Quick Guide: PowerDirector Project Preview Window Overview
The seven controls you'll use most in the preview window.
Updated Oct. 16, 2026 · 1 min read
Steps
1Know which preview you are looking at
PowerDirector has two preview windows. The Project Preview plays your edit, and the Library Preview plays a single clip from the library.
2Play and pause
Press the Spacebar to play and pause.
3Step a frame
Click the step buttons to move one frame at a time when something has to land exactly. Or use the < and > keys.
4Set the project aspect ratio early
The ratio button under the preview decides the shape of what you export. Switch it early, before you're deep into an edit, and the preview reshapes so you can check your framing.
5Go full screen to check details
To check small details, click Full Screen View. Or press F.
6Render the preview
Click Render Preview, next to the camera icon under the preview, to build a busy stretch once so playback runs smoothly.
7Take a snapshot
Park the playhead on a frame and click the camera icon to save it as a still.
We tested these steps in PowerDirector 365 version 23.3 on Windows.
