Q DVD-Author
Q DVD-Author: A capable free DVD authoring GUI, with folder output instead of direct disc creation. Ranked #6 of 26 in DVD Authoring Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source cross-platform DVD projects.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source cross-platform DVD projects
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Platform supportCross_platform
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source authoring for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Menus, submenus, buttons, chapters, subtitles, and audio languages
- Supports PAL and NTSC, slideshows, previews, and project folders
Where it doesn't
- Creates DVD project folders for burning rather than directly verified discs
- Chapter-marker import is manual through text files
- Documentation describes some releases as alpha or under development
Our verdict on Q DVD-Author
Q DVD-Author is an open-source desktop application for creating video DVDs through a graphical interface to dvdauthor and related command-line tools. It suits users who want a free, cross-platform authoring workflow for Linux, Windows, or macOS. The application organizes video sources, supports main menus and submenus with buttons, and provides play-all and chapter navigation. It also handles subtitles, multiple audio channels, language tagging, PAL and NTSC authoring, and slideshow creation.
Its feature depth is strongest in DVD structure and navigation. Users can import chapter markers from text files, preview DVD structures using xine, and build menus around video content. The published feature set also includes integrations with dvdauthor, mjpegtools, ImageMagick++, FFmpeg, MPlayer, xine, and growisofs. That combination connects the graphical authoring layer with established media-processing and disc-writing tools, while keeping the project focused on conventional video DVD creation rather than newer disc formats or AI-assisted workflows.
The main workflow boundary is output: Q DVD-Author creates DVD project folders for burning, so disc production remains a separate step. Chapter handling is manual through text-file import, and the documentation describes some releases as alpha or under development. Choose Q DVD-Author if you need free, open-source authoring with menus, navigation, subtitles, slideshows, and PAL/NTSC support across desktop operating systems. Consider another tool if you want a more current product workflow, automated chapter creation, or direct disc output from the authoring application.
Your product? Our editors can test Q DVD-Author in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Q DVD-Author pricing
Q DVD-Author fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform support | Cross_platform |
| Chapter tools | Manual |
| Disc output | Folder |
| Subtitle support | Yes |
| Dual-layer DVD support | Not verified |
| DVD standards | Both |
| Blu-ray authoring | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: dvdauthor, mjpegtools, ImageMagick++, FFmpeg, MPlayer, xine … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Q DVD-Author integrations
Q DVD-Author lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- dvdauthor
- mjpegtools
- ImageMagick++
- FFmpeg
- MPlayer
- xine
- growisofs
Alternatives to Q DVD-Author
- DVDStylerA capable free choice for creating interactive DVD-Video discs across desktop platforms.9.3
- TMPGEnc Authoring Works 7A deep authoring suite for complex optical-media projects, with a high one-time price.9.0
- AnyMP4 DVD CreatorA paid desktop authoring tool with broad disc, chapter, subtitle, and menu controls.8.8
See all Q DVD-Author alternatives →
Q DVD-Author vs the competition
- Q DVD-Author vs DVDStyler
- Q DVD-Author vs TMPGEnc Authoring Works 7
- Q DVD-Author vs AnyMP4 DVD Creator
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- Q DVD-Author vs WinX DVD Author
- Q DVD-Author vs DeVeDe NG
Compare Q DVD-Author with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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