CyberLink PowerDirector 21 Ultimate | Easy-to-Use Video Editing Software With Thousands of Visual Effects | Slideshow Maker | Screen Recorder [Retail Box with Download Card]

I have used iMovie to edit video for years. I have been looking for some time, an affordable alternative that could offer more features. This offers soooo much more than I could even ask for. The tutorial videos are incredibly helpful. The digital install was a breeze. The software is intuitive and pretty simple to pick up with the video guides. If you have never ever used any video editing software it may take some time to catch on. But definitely worth it! Great bang for your buck.

Cyberlinks PowerDirector 21 Ultimate 2 disc software comes with an installation guide and the product key to activate the installation. If you dont have a CD or DVD drive, thats OK because theres also a link for a digital download using the included product key. I have Windows 11 and several empty GB on my laptop, so installation was quick and easy. It didnt auto-load, but it was easy to follow the instructions to navigaye in Windows File Explorer to launch the install on Disk 1, then later, bonus content on Disk 2. So far all Ive done is create a simple 10 minute slideshow from a recent family vacation. The user interface is fairly intuitive, but there are also links to learn more about the software online. Within the software, theres a user manual and a help question mark to search for topics. I definitely intend to use this for video editing and more projects, but only had time to make a 10 minute long slideshow before reviewing. I like the software and would recommend it.

I like video editing as a personal hobby creating some vacation videos whenever I have time and Im not an expert by any means. Ive used several video editors from PC, OSX based to mobile video editing apps. Ive been using PowerDirector 365 in the last year and Im assimilated into its processes. Its powerful and relatively easy to navigate and use its features. I can say that Power Director is one of the best editing software currently available now. The menus are intuitive and user friendly. I really like how the menus are arranged and accessible. At first, it can be overwhelming to see the many available features of this app. The way I approached to learn is to google and search YouTube for tutorial videos and theres a LOT out there. If youre a beginner, start with something basic as adding videos and transitions. Learning layers is important if youre already getting comfortable with menu navigation. Then the more exciting part of adding texts, background music, adding a voice over and special effects will be on your action list. So getting this Ultimate version vs 365 vs Ultra is a hard decision. It really depends on what you value as they offer very similar feature set. The main benefit of the PowerDirector 365 is you get all the up to date premium plug ins and effects, you get 8 in Ultimate, 6 in Ultra. For some people like me, who only occasionally edit videos, Ill prefer getting either the Ultra or this Ultimate edition so that I only have to pay one time. If youre editing videos all the time then maybe the 365 is better for you as it offers a lot more in terms of plug ins and effects. Installation Theres an option to download the installation file. Install file is not in the CD disk anyway, just the Cyberlink Application Manager app. Now, I can say that this latest offering from Cyberlink is so far the best video editing out there offering many features and theyre easier to implement. The learning curve is not that bad and theres a lot of video tutorials in youtube that helped me go through the feature set one by one.

It has great potential, but it has too many bugs for my taste. I found myself lost what to do constantly.

This software is complex and in my opinion, only users with advanced editing talent and experience should attempt to use it. The Help documentation is useless to me because it does not match the software. Personally, I will probably request a refund.

Have produced several outstanding works from its foundation program. As Photoshop programs, it is complicated, complex and full of fine features which take many hours, days or weeks to learn completely. I recommend it as this Ultimate program matches the YouTube PowerDirector University tutorials. Be patient. Printing out he manual on-line is helpful but online tutorials are better. Highly recommend the Ultimate PowerDirector.

There are lots of video editor software products out there. For instance, I have VideoReDo that converts from Tivo format to one that I can stream over Plex. For legacy reasons, I also own Vegas (The product family Sony VEGAS Pro was taken over by MAGIX in 2016 and since operates under the name of VEGAS Pro.) Simple cutting and editing can be done with VideoLan (VLC), which is free. Apple and Adobe have various products that are feature- and sometimes cost-rich. There are also some products that started as photo editors that can also edit video. Upshot? Know what you need to accomplish first. A free solution might be adequate. And for complicated needs, CyberLink may not have the answer, either. PRO -Do a lot for a modest price -Mature, established company -Motion Tracking -Multicam Editing -3D Editing -Supports 360° VR Content (like for Zillow) -Supports 4K XAVC-S Format Yes -Exports to H.265 (HEVC) -Ecosystem of effects CON -The sellers description on Amazon wont be much help. Its skimpy and doesnt tell you enough to compare with competitive or open source products. -The Cyberlink 365 is better for me as it offers access to other features in the ecosystem -No metadata tagging. (This flaw really bugs me!).

Video editor and templates that make editing simplified. There are two options to install. One with two disks or you can go the Cyberlink website and download by digital copy. Choose the disk to install, the 2nd disk is extra content and you can select which items if any for additional options. Videos and slideshows can be created using the PowerDirector. Take your memories form videos and photos and be your own director.

It seems for all the desirable features you need to subscribe regardless of the fact of “buying” this.

I used to have access to the Adobe suite and primarily used Premiere for video. I cant afford Adobe outside of education. And with the frequency that I use video editing software, its not worth a subscription anyway. Thats why I quickly snatched this when I saw it available on Amazon vine. It gave the perception that Ill own this software (which is $119+ for a more introductory tier). But as other reviewer has pointed out, the digital code is only good for one month, 30 days! after you activated the key. I didnt catch that part soon enough and threw away the box and CD already; my laptop doesnt have a CD slot. By any chance I need to switch device or reinstall the software, I cant just download it back. The other thing could be my own problem. Im used to Premier and previously Final cut pro that Cyber link just feels weird to me. Its basic but also bundled with different gadgets that I dont have the patience to learn over. So is the user interface with simple things but visually expanded into different chunky sections. The software runs a bit slow and laggy and moderate amount of loadings. Im a bit disappointed.