CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is a subscription-based video editing software that offers a robust set of tools for creating professional-grade productions. This guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know about PowerDirector 365.
- Overview of CyberLink PowerDirector 365
- Subscription Options
- Getting Started with CyberLink PowerDirector 365
- Key Video Editing Features
- Animated Effects & Transitions
- Working With Stock Media Content
- Export, Upload, & Share Your Videos
- How PowerDirector 365 Compares to Other Editing Software
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of PowerDirector 365
- Customer Support Options
- Conclusion and Final Review
Overview of CyberLink PowerDirector 365
CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is a subscription service that gives you ongoing access to PowerDirector video editing software plus additional bonus tools, stock media, and video tutorials.
Benefits compared to a one-time license include:
- Regular software updates with new features
- Cloud storage for your media and projects
- Access to CyberLink’s library of stock media including images, videos, and music
The subscription means you’ll always have the latest editing technology at your fingertips.
Subscription Options
CyberLink offers a few subscription options depending on your needs:
- 1 Month Subscription
- $9.99 per month
- For short-term projects
- 1 Year Subscription
- $69.99 per year
- Best value for longer term use
- Perpetual License Purchase
- $99.99 one-time fee
- For a “buy once, own forever” license
The subscription options unlock the full PowerDirector software and bonus resources. The perpetual license includes just the core video editing software with no extras.
Getting Started with CyberLink PowerDirector 365
Once subscribed, you can immediately download and install PowerDirector on your Windows desktop.
The editing interface includes:
- Multi-timeline workspace
- Media library for importing clips
- Effect room with transitions, titles, particles, and more
- Audio mixing tools
- Preview and video export panels
PowerDirector uses a 3+1 timeline format – three video tracks with a dedicated overlay track for PiP effects. You build a video project by placing clips in chronological order across these timelines.
The software makes it easy to import media from hard drives, smartphones, digital cameras, and screen capture. Support file formats include:
- Video: AVI, WMV, MOV, MP4
- Image: JPEG, PNG, TIFF
- Audio: MP3, WAV
Key Video Editing Features
PowerDirector 365 includes advanced creative tools:
- 360? Video Editing – Import and edit immersive 360? footage and add motion graphic titles.
- MultiCam Capture Lite – Record and sync footage from multiple camera angles.
- AI Style Plugins – One click presets that use artificial intelligence to apply color grades, titles, transitions, and motion effects.
- Audio Editing – Full equalizer, volume envelopes, ducking, and mixing.
- Color Grading – Adjust hue, saturation, and color curves.
These enhancements, filters, titles, and effects will level up any video production.
Animated Effects & Transitions
PowerDirector features over 2,500 video effects like:
- Particle effects
- Animated titles
- Customizable PiP objects
- Dynamic transitions
- Chroma key tool for green screen video
- Blend modes like lighten, multiply, overlay
The library covers everything from subtle enhancements to eye-catching motion elements.
Working With Stock Media Content
Access to Cyberlink’s DirectorZone stock media catalog comes included with your PowerDirector 365 subscription. That gives you a library with over 2 million multimedia elements to use in your video projects.
Stock Media Type | Details |
---|---|
Video Clips | HD quality clips covering nature, cityscapes, seasonal themes |
Music Tracks | Royalty free instrumental background music |
Sound Effects | From ambient noise to action sounds |
Images | High resolution photos, abstract textures, animated elements |
Having this media available speeds up the editing process so you don’t have to shoot and source all your own footage.
Export, Upload, & Share Your Videos
When your video editing is complete, PowerDirector renders your project out to common media formats like MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV and more. You also have sharing functions built-in to the software:
Share & Export Capabilities | Details |
---|---|
Export compressed video at 480p, 720p, 1080p resolutions or max quality 4K | Fine tune encoding settings based on target playback device |
Direct YouTube Upload | Auto upload your video for publishing on YouTube |
Facebook & Dailymotion Sharing | Instantly publish to these social platforms |
Real-time Production Preview | See your edits played back on any VR headset |
How PowerDirector 365 Compares to Other Editing Software
Here’s a feature and capability comparison with other popular prosumer and professional grade video editing platforms.
Vs. Adobe Premiere Pro
While not quite as robust as Premiere Pro, PowerDirector is still highly capable software for creative editing with some advantages:
- Lower cost subscription compared to Adobe Creative Cloud
- Easier to learn workflow
- Cool extra features like multi-cam capture
Overall, PowerDirector offers better value if you don’t need the full advanced toolset in Premiere.
Vs. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is limited to macOS while PowerDirector works across Windows desktops. Both are on par for timeline editing capabilities, transitions and effects. PowerDirector’s stock media access gives it an edge for efficiency.
Vs. Corel VideoStudio
PowerDirector has long been considered more user-friendly but now matches VideoStudio in creative features too. The subscription adds regular updates and bonus materials you don’t get with the one-time VideoStudio purchase.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of PowerDirector 365
Here are some pro tips for fully utilizing PowerDirector’s capabilities:
Leverage Stock Media Elements
The stock media access that comes with PowerDirector 365 is incredibly valuable for finding complementary b-roll footage, background music, motion graphics, and more to bolster your primary captured video. This saves time and money sourcing original assets.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts speed up editing tasks that would otherwise require excessive mouse clicks or digging through menus. Common examples include copying clips (Ctrl + C), splitting clips (S), and zoom to fit sequence (F).
Optimize Hardware Performance
Video editing demands a lot from computer hardware. Ensure optimal PowerDirector 365 performance by using a desktop with a fast multicore CPU, 16GB of RAM, dedicated GPU, and fast SSD storage drive.
Access Additional Training Resources
Going beyond PowerDirector’s built-in tooltips and help documentation, CyberLink offers a YouTube channel with tutorials plus inspiring video project ideas to build your skills.
Customer Support Options
There are a few ways to access technical support and assistance if ever needed:
- Knowledge Base – Searchable support site with written instructions and video tutorials.
- Community Forums – Ask questions and engage with other CyberLink product users.
- Priority Email & Chat Support – Available across multiple languages.
- Remote Desktop Support – Direct screen share troubleshooting appointments.
Conclusion and Final Review
CyberLink PowerDirector 365 makes advanced creative video production possible at a consumer pricing level. For YouTubers, social media managers, entrepreneurs, educators, and other content creators, it’s a complete toolbox with impressive capabilities that rival pro software.
Key Strengths
- Intuitive multi-track timeline interface
- Masking, keyframes and motion tracking
- Huge library of effects, titles and transitions
- Extensive audio editing tools
- Future updates and new features included
For both amateurs and professional editors alike, CyberLink PowerDirector 365 eliminates all barriers to bringing video projects to life. The subscription plan offers superb value spanning far beyond the reasonable price.
Given the depth of tools and degree of polish across the entire user experience, PowerDirector 365 earns my highest recommendation.