When you take care of your DVD collection, one scratch or broken disc can make it impossible to play your old movies. Because DVDs can quickly get damaged, backup is needed to save all your video files. Unlike cloud storage or external disks, DVD backups let you have total control of your content with no ongoing internet or outside help requirements. How can you create reliable backups that work with different media devices? Here are ways to keep your collection well-protected and available when you want to use it.
Part 1. What Does DVD Backup Mean?
DVD backup can mean ripping a DVD to a digital video, ISO image, or VIDEO_TS folder as digital backups; it can also mean copying a DVD to another disc. Generally, you can:
- Rip DVDs to hard drive / USB as MP4/MKV.
- Copy DVD to another disc.
- Save DVD as ISO image or VIDEO_TS folder.
- DVD to cloud storage or media server.
So, whether you are going to rip or copy a DVD, you are actually backing it up.
Why Should You Backup DVDs?
DVDs are vulnerable to scratches, aging, and unexpected damage, making it crucial to back up your DVD collection before your favorite movies or essential files become unplayable. As discs age, they weaken, and today's digital devices are replacing the ability to read physical media, raising the possibility of losing wanted content. To save and watch your collection anytime you want, store it on storage devices, cloud storage, and media servers, ensuring your work stays safe for many years. Having good backups means you can watch your files on any device without worrying about how much they get worn or if the files will work correctly.
Part 2. How to Backup a DVD to a Computer or Another DVD
If you need to backup DVD to computer: insert your DVD into a DVD drive, open a DVD backup program, load the DVD, choose an output format and destination folder, and start the backup. You can save the DVD as an MP4 or MKV video for easy playback, or use ISO/VIDEO_TS if you want to preserve more of the original DVD structure.
If you need to backup DVD to another DVD: insert the source DVD into a DVD drive, open a DVD copy program, load the source DVD, insert a blank DVD into another drive, select the copy mode (full disc or main movie), and start the copying process. The DVD copy software will create a duplicate of your original DVD on the new disc.
Choose Your Backup Output Based on Your Goals
| Backup goal | Recommended output |
|---|---|
| Watch the DVD on a computer or phone | MP4 or MKV |
| Keep the original DVD structure | ISO/VIDEO_TS |
| Make another physical DVD | DVD |
| Keep a high-quality digital archive | ISO/MKV |
| Save the backup externally | Hard drive/USB |
Part 3. Use DVD Copy Software to Create a New DVD Copy
1. Tipard DVD Ripper - Overall Best DVD Digital Backup Choice
Tipard DVD Ripper is the best choice for many because it converts DVDs quickly, reads almost any file type, and keeps video quality untouched. You can convert your DVD to more than 500 different formats, and it is guaranteed to work on many types of devices, including gaming systems. The embedded video editor lets you cut, adjust the size of your videos, and improve their appearance before saving them.
You can convert many DVDs automatically while keeping your settings without doing them individually. This software can readily bypass security measures to copy all kinds of protected DVDs. You can use this program easily, no matter how experienced, and create a DVD backup to a hard drive as quickly as 1-2-3.
2. DVDFab DVD Ripper - Best for DVD-to-Video Backup
DVDFab DVD Ripper works well because it lets you choose from more than 1000 output formats while upgrading to ultra-high definition with AI technology. You can create top-quality DVD backups at 4K UHD because the product handles multiple items in batches while linking to cloud services. The DVD decryption tool makes it simple for users to copy commercially protected movies onto their computer while bypassing most encryption obstacles.
Many people will not buy DVDFab because it costs more than typical users need to spend on this type of software. Although this powerful DVD ripper leads the industry, it remains too expensive for people seeking cost-effective alternatives.
3. HandBrake - Best for DVD to MP4 Backup
Users obtain HandBrake without cost because it is an open-source tool that lets you transfer DVDs to MP4 and MKV formats. People pick it as their go-to DVD backup tool because it does the job without costing them anything. The program lets you tweak how your videos are encoded by choosing from different quality settings for the video, frame rate, and how images are compressed. This problem stands out - HandBrake can't rip encrypted DVDs by itself and needs extra tools. HandBrake supports the conversion of unprotected DVDs with powerful features to back up your DVD collection; however, its intricate user interface makes it too difficult for beginners to use.
4. MakeMKV - Best for Lossless DVD-to-Video Ripping
MakeMKV is a simple tool that converts DVDs into MKV files. Unlike other DVD rippers, this tool does not reduce file size, which results in larger output files. While the ripper adds size to the files, it keeps the original video from getting damaged. MakeMKV works around all encryption barriers to help you save your DVD content. The beta version of MakeMKV is free, but the tool will ask for payment if you want to use certain features. Users need to find separate programs to change file sizes without compression tools.
5. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum - Best for DVD-to-MPEG Backup
WinX DVD Ripper Platinum stands out for its fast performance, thanks to its use of GPU acceleration. The program has ready-made copy settings that improve video playback on different devices, including cellphones with iOS, Android, and TVs. However, its free version does not show all the software's abilities unless you buy a premium edition. This is a good choice if you want to create DVD backups on your PC.
6. Tipard DVD Cloner - Best DVD to DVD Backup Choice
Tipard DVD Cloner is the overall best choice to backup a DVD to another DVD. It can not only copy full DVD, main movie, or customized content, but also help you adjust the playback of the output DVD. For example, you can adjust the menu playback, title loop, and the multi-angle settings. It can also bypass region codes and DVD encryption. Therefore, whether you need to copy a standard DVD or homemade DVD, this DVD backup software deserves your consideration.
7. DVDFab DVD Copy - Best for Copying Standard DVDs
With DVDFab DVD Copy, you can pick from many different ways to duplicate your DVDs, such as copying the complete disc or the main movie. DVD and Blu-ray content work with this program, which lets you quickly make high-quality DVD duplicates. The software gives you many options, including compressing or copying DVDs to create standard or custom-sized discs. Because DVDFab can bypass copy protections, you should use it to back up purchased DVDs. While the premium version includes this solution, customers must pay a subscription fee. Its fast working speed and data quality justify its price tag.
8. CloneDVD - Best for DVD to ISO Backup
Through its straightforward program design, CloneDVD lets people duplicate their DVDs with basic steps. The program features an easy-to-use screen that enables novices and experts to work with it effectively. CloneDVD allows users to copy entire DVD content and main movie sections while downsizing them to fit smaller disc space. The program lets users remove added features, such as subtitles or menu options, to make the final content more compact. CloneDVD delivers essential DVD duplication functions to back up DVDs to a hard drive without unnecessary extras because it offers excellent value at an affordable price.
Part 4. Tips to Upload Videos to the Cloud & Format It for DVD Backup
1. Select a Cloud Service That Works Best
Store your video backups on trusted platforms, including Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox. Make sure your cloud storage has enough space to hold your large video backups because DVD backups require a lot of space.
2. Go for Video Formats that Save Space
Use MP4 or MKV for your DVD video backups to save space when uploading them. Video formats that combine good quality and space efficiency help you store your backups effectively. You can safely back up an entire disc as an ISO file because it saves its file structure and top-quality content.
3. Organize Your Files
To simplify working with your cloud storage, organize your DVD backups in distinct file groups. Separately store your videos in folders named with clear identifiers, like My Movies.
4. Check Compatibility
Verify that you pick a storage format your cloud provider supports and that your backup or playback application can read it. People across all platforms use MP4, while MKV offers exceptional video quality.
5. Consider Backup Redundancy
To protect your videos, save copies on separate backup devices and add storage providers beyond your primary cloud upload location.
Part 5. FAQs of DVD Backup Software
Can I legally backup my DVDs?
It depends on your country and how the DVD is protected. In the U.S., making a personal backup may be allowed in some circumstances, but bypassing DVD copy protection can raise separate legal issues under the DMCA. Always check the laws in your region and avoid sharing or distributing copyrighted copies.
Can I backup my DVD to my iPhone?
Yes, you can backup your DVD to your iPhone using appropriate DVD backup software that supports iOS devices. For example, Tipard DVD Ripper can directly rip your DVDs to a video format that supports playback on iOS devices. Then, you can transfer the ripped video to your iPhone or iPad.
Which DVD backup method preserves DVD content the longest?
For long-term preservation, saving the DVD as an ISO image or VIDEO_TS folder is generally preferable because it can retain the original disc structure, menus, chapters, subtitles, and audio tracks. For better protection against data loss, keep the backup on reliable storage and maintain at least one additional copy in a separate location.
Conclusion
The real question remains: How do you back up a DVD to a computer? The answer is to rip it as a digital backup or copy it to another disc. Today, creating a DVD digital backup is highly recommended, for physical DVDs are less widely used and supported by modern devices.




