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TL;DR:
You can alter clip orientation in CyberLink PowerDirector 365 by dragging the rotation circle in the Preview Window, though Wondershare Filmora X offers a more precise number-based slider for this adjustment.
● Applying keyframe-based rotation in PowerDirector 365 requires opening the PiP Designer and modifying settings within the Motion Tab, resulting in a less direct workflow for editors.
● Wondershare Filmora X is the recommended choice for users prioritizing an intuitive interface, as it places one-click keyframe integration directly above the timeline and avoids the inaccuracies of free-hand swivel tools.
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Video Editing is a craft that is highly dependent on various characteristics of your video. But the way one presents it or goes about filming clips also has a profound effect on the end product. And as you may know, not every aspect of a video production activity always goes without hiccups. But editing can come in clutch as it can easily solve minor problems like skewed footage that was shot at the wrong angle or is upside down (an issue that can happen while using mobile phones).
Thus, with this article, we will be looking at steps to rotate a video in Cyberlink PowerDirector to help you when required. We have also mentioned the steps you will need to follow in Wondershare Filmora.
Note: We documented the steps in this guide with PowerDirector 365 and WonderShare Filmora X.
Steps to Rotate Videos with CyberLink PowerDirector
Put yourself in a situation where you've just finished filming a project with your smartphone but end up realizing that the footage isn't in the right orientation by default. While the error has an easy fix on most smartphones, you can also perform this action with video editing tools.
Also, while this form of rotating might be the most basic implementation of the feature, you can often use the feature to add a dynamic nature to your video with Keyframes.
Definition: Keyframes in Video Editing is a software feature that allows an editor to set start and endpoints (denoted by In and Out Markers), presenting the opportunity to custom clip properties between the two positions. The set changes occur gradually as the playhead continues moving through the clip. Properties that can undergo modification with this method are zoom, rotation, colors, positions, etc.
The process of rotating clips is fairly straightforward; once you have PowerDirector 365 open, follow the steps listed below.
If you do not have CyberLink PowerDirector 365, download the software by visiting Cyberlink's official website.
Step 1: Create a new video project in Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 and choose Full Mode.
Note: Full Mode in Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 will provide users access to a full-featured video editing tool similar in function to Wondershare Filmora. The other option available is Ad Designer.
Step 2: Now, import media onto the Timeline from the Media Library.
For this guide, we used the pre-existing stock footage in Cyberlink PowerDirector.
Step 3: Now, click on the video file on the Timeline; this will activate the video in the Preview Window. And it will provide you with access to the rotation circle, allowing you to change the orientation of the source file.
EXTRA
Rotation added in the PiP Designer will function as a keyframe-based rotation action. Right-click on the video in the preview window, choose Edit and then Modify to access this menu.
Following this, you can click on the Motion Tab, go into Rotation Settings, and modify the angle with greater precision. In the Preview Window, you will now be able to see the rotating video.
An Easier Way to Crop Video with Wondershare Filmora
Though Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 is a powerful video editing tool, we felt its menus were not as simple to navigate. Accessing the rotate function while available in the forefront, the use of PiP Designer didn't feel intuitive.
In Wondershare Filmora Video Editor , rotating footage only happens via the Edit Option, and this straightforward approach felt simple. As for those who want to use Keyframes, the integration of this feature right above the Timeline is an appreciated convenience.
This emphasis on quick accessibility is present with almost every function in Filmora, and we believe this to be a significant advantage. The use of modern and unique iconography also increases familiarity, an aspect that will always be welcoming to new and budding creators.
If you do not already have Wondershare Filmora, you can download the software by visiting the official website.
To help you learn how to use the rotate function and show you an example of the easy accessibility in Filmora, here is how you can use the feature to get the output you desire.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.14 or later
Once you have a new project open in Filmora, follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Import a Media File to edit into your Video Project.
Step 2: Drag the video clip onto the Timeline and then select it with a mouse click to activate further interactions.
Step 3: Choose the Edit Option (marked in Red).
This will bring up the Edit Window in the left-top corner of your screen.
Step 4: Click on the Transform Menu and use the Rotation Slider to edit the orientation.
Having read this stretch of the guide, we believe you may have noticed how Filmora is more user-friendly and accessible due to its menu layout.
BONUS
Click on the Keyframe Button (marked in Green) to access the Keyframe Menu that allows you to set points between which a decided amount of rotation can happen.
The Bottom Line
This marks the end of our guide on how to rotate video in PowerDirector 365 and Wondershare Filmora X. Now, while both software are high-capable tools, we feel the keyframe-based working on rotation in Filmora is a lot more intuitive and easy to use. The ability to only have number-based rotation within the edit menu is also a positive, as rotating with a swivel like in PowerDirector isn't always the most accurate.
And lastly, the modern iconography-based design of Wondershare Filmora is a factor to keep in mind, as this increases usability manifolds.
