How to Create a Professional DVD Menu with the Best DVD Menu Maker

This is the age of digital streaming media, where movies and TV shows or other streaming videos such as those on FaceBook and TiTok can be easily accessed anywhere, anytime, on a cell phone or tablet with an effective and stable internet connection, while DVDs as their peak seem to have become obsolete. However, for many users who prefer and need to use tangible media, the low cost of DVD discs, the ease of sharing, and the fact that they can be used for a variety of special occasions such as personal archiving, professional releases, or weddings and family events, make DVDs still play a vital role. Well-designed DVD menus enhance the viewing experience by helping us quickly and easily navigate through chapters, scenes, and special features while playing a DVD.

You've come to the right place if you've ever thought about creating DVD menus without complicated software or expensive prices. In this guide, we'll explore what DVD menu maker software is, how to create stylish DVD menus step-by-step, and give you the pros and cons of a list of free DVD menu creator to make it easy for you to quickly find the tool that meets your needs. Let's get started.

Why Do You Need a DVD Menu Creator

A DVD menu creator is a tool that can help users design custom menus while converting MP4 to DVD. The Play button, buttons to select chapters, select languages, Return to Main Menu, and Exit all provide more control over the viewing experience of a DVD. Getting a well-organized menu can enhance the user experience by making the DVD content more accessible and visually appealing.

Even though digital streaming is more popular today, DVDs still hold value in various situations:

1. Family videos and memories: Present special moments such as weddings, children's birthdays, and travel in an organized format.

2. Professional and commercial use: Content creators use DVD menus for product distribution.

3. Educational and training materials: Teachers and trainers create chapter-based DVD lessons for easy access.

4. Movie collections: Organize personal movie libraries with custom menu designs.

Without a menu, you won't have a problem with DVD playback but may lose an efficient way to navigate the DVD content, as the created DVDs would start playing automatically from the beginning.

How to Make a DVD Menu: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating custom DVD menus may sound complicated, but it becomes surprisingly easy with the right DVD menu maker software. Follow the steps below to design professional-looking DVD menus using free software.

Step 1: Choose the Right DVD Menu Creator Software

We will need a reliable DVD menu maker to get started. Here are some popular choices:

1. DVDStyler (Free & Open Source) – Ideal for beginners with built-in templates.

2. WinX DVD Author (Free) – A lightweight tool with basic menu creation features.

3. Nero DVD Menu Creator (Paid) – Offers advanced customization for professionals.

4. DVDFab DVD Creator (Paid) – Offers basic menu templates with customizable options.

5. DVD Flick (Free) – Allows customizing DVD menus, adding chapters, and the layout.

For this tutorial, we'll use DVDStyler as an example, as it's free and beginner-friendly.

Step 2: Install and Launch the Software

1. Download DVDStyler from the official website.

2. Install and open the software.

3. On the welcome window, click “Create a New Project”, and set the disc capacity (DVD5/DVD9), your DVD format (PAL or NTSC), aspect ratio, and audio format if needed. You can also set it later after you add a video.

Step 3: Design Your DVD Menu

1. Choose from pre-made menu templates or design your own.

2. Add background images, text, navigation buttons, and chapter markers. Edit elements to improve the design; Customize fonts, colors, and menu layout to your preference.

Step 4: Import Video Files

1. Click the “+Add File” button on the toolbar, or the "DVD>Add>File.../File as chapter..." option and choose the videos you want to burn onto the DVD.

2. Drag and arrange the video files in order.

3. Click on each of the menus to make sure that they look the way you expect.

Step 5: Burn Your DVD

1. Insert a blank DVD into your computer drive.

2. Click “Burn”, set the temp directory, and select the drive/burner.

3. Click “Start” and wait for the process to complete.

Once finished, you’ll have a fully functional DVD with a custom menu, ready to be played on any DVD player!

Best Free DVD Menu Creator Software (Top Picks & Comparison)

Whether you want simple menu templates for quick results or want your DVDs to go with an advanced stylish menu, there are solutions available. What free DVD menu maker to choose for the creation simply depends on your needs. Here are some of the best free DVD menu creator software options, along with a comparison of Pros and Cons to help you decide.

1. DVDStyler (Best Overall Free DVD Menu Creator)

Best for: Beginners looking for a free and user-friendly DVD menu maker with customization options.

Pros:

- Completely free & open-source

- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality

- Customizable templates and buttons

- Supports multiple video formats

- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Cons:

- Limited advanced editing features compared to paid tools

2. WinX DVD Author (Best for Windows Users)

Best for: Windows users who want a quick and easy way to create DVD menus.

Pros:

- Simple interface, great for beginners

- Built-in DVD burning feature

- Lightweight and fast processing

- Free version available

Cons:

- Fewer menu design options compared to DVDStyler

- Only supports Windows

3. Nero DVD Menu Creator (Best for Professional Results – Paid Option)

Best for: Professionals who need advanced design capabilities and premium features.

Pros:

- Advanced menu design features

- High-quality templates and animations

- Extensive customization options

Cons:

- Not free (requires purchase)

- More complex interface for beginners

4. DVDFab DVD Creator (Available for Windows and macOS Use - Paid Option)

Best for: Suitable for beginners and casual users who want a quick menu for DVD playback.

Pros:

- Supports various video formats as input

- Built-in menu template with flexible element adjusting feature

- Built-in DVD burning feature, no need for additional tool

- 30-day Free trial available

Cons:

- Not free (need purchase after free trial)

- Not suitable for advanced menu requirements

5. DVD Flick (Best for Quick Results - Freeware )

Best for: Windows users who want a quick way to create DVD menus for personal use.

Pros:

- Simple interface, easy to navigate

- Multiple video sources supported

- No watermark will be embedded

- Free DVD creator without spending money

Cons:

- Limited menu template and lack of customizable menu elements

- Only supports Windows

Comparison Table: Best DVD Menu Makers

FAQ about DVD Menus Maker

1. How to create a DVD Menu on Windows 10/11?

DVDStyler is a good choice for creating a DVD menu for free, as it provides customizable templates and a clean interface. You can also give WinX DVD Author and DVD Flick a try.

Nero DVD Menu Creator, on the other hand, provides more professional customization and high-quality designs for the DVD menu, which is worth considering.

2. What free DVD menu creators are available for use?

DVDStyler, DVD Flick, or WinxDVD Author can create DVDs with menus for free.

You can also use paid software like Nero DVD Menu Creator and DVDFab DVD Creator to help with DVD menu creation.

Conclusion

Whether you are a casual user or a professional, it doesn't have to be a complicated process to create a professional-looking DVD menu. With the right DVD menu maker, anyone can get an intuitive look menu for making DVDs. Try one of these free DVD menu creators today and bring your DVDs t