Quick Guide: How to Use Light Rays in PhotoDirector
Five steps to add light rays to a photo and set them swaying.
Updated Oct. 24, 2026 · 1 min read
Steps
1Pick Single Source or Directional
Single Source spreads rays from one point you place, such as the sun. Directional sends parallel beams from the bright parts of the photo.
2Lower Intensity, raise Threshold
Lower Intensity and raise Threshold first, so the rays come only from the brightest areas and the photo keeps its color. This example uses 46 and 198.
3Aim the rays
In Directional, drag the Direction dial or type an angle in the box. In Single Source, drag the red dot on the photo to where the light should come from.
4Animate the rays, or keep a still
Check Enable animation effect and choose Swaying or Hue shifting and swaying. Leave it unchecked if you only want a photo.
5Export
Click Export at the top of the window, then New Video/GIF File to produce the animation as an MPEG-4, WMV, or GIF file. Or choose New Photo File to save a still as a PNG, JPG, or TIF.
We tested these steps in PhotoDirector 365 version 18.0.10 on Windows.
