KdenliveLinux
vs
Windows DVD MakerWindows
Kdenlive as a Linux alternative to Windows DVD Maker
Updated
Our verdict
Kdenlive is a capable replacement for Windows DVD Maker, but only if you're willing to work around missing DVD-specific features. It handles video editing tasks far better than Windows DVD Maker ever did — importing clips, adding music, titles, and transitions — but it does not directly create DVD menus or burn ISOs. You’ll need additional tools like dvdauthor or K3b to finalize a playable DVD. If your goal is editing first and DVD creation second, Kdenlive excels. For point-and-click DVD authoring, it’s overkill and incomplete.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.08.2 (October 8, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Can import and arrange video clips, photos, and audio tracks
- Supports common formats like AVI, MP4, and JPG
- Allows background music and voice narration
- Offers basic transitions and title overlays
- Enables export to video formats playable on most systems
What is different
- No built-in DVD menu authoring
- Does not burn DVDs or generate DVD-structured ISOs directly
- More complex interface, not designed for casual users
- Lacks automatic 'one-click' DVD creation
- Requires external tools for final DVD mastering
Opening your Windows DVD Maker files
Kdenlive can open most common media files that Windows DVD Maker supported, including AVI, MP4, and JPG, without issue. However, it cannot read or edit Windows DVD Maker project files (.dvdproj or similar), as those are proprietary and no longer supported. Projects must be recreated from source media. Exported video from Kdenlive can be used as input for DVD authoring tools, but Kdenlive itself does not preserve Windows DVD Maker's project structure or menu layouts.
Switching from Windows DVD Maker to Kdenlive, step by step
- Install Kdenlive via your package manager or Flatpak
- Gather all original media files (videos, photos, audio)
- Create a new project and import clips into the timeline
- Add titles, transitions, and background music as needed
- Render the final video to MPEG-2 or DVD-compatible MPEG-2 PS
- Use a tool like K3b or dvdauthor to create DVD structure and burn or generate ISO
Key features of Kdenlive
- Multi‑track timeline with nested sequences
- Proxy editing for smoother performance on low‑end hardware
- Wide range of effects, transitions and AI‑powered tools
- Color correction suite with scopes (histogram, vectorscope, etc.)
- Audio post‑production tools and waveform meter
- Motion tracking and keyframe animation
- Configurable interface and shortcut mapping
- Export to virtually any video/audio format
How to install Kdenlive on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kdenlivesudo apt install kdenlivesudo apt install kdenlivesudo dnf install kdenlivesudo pacman -S kdenlivesudo zypper install kdenliveFrequently asked questions
Can Kdenlive burn a DVD directly?
No. Kdenlive exports video files only. You need a separate tool like K3b or dvdauthor to create and burn DVD-structured discs.
Is Kdenlive easier to use than Windows DVD Maker?
No. Kdenlive has a steeper learning curve. It’s more powerful but not designed for quick, simple DVD creation by beginners.
Can I make a DVD with menus using Kdenlive?
Not directly. You can edit the video, but menu creation requires external DVD authoring software.
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