An automated method for creating an image storage device such as a disk, and more particularly a DVD, CD, or CD-ROM for playback on a playback mechanism entails initiating a device with a processor. A user is instructed to connect a digital image capture device to the device, wherein digital records with image content and metadata are downloaded from the digital device into the processor's memory. Metadata extracted from the image metadata is sorted into groups based upon set parameters. The groups are mapped into a digital file template forming a digital file with chapters, wherein each group corresponds to a chapter. A bit stream representing the chapters is a sequential order is created from the digital file. The bit stream is saved to memory, sent to a writer, and written to a DVD, CD or CD-ROM. The written DVD, CD or CD-ROM is provided to the user.