


You get a smaller selection of filters and effects than the premium software offers, but those available are high quality and easy to apply. There’s hardware encoding for Windows systems, stereo audio, access to CyberLink’s full set of tutorials, special effects and overlays, wipes, titles and transitions. That might sound like a lot, but PowerDirector Essential still gives you an impressive suite of editing tools that leave most free editors in the dust. Selecting a premium option will result in a pop-up appearing prompting you to upgrade. There are also fewer export formats available.

Some other features exclusive to the premium software include the ability to capture video from a connected webcam or video camera, view 360-degree and 3D video, great discs, perform content-aware editing, output in full HD, and have videos produced automatically using CyberLink’s smart Magic Cut tool.
