Many kinds of software are available, which make it possible to customize each copied CD or DVD. For manually operated copiers, software should be installed on the attached computer. But modern copiers have hard discs of their own, so software can be installed on that hard disc.

CD burning software is available to copy many CDs or DVDs at once. This software not only copies the file onto many CDs at once, but it also changes the format of the files such that it may be copied faster. Software is also available to zip the files while being copies and unzip them later. Software is designed to reduce the time required to burn CDs.

For music CDs, there is plenty of software available to convert audio files into Mp3, wav, wma, CD, etc. CD copiers use Mp3 encoders to convert audio files into Mp3s, which can be dumped within a small space on the CD. Most of these programs are compatible with all music players such as Windows Media Player, Real Player, DivX, Sonic Focus, etc. These programs can also reconvert downloaded Mp3 formats into normal CD format to be played back.

Similarly, there is software to convert DVD into VCD and vice-versa. Converting a VCD into a DVD not only changes the file extension, but it also enhances the video quality of the program.

Software enables the user to customize the CD that is copied. Each CD can be given a serial number. Other information such as date, title of the CD and the name of the author or the company can be fed into the CD. These graphics can be made to appear as beginning or end titles on the CD, or as subtitles when the CD is being played. It can also be inserted as a slide in between.

Much of the software is compatible with both CD-Rs and CD-RWs. Software also depends on the operating system of the computer. Windows based software is much different than Linux based ones.