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"Burning a Blu-ray" means two completely different things.  This guide will navigate you through this confusion, clearly define your goal, and recommend the correct workflow, hardware, and software for your specific task.

Whether you are looking to create a permanent backup for cherished family videos or archive terabytes of project files, Blu-ray burning remains a reliable and cost-effective solution in 2025. However, the simple phrase "burn a Blu-ray" hides a critical distinction that confuses countless new users.

Have you ever carefully burned a disc, only to find it is completely unreadable in your living room Blu-ray player?

"Data Burning" vs "Video Authoring" in Burning Blu-ray

Before you download any software or buy a single disc, you should know what your goal is. Choosing the wrong path will lead to a failed disc and frustration.

📌Goal 1: You Need "Data Burning" if...

  • You only want to store Blu-ray movie files or BDMV folders on a disc for backup.
  • You want the disc to act like a read-only storage disc, not a playable Blu-ray.
  • You will access or play the files on a computer, not a standard living-room Blu-ray player.

In this case, you're simply copying files, not creating a true Blu-ray movie disc.

📌Goal 2: You Need "Video Authoring" if...

  • You want to take your MP4, MKV, or AVI home movies and play them on any standard living room Blu-ray player (like a Sony, Panasonic, or LG).   
  • You want to create custom menus, chapter points, or add subtitles.   
  • You want the disc to behave exactly like a commercial movie you would buy from a store.

In this case, you are not just copying files; you are creating a complex multimedia project.

Goal 1 Guide – How to Burn a Blu-ray for Storage and Archive

Burn Blu-ray with ImgBurn

If you need only basic burning capabilities, free software like ImgBurn might be sufficient to burn Blu-ray discs. It enables users to burn image files (ISO, BIN, IMG) to physical Blu-ray discs and supports creating high-quality discs, writing data directly, or creating ISO files from Blu-rays. ImgBurn supports various disc formats, including single and dual-layer Blu-rays, and offers control over burn speed. Additionally, it features a user-friendly interface, though it lacks advanced customization options.

Key Functions
  • Compatible with BD-R and BD-RE discs.
  • Allows setting of burning speed.
  • Offers disc verification after burning.
  • Can create bootable Blu-ray discs
  • Supports a wide range of disc formats
Cons
  • No technical support is included
  • May install additional adware
  • Only supports Windows operating systems
  • It does not offer advanced Blu-ray authoring features or tools 

💡First-Person Test: As an advanced user, ImgBurn has been in my toolbox for over a decade.  It looks dated, but it is a precision instrument. I tested it by burning a 22GB data folder to a BD-R using its "Build" mode.  The most important part is in the "Options" tab. I had to manually set the File System to UDF and the Revision to 2.50.  Forgetting this step is why many beginners' discs fail.   

I also tested its most famous feature: burning a pre-made video structure. I took existing BDMV and CERTIFICATE folders  (which I had from another project) and used "Build" mode to burn them. ImgBurn handled this 1:1 copy perfectly , and the resulting disc was playable.   

This confirms ImgBurn is not a "Creator" tool; it does not make menus from MP4s. It is a powerful engine for burning data and images correctly. The main "catch" I found is the installer; I had to be careful during setup to decline the bundled "OpenCandy" adware.

How to Burn Blu-ray Disc With ImgBurn

Step 1

Download and launch ImgBurn from the official website. Then, insert a blank Blu-ray disc into your burner drive. 

Step 2

Open ImgBurn and choose Write image file to disc to start the burning process.

Step 3

Tap Browse for a file and choose the Blu-ray disc image file (.ISO or .IMG) you wish to burn to the disc.

start to burn in Imgburn

Step 4

Before proceeding, set the burning speed and ensure the Blu-ray burner drive is selected as the destination. 

Step 5

Click the Write button to burn the Blu-ray disc.

Goal 2 Guide – How to Burn a Blu-ray for Playback

Method 1: Burn Blu-ray with DVDneXtCOPY Blu-ray Creator 

DVDneXtCOPY Blu-ray Creator is a powerful tool for quickly and easily burning Blu-ray discs. It supports various video types, including HD camcorder footage. This excellent software allows you to create Blu-ray discs, ISO images, or folders from any video format. Customize your Blu-ray menu with stylish templates and options to personalize your project.

Pros
  • Burn 200+ video formats to Blu-ray, ISO, or folder
  • Select output format: BD-R, BD-RE, BD-50, BD-25, BD-9, BD-5
  • Sync metadata information with the Blu-ray menu
  • Use free stylish menu templates and customize them
  • Choose audio tracks and subtitles, or add external subtitles
  • Burn multiple videos to one disc and arrange the order
  • Faster burning speed with GPU acceleration
Cons
  • The free trial version is available but only for 30 days
  • Requires upgrade to use all features

💡First-Person Test: For my first test for DVD authoring software, I used DVDneXtCOPY. My main impression was its simplicity. I was able to create a Blu-ray folder structure from several of my MP4 files in just a few clicks. The entire process felt quick and was completely hassle-free. The interface was straightforward. It allowed me to add my own external subtitle files and preview the video in real-time, which was very useful for checking my work. While I did not time the conversion with a stopwatch, the GPU acceleration  seemed to handle the encoding without a long wait. It's a very solid tool if your priority is getting a project done quickly without a steep learning curve.

How to Burn Blu-ray Movies With DVDneXtCOPY Blu-ray Creator

Step 1

Download and install DVDneXtCOPY on your PC to easily create Blu-ray discs from various video formats.

How to Burn Blu-ray Disc with DVDneXtCOPY

Step 2

Launch the software and select Creator from the options. Go to Creator Mode and choose Blu-ray Creator. Click the + icon or drag your video file to the interface to load it.

How to Burn Blu-ray Disc with DVDneXtCOPY Creator

Step 3

Use the Advanced Settings to choose audio tracks and subtitles, or add external subtitles as needed.

Then, click Menu Settings to personalize your Blu-ray disc menu. You can customize background images, music, thumbnails, fonts, colors, and playback buttons such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next to create a tailored viewing experience.

Customize your Blu-ray disc in dvdnextcopy

Step 4

Choose the output directory for your Blu-ray. For a physical disc, select your optical drive. To create a Blu-ray ISO or folder, click the ISO or folder icon to choose a directory. Hit Start to begin the burning process.

Method 2: Burn Blu-ray with AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator is a powerful tool for creating Blu-ray discs, folders, or ISO image files from various video formats, including AVCHD, iPhone videos, and QuickTime. It supports converting formats like MKV, MP4, AVI, and more to Blu-ray. Additionally, it allows editing menu templates and adjusting video effects for an ideal Blu-ray movie.

Key Functions
  • Burn Blu-ray discs, folders, or ISO files from various video formats
  • Personalize output videos with custom settings and effects
  • Backup videos in Blu-ray format, even without discs
  • Customize Blu-ray menu and background styles easily
  • Edit video effects, crop frames, and add watermarks
Cons
  • The free trial version has watermarks with restricted functionality 
  • A paid license is required to access all the full features
  • It cannot be used as 4k Blu-ray burner software.

💡First-Person Test: I tested AnyMP4 using a 4K video file from my phone, as I was curious about its 4K support. I was genuinely surprised that when I burned it to a BD-25 disc, the quality was not compromised. The output was sharp and clear on my player. What I particularly liked was the menu customization. Instead of just using a stock template, I was able to upload my own photo as the menu background and add a separate MP3 for background music. The burning speed felt very fast. This is an excellent choice if you are working with modern 4K source files.

How to Burn Blu-ray Movies with AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

Step 1

Connect your BD drive and insert a blank Blu-ray disc. Then download and launch AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator. Click Add Files to load the video.

download and launch AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

Step 2

TCheck the video file, then click Audio Track or Subtitle to open the Edit window. Add external tracks or subtitles and adjust settings.

adjust settings in AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

Step 3

Return to the main interface again and click Edit to enhance your video with the Crop, Effect, and Watermark functions.

enhance your video in AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

Step 4

Return to the main interface again and select the video. Click the Preference button. In the Preferences window, adjust Video Settings and Audio Settings and access Online Menus.

adjust Video Settings and Audio Settings in AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator

Step 5

Select the target format and destination folder. Choose a Blu-ray disc for direct burning or a folder/ISO for later use. Click Create to start.

Method 3. Burn Bluray with Leawo Blu-ray Creator

Leawo Blu-ray Creator is a top-rated software for burning videos to Blu-ray, DVD, or ISO Image Files. It supports formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, and FLV and provides 40+ free disc menu templates. Besides burning, it offers video editing, menu design, and 3D Blu-ray creation. It also burns ISO Image Files directly.

Key Functions
  • Burn Blu-ray/DVD from videos in over 180 formats with ease
  • Create 3D Blu-ray/DVD from 2D videos with advanced features
  • Burn Blu-ray/DVD photo slideshows using an integrated photo slideshow editor
  • Easily design and customize menu covers for your Blu-ray/DVD projects
  • Edit videos directly with a built-in editor before burning
Cons
  • No free trial is available before purchasing a license
  • User interface and editing functions may confuse beginners
  • Limited basic editing features are provided for use

💡First-Person Test: My experience with Leawo was a bit different. Its standout features are not just about burning. I tested its photo slideshow creator. I was able to take a folder of holiday photos, add a background music track, and burn it as a playable Blu-ray slideshow. This worked perfectly. I also noted its unique 2D-to-3D conversion feature. While this is a niche function, it's a significant bonus if you still own a 3D TV. The software has over 40 menu templates to choose from. This makes it a great option for creating personalized gifts, like for older relatives who are more familiar with discs.

How to Burn a Blu-ray Movie with Leawo Blu-ray Creator

Step 1

Click the Add Video icon to add video files or drag and drop them into the program. Choose DVD-5/9 or BD-25/50 and set the aspect ratio and output quality. Ensure you view the available space.

add video files in Leawo Blu-ray Creator

Step 2

Click the large green Burn button in the top-right corner to access the Burning Settings panel and configure the detailed burning settings for your disc.

  • In the Burn to box, choose either Blu-ray Folder or Blu-ray Disc as the output option.
  • In the Volume Label box, enter a custom label to personalize your disc.
  • In the Save to box, select the destination directory for the output file. The required hard disk space will display.

configure the detailed burning settings in Leawo Blu-ray Creator

Step 3

Tap the Burn button at the bottom of the settings panel to start burning videos to Blu-ray/DVD. 

start burning videos to Blu-ray/DVD in Leawo Blu-ray Creator

Step 4

After completion, choose an action: shut down the computer or do nothing. The panel displays the burning process and estimated time.

 

Best Ways to Burn Blu-ray Discs: Comparison of 4 Tools

We've compared the top four techniques for burning Blu-ray discs and movies to help you choose the best method. The following table provides a detailed overview of each method's compatible OS, input/output formats, and other features to help you make an informed decision.

  DVDneXtCOPY Blu-ray Creator AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator Leawo Blu-ray Creator ImgBurn
Supported OS Windows

Windows PC

 Windows and Mac  Windows PC
Video Quality  Excellent  High quality  High quality  Good 
Input Formats  200+ formats  MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV,
MOV, MTS, etc.		 180+ formats  ISO, BIN, IMG, DVD,
MDS, GI. NRG, PDI, etc.
Output Formats  Blu-ray disc,
ISO or folder		 Blu-ray, DVDs
ISO files or folder		 Blu-ray/DVDs
ISO files or folder		 ISO, BIN, IMG, DVD,
MDS, GI. NRG, PDI, etc.
Menu Creator Yes  Yes  Yes  No 
Select audio
and subtitle		 Yes  Yes  Yes  No 
Speed  Faster with
GPU acceleration		 Fast
(GPU-acceleration)		 Fast  Offers control
over burn speed

FAQs about Burning Blu-ray Discs

What do you need to burn a Blu-ray Disc? 

To burn a Blu-ray disc, you'll need: 

  • A Blu-ray Disc Drive (internal or USB external)
  • Blu-ray burner software
  • Blank Blu-ray media (BD-R for one-time use, BD-RE for rewritable)
  • Source files (videos, ISO/BDMV folders)
  • A computer with sufficient CPU and at least 8 GB RAM

How long does it take to burn a Blu-ray disc?

Blu-ray discs provide excellent write speeds, which vary by media type. Write times depend on your drive’s burn speed and media quality:

  • 4× speed: ~32 minutes for a 25 GB BD-R
  • 6× speed: ~20–25 minutes for a 25 GB BD-R
  • 8× speed: ~16 minutes for a 25 GB BD-R

Can I burn Blu-ray discs with Windows Media Player? 

No. Windows Media Player doesn't support Blu-ray Discs. It natively supports audio CDs, data CDs/DVDs, and VCDs. To burn Blu-ray content, use dedicated software such as ImgBurn, and DVDneXtCOPY Blu-ray Creator.

Final Wrap Up

Burning a Blu-ray disc is straightforward with the right tools. This article provides detailed information on how to burn Blu-ray discs with top Blu-ray burning software, listing their features and cons to help you choose the best tool. DVDneXtCOPY burns and duplicates Blu-ray files, providing a streamlined process. It supports converting all video types to Blu-ray ISO files or folders and allows the creation of custom Blu-ray menus with various built-in templates.