Serif MoviePlus X6

The latest version of the Movieplus video-editing program builds on an already excellent set of features by adding a mode called Quickmovie Studio. This includes 20 themes suitable for different occasions (such as weddings, birthdays and Christmas parties) that include title sequences, end credits, effects and transitions. Just add your raw video and Quickmovie automatically builds your movie for you, although the results can look a little staid depending on your chosen theme. Still, it's part of an interesting trend that recognises while some people want access to all manner of settings, options and configurations, others just want fast results.

Other new features include more comprehensive support for converting different video formats, which is important given how many video file formats there are. There is also a new batch feature so you can convert several files at once.

An adjustable export option makes it easier to fit large, high-definition video files onto USB memory keys or even memory cards so they can be shared with others or played on a TV. We also noticed improvements in the way that videos can be exported to specific devices such as iPhones and iPads. While previous versions of Movieplus could upload videos to Youtube, X6 now has a single click upload of videos to your Facebook timeline.

Tinkerers will enjoy the improved fine control over white balance, vibrancy, exposure and shadows to both still images and video. Special effects have been sharpened up so it's now easier, for example, to 'fly' a movie clip along any axis. It's best to use some of the cheesier-looking effects sparingly though.

Movieplus continues to offer a smooth workflow for producing home videos whether using the storyboard or more detailed timeline views. Like X5 it works with a lower resolution copy of HD video when doing the edits and only produces the real thing at the end – this enables it to run on less powerful home PCs. Serif's on screen documentation is dense but readable so there's plenty of help for newcomers and even old hands familiar with the interface will discover some new tricks.