PowerDirector is a video editing software developed by CyberLink for beginners and professional users. It provides an intuitive interface and powerful AI tools to help users quickly create high-quality videos. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android platforms, and its functions include video editing, adding special effects, subtitle generation and adjusting background music. 365 subscription version of PowerDirector provides a rich library of clips and cloud storage, which is suitable for users who need to update frequently. The free version has limited features but is adequate for basic editing needs. Known for its fast rendering and support for the latest formats such as 4K and 8K, the software is a favorite among YouTube creators and professionals.
Function List
- AI Auto Clip: Automatically detects key segments in a video and generates short videos with subtitles and background music.
- Special effects and templates: Thousands of transitions, titles and effects templates are provided to support one-click applications.
- Multi-track editing: Supports multiple video, audio and subtitle tracks for complex project management.
- AI Animation Effect: Turn videos or pictures into 17 styles of animated effects.
- Object tracking: Automatically track moving objects, add text, graphics or blur effects.
- Library Access: Subscribers have access to millions of videos, images and music from Getty Images and the Meta Sound Collection.
- screen recorder: Supports recording screen and camera, suitable for making tutorials or gameplay videos.
- cloud storage: 25GB to 100GB of cloud space for easy editing across devices.
Using Help
Installation process
- Download Software: Access
https://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector
Click on the "Free Download" button. The page will automatically detect your operating system (Windows or macOS) and provide the corresponding installation package. If the download doesn't start automatically, click the "Restart Download" link. [](https://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector-video-editing-software/pricing_en_US.html?r=1) - Run the installation program: After the download is complete, double-click the installation file and follow the prompts to select the language and installation path. The installation process takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your computer's performance.
- activation software: The first time you open PowerDirector, you will be prompted to sign in to your CyberLink account or create a new account. The free version can be used without a subscription, but has limited functionality. A PowerDirector 365 subscription requires a license key to activate full functionality.
- Updating the library: Once the installation is complete, it is recommended to check for updates through CyberLink Application Manager to ensure that you are getting the latest templates and AI tools.
Main Functions
1. AI automatic editing
PowerDirector's AI auto-editing feature is suitable for quickly creating short videos. The steps are as follows:
- Open the software, click "New Project", import video or picture material.
- By selecting the "Auto Clip" tool in the left menu, AI will analyze the footage and identify key scenes (e.g., close-ups of people or action shots).
- Choose a preset style (such as Travel, Wedding or Vlog) and AI will automatically add transitions, subtitles and background music.
- Click "Preview" to check the effect, you can manually adjust the position of subtitles or replace the music.
- When exporting a video, select the resolution (up to 8K) and format (such as MP4 or AVI).
2. Special effects and templates
PowerDirector offers a wealth of effects and templates for quick video beautification:
- In the Project Room, select the Templates option and browse the Express Projects offered by DirectorZone.com.
- Drag the template to the timeline and replace the placeholder material in the template (e.g. insert your own video or image).
- In the Effects panel, add particle effects, lens flares, or text animations. Drag the effect to the timeline to apply it.
- Adjust the duration or transparency of the effects to ensure that they are coordinated with the video content.
3. Object tracking
The object tracking feature automatically follows moving objects in the video and is suitable for adding dynamic text or blurring effects:
- After importing the video, select the target clip in the timeline.
- Open the Tools menu and select Motion Tracking.
- Frame the object to be tracked (e.g., a person's face or an object) in the preview window.
- AI automatically generates the tracer path, and when you're done, you can add text, graphics, or blur effects.
- Check the tracking effect to make sure the text or graphic moves naturally with the object.
4. Screen recording
The screen recording feature is suitable for creating tutorials or gameplay videos:
- Click on the "Screen Recording" tool on the main screen (must be installed through CyberLink Application Manager).
- Select the recording area (full screen, specified window, or custom area).
- Check the "Record camera at the same time" option to add picture-in-picture effect.
- Click "Record" to start, and the clip will be imported into the timeline automatically after completion.
- Use multi-track editing to adjust the size and position of the camera frame.
5. Library and cloud storage
Subscribers to PowerDirector 365 have access to Getty Images and the Meta Sound Collection:
- Search for the desired video, picture or music in the "Library" panel.
- Drag clips to the timeline to adjust the length or volume.
- Once the project is complete, click the "Cloud Storage" button to upload it to the CyberLink cloud, depending on the subscription plan (25GB to 100GB).
- Log in to the same account on other devices to access cloud-based projects at any time.
caveat
- hardware requirement: A computer with 8GB of RAM and a discrete graphics card is recommended to ensure smooth 4K or 8K editing.
- Free version limitations: Some AI tools and advanced effects are not supported in the free version, so it is recommended to try it and subscribe according to your needs.
- Tutorial ResourcesCyberLink's Learning Center on the official CyberLink website provides detailed tutorials, and there are also videos on the official YouTube channel.
application scenario
- YouTube Content Creation
PowerDirector is perfect for YouTube creators to make vlogs, gameplay videos, or tutorials, with AI auto-editing to quickly generate short videos and screen recording to easily record gameplay or software operations. Rich effects and templates make videos more attractive. - Production of commercials
SMBs can use PowerDirector's ad templates to create short Instagram or Facebook videos with AI animation effects and object tracking to highlight product features and grab viewers' attention. - Personal Memorial Video
Express Projects templates allow users to create wedding, birthday, or travel anniversary videos, and AI tools automatically match music and subtitles to simplify the editing process. - Educational video production
Teachers or trainers can use the screen recording and picture-in-picture features to create instructional videos. Multi-track editing facilitates the addition of annotations, graphics and subtitles to enhance the clarity of content.
QA
- Does PowerDirector support free use?
Yes, PowerDirector 365 Essential offers a free version with limited functionality, containing only the basic editing tools. A PowerDirector 365 subscription is required for full functionality. - Is the subscription universal across platforms?
No, the Windows and macOS versions require a separate subscription. iOS and Android versions are standalone apps with slightly different functionality. - How do I cancel auto-renewal?
Log in to your CyberLink account and cancel your auto-renewal on the Subscription Management page. After canceling, you will still have full access to the current cycle. - What video formats are supported?
PowerDirector supports common formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV and is compatible with 4K and 8K video.