVD.

Pros: The application is free and open source under the GPL, with Linux, macOS, and Windows support.

Cons: The product is centered on DVD authoring, so readers seeking a broader video-production workflow should look elsewhere.

Cons: The listed macOS installer requires Catalina or later, excluding older macOS systems from that installer.

Alternatives

DVD Authoring Software is the directory's broader category for comparing tools in this field.

Open Burning Suite is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it when a general disc-burning application is a better fit than DVDStyler's menu-design and DVD-authoring emphasis.

DVDFab DVD Creator is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows, with a free trial and a Mac lifetime plan at $59.99 as a one-time purchase. Consider it if you prefer a paid creator and need its Mac lifetime-license option rather than a free GPL application.

WinX DVD Author is a free Windows-only alternative whose plan specifies no limits or watermarks for Windows 10/11; it is a fit if Windows is your platform and those terms matter more than cross-platform support.

Wondershare DVD Creator is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows with a free trial; its one-year subscription is $39.95 a year, automatically renews, and includes basic features, no ads, no watermark, and free tech support. Choose it if those subscription terms and inclusions suit you better than DVDStyler's free, open-source model.

AnyMP4 DVD Creator is a paid macOS and Windows alternative, with a $12.45 a month one-month license and a $39.96 as a one-time purchase lifetime license. It may suit readers who prefer a time-limited or lifetime paid license.

Leawo Video Converter is a paid option for Windows and macOS, with a $29.95 a year basic plan and a $39.95 a month professional plan. Pick it if its paid plan structure is more appropriate for your needs.

TMPGEnc Video Mastering Works 8 is a paid Windows option with a $122 a month full-version plan described as a lifetime license, as well as a $78.30 a year suite subscription. It is an alternative for Windows users considering a paid license or subscription instead.

AVS Video Editor is a freemium Windows alternative, with a $149 a year subscription for one year of access on one computer per license. Consider it if a Windows editor subscription better fits the job.

Verdict

Choose DVDStyler if you want a free, cross-platform way to author DVDs with individually designed menus, mixed-format input, slideshows, and multiple tracks. Its combination of menu control and no-cost GPL distribution is compelling for disc-focused projects. Look elsewhere if you need a wider video workflow or cannot meet the macOS installer's Catalina-or-later requirement.

Verdict

DVDStyler combines menu design, slideshow creation, and DVD authoring in a free application. Check the macOS requirement if you plan to use the listed installer.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to DVDStylerAll alternatives →