DVDStyler

DVDStyler is a free DVD authoring app for Windows, Mac and Linux. You can use it to create DVDs with custom menus from various popular video formats such as AVI, WMV, MP4 and MPEG.

DVDStyler Features

Feature	Description
Multi-format support	You can import AVI, WMV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, OGG etc.
Custom menu	You can create different DVD design menus using scalable vector graphics and templates
Support for Audio tracks	You can add multiple audio tracks and subtitle files to the DVDs
Photo slideshows	You can create slideshows from your image collections with background music
Drag and drop	You can move files and menu elements around by using your mouse
MPEG preservation	You can use existing MPEG and VOB files without any re-encoding
Multi-core processing	You will be able to encode faster if your device has a multi-core (most of them) CPU.
Titleset support	You can combine different video formats on one DVD project
DVD scripting	You can customise navigation behaviour using advanced scripting
Burn to disc or ISO	It allows you to create physical DVDs or you can save ISO image files

The DVDStyler Interface

When you open DVDStyler the main window is split in two sections - there's a project tree on the left and a preview area in the centre. To start a new project you can either select the files you want or do it using the drag and drop function.

You can create the menu in the central workspace: from this area you position buttons, text and background images. DVDStyler has its own templates but you can also design any menu from scratch using imported graphics and custom fonts. Button properties such as colour, size and the position can be adjusted if you access the properties panel.

The video preview will work directly in the interface so you can check your content before burning any disc. The timeline will show chapter markers and you can set custom chapter points for navigation. Audio levels will appear during the playback to help balance multiple audio tracks.

Project compilation will also appear through a progress window and you can see two things - the encoding status and estimated time left.

Note: You can pause or cancel the process if you need this. Error messages will appear if the files don't meet the DVD specifications. It will also remember recent projects and settings between sessions. This is useful because you can save incomplete projects and return later (to edit or burn).

The Format Support (is great) and DVD Creation

DVDStyler allows you to use the most common video formats such as Xvid, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX (for video files) and MP2, MP3, AC-3 (for audio files). It will re-encode files that don't meet DVD standards (automatically - you don't need to do anything else) while you compile.

MPEG and VOB files that meet the DVD specifications can bypass the re-encoding process. It can save you time and it will maintain the original picture quality. Also helpful when you work with content from other DVD authoring tools.

The subtitle support is available with multiple subtitle tracks per video with timing adjustment. You can import existing subtitle files or you can create new ones. The font selection and positioning will work through the subtitle editor.

The Multi-core support will help you encode faster. DVDStyler knows how to split the encoding jobs between the CPU cores so you can finish everything faster.

The output options are: (1) to burn directly to the DVD disc or (2) you can create an ISO image and burn it later.

Menu and Custom Design

The menu background will accept image files or solid colours. You can import your own graphics or use the (included) templates with several different themes and styles. The background music plays during menu display with loop options.

The button creation can help you with some built-in shapes or imported graphics. The text buttons support custom fonts, colours and shadows. You can scale buttons and put them anywhere on the menu screen.

Navigation scripting will give you control over what happens when you press the remote control button. You can create some complex menu structures with multiple pages and custom transitions between your project sections.

DVDStyler has its own library of menu templates if you want to setup a quick project. The available themes are for holidays, weddings, general entertainment etc. You also have the copy and paste functions that work for individual menu elements or entire menu layouts. This will speed up the creation of multiple similar menus.

Alternatives

Based on my research, here are a few DVDStyler alternatives:

Name	Free or Paid	The main difference
ConvertXtoDVD	Paid	It has an easier interface with few custom options and a fast workflow
DVD Flick	Free	Only some basic menu options but a stable burning process
Ashampoo Burning Studio	Paid	It has more disc burning features not just DVD authoring
Nero Video	Paid	It has some professional video tools alongside the DVD creation
WinX DVD Author	Free	Available only for Windows with a limited menu design

Final Conclusion

DVDStyler is a free professional DVD authoring application. You can use it to create custom menus, add multiple audio tracks and burn discs that will play on any DVD player. It will handle most video formats and allow you to use advanced scripting for complex projects. If you like this program, please consider a donation.

No release notes available