PhotoDirector 365 Review
In the realm of photo editing software, PhotoDirector 365 stands out as a powerful tool that combines traditional editing features with cutting-edge AI capabilities. Developed by CyberLink, a company renowned for its video editing software, PhotoDirector 365 is a comprehensive solution for both amateur and professional photographers.
I’ve been using it since early 2022 and it has evolved and improved a lot over this period. Given that this is the subscription version of PhotoDirector, you get new features and assets added every single month. They have added several AI-specific features that make it fun and interesting to use and explore.
In this blog post, I will cover some of the key features, benefits and limitation of this desktop photo editing and animation software. Also, given that I’ve used PhotoDirector 365 quite extensively, I’ve created several video tutorials and showcased many different animations effects that I’ve applied to still images. You will find the videos below.
Main Features of PhotoDirector 365
PhotoDirector 365 offers a wide array of features that cater to various photo editing needs:
1. Generative AI Tools: These tools can transform words, phrases, and images into concept art. They can turn ordinary shots into professional profile images and sleek product photography.
2. One-Click Photo Enhancements: With AI tools, users can enhance image quality, remove unwanted objects, and change backgrounds.
3. Auto Face and Body Retouching: This feature allows users to enhance portraits and shape bodies easily with automatic retouch tools.
4. Creative Visuals: Users can generate unique visuals from text, create anime characters, and design custom scenes.
5. AI Image Enhancer: This tool can upscale, deblur, and fine-tune details.
Apart from the above-mentioned main features of PhotoDirector 365, you can also animate still images. This interesting animation feature allows you to create some unique animations, from still images, that make your images standout. Additionally, you can also add different types of animated overlays to still images like falling snow, sparkles, light flares, confetti, fireworks, and many other animated overlays.
In the video tutorials, below, you will learn how to add these animated overlays to still images. The ones that are features in the videos below include light rays, fireworks, confetti, sparkles, the glitch animation effect and the dispersion animation effect. You will also learn how to animate still images manually.
AI-Specific Features in PhotoDirector 365
PhotoDirector 365’s AI features are its standout attributes:
1. AI Image Generation: This feature allows creatives to make custom elements for their photos.
2. AI Face Swap: This tool can seamlessly swap any face to any photo.
3. AI Anime: This feature can easily convert photos to anime characters.
4. AI Scene: This tool can create any scene, from realistic landscapes to magical settings.
5. AI Photo to Sketch: This feature can turn photos into beautiful drawings.
Benefits of Using PhotoDirector 365
PhotoDirector 365 offers several benefits that make it a compelling choice for photo editing:
1. All-in-One Software: It aims to house all modern image-making and editing functions in one place.
2. Non-Destructive RAW Processing: It can completely change your photographs without altering the original image.
3. AI Capabilities: It is among the first photo editing software with an AI image generator inside.
4. Affordable Subscription: It offers a budget-friendly subscription plan and often has specials on their pricing plans.
In the videos below, I showcase many of the different animations effects that I’ve used on still images. These include images that I’ve animated manually, as well as, animated overlays like fireworks, confetti, light rays, and others. I’ve also showcased other unique features like sky replacement, object removal, and photo frames.
Some Limitations of PhotoDirector 365
Despite its impressive features, PhotoDirector 365 has some limitations:
1. Stability Issues: Some users have reported that the software can be unstable and prone to crashing. Personally, I’ve never had issues with the app crashing. This will of course depend on the specs of your computer since it’s a desktop software.
2. Limited Presets: It lacks an extensive collection of presets compared to alternatives like Adobe Photoshop.
3. Slower Layer Editing: The layer editing process can be slow.
4. Occasional Loading Delays: Users may experience loading delays.
Alternatives to PhotoDirector 365
There are several alternatives to PhotoDirector 365, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, Affinity Photo, and GIMP. When compared to these alternatives, PhotoDirector 365 offers unique AI capabilities that many other software do not have. However, some users might prefer the extensive presets and profiles for newer lenses offered by Adobe Photoshop.
PhotoDirector 365 vs Adobe Photoshop
Listed below are some of the main differences between PhotoDirector 365 and Adobe Photoshop:
1. User-Friendliness: PhotoDirector 365 is known for its AI-powered features and ease of use, making it suitable for amateur photographers who want to create stunning results without years of editing expertise.
2. Professional Editing: Adobe Photoshop is an industry-leading software with an extensive toolkit for professional-grade editing and creative endeavors. It offers advanced features like content-aware tools and the ability to build complex 3D designs.
3. Feature Set: Photoshop provides a more advanced feature set compared to PhotoDirector, including multiple image layers, picture editing, and image blending capabilities.
4. Target Audience: While PhotoDirector 365 caters to users seeking simple edits and quick improvements, Photoshop is designed for professionals requiring detailed and complex edits.
These differences highlight that each software caters to different skill levels and editing needs.
PhotoDirector 365 Pricing
- Monthly Subscription: Starts at US$3.33 per month.
- Annual Subscription: Available at US$54.99 per year.
- Lifetime License: Can be purchased for US$99.99.
Conclusion
Overall, I’ve enjoyed using PhotoDirector 365 as a photo editing and animation tool. It is a robust photo editor that offers a wide range of features and benefits. Its AI capabilities set it apart from many of its competitors. However, like any software, it has its limitations. Therefore, potential users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a photo editing software.
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