What is each app for?

[huster091]

Hey there, everyone, I've been using DCP-o-matic for a few months now, and it's been great. never bothered to use the other apps, until I stumbled upon "Batch Converter" which turned out to be sooooo helpful, so my question now is what is each app for?
Some of them are obvious, but some aren't, so I would love to know them all!

[IoannisSyrogiannis]

The manual is really useful, from chapter 18 on, in regards to the applications. https://dcpomatic.com/manual/html/index.html
Your question is rather wide. Besides the obvious applications and the ones that become obvious after you check the manual, is there something you need clarification about? That would narrow things down and make answers easier.

[Carsten]

It probably would be good now to have a basic list of functions or intention for each application here: https://dcpomatic.com/manual/html/ch01.html#idp2

[carl]

Yeah good point, I'll add something.

[Carsten]

For the fun of it, I just asked ChatGPT about it (pointing towards dcpomatic.com):

It invented some non-existent applications, but otherwise, a good start:


DCP-o-matic Suite – Overview (as of 2025)

DCP-o-matic is a free and open-source software suite for creating, editing, and managing Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs). It's widely used by independent cinemas, festivals, and filmmakers. The suite includes several specialized applications:
1. DCP-o-matic (Main GUI)

Core application to create DCPs from video, audio, and subtitle files.

Supports a wide range of input formats (MP4, MOV, MKV, WAV, SRT, etc.).

Offers scaling, cutting, audio sync, and color space adjustments.

Can create Interop and SMPTE DCPs.

Supports optional encryption and KDM creation.

2. Batch Converter

Automates the DCP creation for multiple projects.

Useful for festivals or cinemas with many films to process.

Works with saved project files (.xml).

3. Player

Allows you to preview and verify DCPs before ingesting to cinema servers.

Supports playback of encrypted DCPs using KDMs.

4. KDM Creator

Generates KDMs (Key Delivery Messages) for encrypted DCPs.

Can create KDMs for multiple playback servers (certificate-based).

Allows scheduling (validity windows) and batch KDM creation.

5. Server

Provides a remote control interface for DCP-o-matic over a network.

Ideal for automation or integration into larger workflows (e.g. in cinemas or labs).

6. Monitor

Displays the status of running jobs across networked machines.

Useful in setups with automated batch processing.

Can remotely monitor and control other DCP-o-matic instances.

7. Combiner

Combines multiple DCPs into a single DCP containing several CPLs (Composition Playlists).

Ideal for delivering films with multiple language versions or subtitles.

8. Disk Writer

Helps prepare DCPs on external drives for cinema delivery.

Ensures correct folder structure, formatting, and file system (EXT2/3/4, exFAT, NTFS, etc.).

9. Metadata Editor

Allows you to edit DCP metadata such as content title, language tags, and annotations.

Does not alter the media essence.

10. Command-line Tools

Provides CLI tools for advanced users to script or automate DCP creation and management.

Useful for integration into larger post-production pipelines.

11. Verifier

Performs a technical validation of existing DCPs:

Checks file structure (PKL, CPL, MXF consistency).

Validates syntax and metadata.

Reports issues that may prevent proper playback on cinema servers.

Essential for quality control before delivery.

Summary

DCP-o-matic is a powerful and flexible solution covering all aspects of DCP workflows—from creation and encryption to testing, combining, and delivering. Each component is purpose-built, making the suite suitable for small post-production environments as well as complex cinema setups.