To make matters worse, unlike workflow programs like Lightroom, PhotoDirector gives you no way to export photos to another editor for specialty editing and then automatically reimport the results to PhotoDirector.

To get started with PhotoDirector, you must import your photos into the program's Library--an annoying step thatLightroom also requires but that Corel's AfterShot Pro lets you bypass. Still, PhotoDirector provides a wealth of ways for you to organize and view your photos--including Smart Collections that you can set up to manage photos automatically by specific criteria such as ratings, keywords, or exposure data. You can also set up manual albums to group photos by project or event. Unlike Lightroom and AfterShot, though, PhotoDirector doesn't automatically import keywords that you may have added to your photos in another program, so get ready to do a lot of typing when you reorganize them. Video isn't welcome in its environment, either.

PhotoDirector has a superb printing module with one of the most pleasant page layout controls we've ever used, especially if you want to print several photos on the page at once. Sharing is easy, too, thanks to integration with Flickr and Facebook; and a slideshow creator that makes generating a video from your favorite photos a snap.

Despite its many strengths, PhotoDirector is a mixed bag--it's more approachable than Lightroom, and it has some delightful editing tools. But the lack of a plug-in system and the inability to export photos for advanced editing limit this program's potential.