What you need to copy a DVD

Copying a DVD requires three things: a computer with a DVD drive, DVD copying software, and a blank disc if you want a physical copy. Most laptops no longer include DVD drives, so you may need an external USB drive — these cost $20 to $40 and work with Windows and Mac.

The software you choose depends on what you want to do. If you're copying a DVD you own to watch on your computer, you need software that can read the disc and save it as a video file. If you want to burn a copy onto a blank DVD, you need software that writes to blank discs. Some programs do both.

Blank DVDs come in two types: DVD-R (recordable once) and DVD+R (also recordable once, slightly better compatibility with older players). A spindle of 25 costs $5 to $10. Most modern DVD players accept both formats.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a DVD drive (built-in or external USB), copying software, and optionally a blank disc, depending on whether you want a file or a physical copy.
  • Popular free options include HandBrake for saving to a video file and ImgBurn for burning to blank discs on Windows.
  • Copying a DVD you own for personal use is legal in most places, but copying a disc with copy protection may violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act in the United States.
  • The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on the disc, your computer speed, and the software you use.
  • A video file takes 4 to 8 gigabytes of storage; a blank DVD holds about 4.7 gigabytes.

Copying a DVD to a video file on your computer

The most common reason to copy a DVD is to watch it on your computer without the physical disc. To do this, you save the DVD as a video file — usually MP4 or MKV format — that plays in any video player.

HandBrake is the most widely used free option. Download it from handbrake.fr, install it, insert your DVD, open HandBrake, and click "Open Source" to select your DVD drive. The program reads the disc and shows you the video tracks. Select the main movie (not the bonus features or menus), choose your output format and quality, pick a folder to save to, and click "Start." The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer speed and the video quality you choose.

On Mac, Handbrake works the same way. If your Mac doesn't have a DVD drive, connect an external USB drive first, then follow the same steps.

If HandBrake doesn't recognize your disc, the DVD may have copy protection. In that case, you'll need additional software — MakeMKV (free for 30 days, then $50 one-time purchase) can remove protection and save the video as an MKV file, which you can then edit or convert in HandBrake if needed.

Burning a copy to a blank DVD

If you want a physical copy that plays in a DVD player, you need to burn the video to a blank disc. On Windows, ImgBurn is free and straightforward. Download it from imgburn.com, insert a blank DVD, open ImgBurn, select "Write image file to disc," choose your video file, and click the burn button. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

On Mac, use the built-in Finder. Right-click your video file, select "Burn [filename] to Disc," insert a blank DVD when prompted, and follow the steps. Mac's process is simpler but only works if your file is already in the right format.

If your video file is in MP4 format and you're using ImgBurn or Mac Finder, you may need to convert it to MPEG-2 video first — HandBrake can do this when you export. Check the software's documentation for the correct format before burning.

Understanding copy protection and legal limits

Most commercial DVDs include copy protection (called CSS, or Content Scramble System) that prevents direct copying. In the United States, circumventing this protection violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, even if you own the disc and only want a personal copy.

However, copying a DVD you own for your own use is legal in many countries outside the US, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. Check your local laws before proceeding. If you're unsure, contact a lawyer — this article is informational only and not legal advice.

If you own the DVD and want to watch it on your computer, the legal route in the US is often to buy a digital copy from the studio or a service like iTunes or Amazon, which many DVDs include as a code in the box.

Choosing between a file and a physical copy

Saving to a video file is faster, takes up less physical space, and lets you watch on any device. A typical DVD becomes a 4 to 8 gigabyte file. You can store hundreds of movies on an external hard drive.

A physical copy on a blank DVD plays in any DVD player and doesn't depend on your computer or internet. It's useful if you want to give a copy to someone else or watch on an older TV. Blank DVDs degrade over time — expect 10 to 20 years of reliable playback, depending on the disc quality and storage conditions.

Most people choose the file route because it's more flexible and requires no blank discs. Choose the physical copy only if you need to play it in a standalone DVD player or want a backup that doesn't depend on your computer.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the software doesn't recognize your DVD drive, make sure the drive is connected (if external) and the disc is inserted correctly. Restart the software and try again. On Mac, you may need to give the software permission in System Preferences under Security & Privacy.

If the copying process is very slow, your computer may be struggling. Close other programs, make sure your hard drive has at least 10 gigabytes of free space, and try again. Older computers may take several hours.

If the burned DVD doesn't play in your DVD player, the blank disc may be incompatible with that player. Try a different brand of blank DVD, or check whether your player supports both DVD-R and DVD+R formats. Some older players only accept one type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a DVD I rented from a library or store?

Legally, no — you don't own the disc, so copying it violates copyright law regardless of the copy protection. The legal route is to return it and buy your own copy if you want to keep it.

What's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R?

Both are recordable once and hold about 4.7 gigabytes. DVD-R is slightly older and has broader compatibility with older DVD players. DVD+R is newer and slightly more reliable. For most modern players, either works. Check your player's manual if you're unsure which it accepts.

How long does it take to copy a DVD?

Saving to a video file takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer speed and the quality you choose. Burning to a blank disc takes 15 to 30 minutes. The first time is slower because the software has to read the entire disc.

Can I copy a DVD on a Mac without an external drive?

No — modern Macs don't have built-in DVD drives. You need an external USB drive, which costs $20 to $40 and works with any Mac with a USB port. Apple's USB SuperDrive is one option, but third-party drives work just as well.

What video format should I use when saving a DVD?

MP4 is the most compatible — it plays on computers, phones, tablets, and most streaming devices. MKV preserves more quality and is better for archiving, but not all devices play it. HandBrake defaults to MP4, which is fine for most people.