About MAGIX

MAGIX makes desktop software for video, music and photos, sold directly from its own shop rather than through an app store, and aimed at people who want a full editor without a monthly subscription.

The main programs

On video there is Video deluxe for home projects and Video Pro X for more demanding work, with multi-track timelines, effects and disc authoring. Video Saver handles the specific job of getting old camcorder tapes onto a computer. On music, Music Maker is the loop-based writing tool that most people start with, and MP3 deluxe organises a library. Photostory deluxe turns a folder of holiday photographs into a narrated slideshow with music and transitions, which is a different job to photo editing and is what it is good at.

Choosing the right edition

Most titles come in more than one edition, and the extra money usually buys additional effects packs, plug-ins or format support rather than a different program. Read the comparison table and be honest about which features you will actually open. It is also worth checking the system requirements before buying — video editing is the one job where an older laptop shows its age immediately, and the difference between a project that plays back smoothly and one that stutters is usually the graphics card and the amount of memory.

Licences and upgrades

These are traditional desktop licences installed on a Windows PC, and there is an upgrade route from an older version to the current one at a lower price than a fresh purchase, so check whether you already own something that qualifies. A trial version exists for most titles, and installing that first is the cheapest way to find out whether the interface suits you. Keep the licence key somewhere safe after purchase, since reinstalling later needs it.

Using a MAGIX discount code

Enter the code in the voucher box on the order page, and the licence price updates before the payment step.