I've been using PowerDirector by Cyberlink for years. I can't think of the version number. I haven't upgraded in a while because the newest version play better with higher end graphics card which I don't have. And what i have works fine with all the bells and whistles I need.
Do some free trials of any suggestions you get and see what's easiest for you and be sure to check the specs for what's going to work best with your system.
the word "best" is hard to describe because it means something different to everybody.
To one person, the best software is easy to use (which usually means it has limited features)
Another person thinks "best" means so many features that you need tutorials in order to use it, but once you know how to use it you can do ANYTHING.
If your idea of BEST is closer to the second definition, I'd recommend HITFILM. It has a free version and a paid version, but even the free version is very powerful. Neither version is particularly easy to use but both versions are capable of doing just about anything that can be done by a high-end video editing /compositing program. (special effects/layering/green screen, particle generation etc)
Critter, like some of the others, I'm a PowerDirector fan. In the past couple of years they've tried to go the subscription route like other software companies with PowerDirector 365 ($5/month). I'm on PowerDirector 16 Ultimate and will upgrade when they discount PowerDirector 18 Ultimate in January. I'm not a fan of monthly milking of my $$$, . They also have a try before buy so you can see if it fits your needs. If you try it out and have questions, please ask us. Someone should be able to help.
You would have to check my info on this recommend, because the company has gone through some changes over the past ten years. Now, though, it looks like they have worked out the restructure and are in the game to stay. Reasonably priced, you'd have a hard time beating SONY Movie Studio 13 Platinum (64) and any of the ACID Pro Audio programs, currently accessed by way of MAGIX. It is really not a big deal to get a DAW to play well with a Video editor, but in SONY's case, it is a no-brain, especially when teamed up with a SONY HD camera or a good cell camera, such as the Huawei P30 Pro. I only throw this out to you because the possibility should not be overlooked. Producers will tell you the sound track is just as important as the picture. Performers would not agree. Ask Rob Helms, above. He mentioned Vegas.
I took a tour of Hitfilm, read some reviews, etc., and I gotta say that is a remarkable free package. I've quit doing lyric vids but do remain, at least peripherally, interested in the software. Dunno how this one flew under my radar.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Now is a great time to share that tip. I'm just setting up Windows 10 on a different computer and was not even aware that Windows 10 has a built in video creation app.
I saw a report earlier this week that almost 70 percent of the computers that use a Windows operating system use Windows 7. I'm sure that number will quickly decline over the upcoming months with Microsoft ending non-enterprise support for Windows 7 January 14, 2020.
Many people will be like me, just becoming exposed to Windows 10 because they stayed with Windows 7 until the bitter end.
I took a tour of Hitfilm, read some reviews, etc., and I gotta say that is a remarkable free package. I've quit doing lyric vids but do remain, at least peripherally, interested in the software. Dunno how this one flew under my radar.
Bud
hey Bud! Good to hear from you! It might have flown under your radar because it seems to be most suited for animators and film hobbyists who need compositing and special effects. I have to admit, it is annoyingly complicated to use; but the results it gives to anyone who takes the time to muscle their way through the learning curve are well worth the (free) price tag! I liked it enough to pay for the pro version... twice! But I probably would not use this software if my sole use was making music videos. Unless, I wanted to make MTV style music videos with all sorts of crazy impossible background animations or hollywood style mini productions to go along with the song. Then, yes, its exactly the software I'd want to use.
Now is a great time to share that tip. I'm just setting up Windows 10 on a different computer and was not even aware that Windows 10 has a built in video creation app.
I like free, and in the past whatever free software came with my computer was what I used. The original MOVIE MAKER program was easy to find in the utilities menu. For the past several versions of Windows, they seem to have dropped the practice of including a shortcut to their current movie making product.
This video made me aware of how to find the app (by going to the start menu, and typing MOVIE...) and I figured there are others who would use it if only they knew how to find it. Hence, the post.
Also, the video indicates that it is a fairly simple and intuitive little program and would make a good free alternative to anybody running windows 10.
Ha! Exactly what Hit Film is good at! Thanks for the link, Steve! (Love that song!)
On a related note: OBS software is a streaming product used by a lot of people who make video content for youtube and other streaming sites. StreetJelly is a streaming site for musicians. (Danny Campo plays there, and so have others from the BIAB forum)
Streetjelly allows the use of OBS for streaming. This is significant because OBS has may features that mimic those found in a good video editing program. It lets you build layers, do green screen, add background animations or green screen video... just about anything you can imagine.
But... get this... you can do it in REAL TIME, during your live show! It opens up a load of interesting ways to add eye candy to your ear candy performance.
Upshot is: if you stream live music, give OBS a look. Like HitFilm, it has a bit of a learning curve, but in my opinion, it opens up a lot of possibilities. And it is FREE! (Available on Mac, Linux and WIndows) https://obsproject.com/
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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. They also have a try before buy so you can see if it fits your needs. If you try it out and have questions, please ask us. Someone should be able to help.
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