CloneDVD Alternatives: Best DVD Backup Tools in 2026

CloneDVD: Quick Guide to Backing Up Your Movies

Purpose: Copies and compresses DVD-Video discs to writable DVDs or hard drive folders while preserving video quality.
Common uses: Full-backup of discs, removing unwanted extras, creating single‑layer copies of dual‑layer DVDs.

A Windows PC (compatible version depends on software release)
A DVD drive (reader) and optionally a DVD burner
Sufficient free disk space (≥8–9 GB for single dual‑layer DVD image)
Copy of CloneDVD installer and any required companion tools (e.g., AnyDVD for CSS removal)

Insert source DVD into your DVD drive.
Launch CloneDVD.
Select source (physical disc or VIDEO_TS folder).
Choose backup mode:
- Full disc — keeps menus, extras, multiple audio/subtitle tracks.
- Main movie — keeps only the feature film (smaller output).
Set target:
- Burn to disc — choose burner and output size (DVD‑5 or DVD‑9).
- Save to folder/ISO — pick destination path and filename.
Configure compression/quality if shrinking DVD‑9 to DVD‑5 (monitor quality slider).
Start the process and wait — duration varies with disc size, drive speed, and whether burning.
Verify output (play ISO/folder or test the burned disc).

Use a fresh blank DVD for burning to avoid write errors.
If the source is copy‑protected, pair CloneDVD with a decrypter like AnyDVD (check legality in your jurisdiction).
Set quality to retain main audio track if space is limited.
Update software/drivers for better compatibility with newer discs.

DVD not recognized: try another drive or clean the disc; confirm region settings.
Burn failures: lower burn speed, use high-quality media, update firmware.
Poor quality after compression: reduce extras removed and increase quality setting; consider using dual‑layer media.

Back up only discs you own and only where local law permits creating personal backup copies.