How to Use CapCut to Edit Videos: Beginner to Advanced Tutorial

Are you looking for a free video editing tool? Many people use CapCut to edit TikTok videos, but the possibilities are endless! We will outline the most popular and essential features. These range from basic editing tricks, including how to navigate the app, to more unique features such as adding background music, filters, and effects. This wikiHow will teach you how to edit videos using CapCut on mobile devices or a desktop computer.

CapCut Overview

Download CapCut for mobile or desktop. Use the import window on desktop to import video clips and drag them into the timeline at the bottom. Use the options in the toolbar at the bottom on mobile, or above the timeline, to make edits to your clip. Click or tap the Export button when you are finished editing.

Part 1

Part 1 of 8:

Getting Started

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Download and install CapCut. CapCut is available to download for free on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. Use one of the following steps to download and install CapCut here.^{[1]
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- Mobile: Navigate to your respective application store (i.e., Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Search "CapCut." Tap the CapCut app and then tap Install or GET.
- Desktop: You can download the desktop version from the official website, but it’s recommended that you use the Apple App Store or Microsoft Store to download the most stable version of the app. Simply open the App Store on Mac or the Microsoft Store on Windows. Search for "CapCut" and tap the app. Click GET or Install.
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Open CapCut. Once CapCut finishes downloading, tap or click the icon on your home screen, Apps menu, Applications folder, Windows Start menu, or desktop to open the app.
- You may need to give CapCut access to your camera roll and camera. To do so, tap Allow for each permission CapCut requests.
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Tap on the green Confirm button. This acknowledges that CapCut needs access to your photos. In the next pop-up window, tap the button to access all photos.
- You will only need to complete this step the first time you open the app!

Part 2

Part 2 of 8:

Familiarizing Yourself With the Interface

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Start a New Project. After opening the app, click New project at the top on Desktop, or tap New video at the top on mobile.
- Alternatively, click or tap the Templates tab, then select a template. The templates tab is in the menu bar to the right on Desktop and at the bottom of the screen on mobile.
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Select a video clip. Locate the video clip you want to add to your project by scrolling through the new page that shows your camera roll. Tap the thumbnail of your desired video, then tap the Add button in the lower-right corner of your screen. ^{[2]
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- To add a clip on desktop, simply drag and drop the video file you want to add into the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
- On desktop, you can import all the clips you intend to use into the library. To do so, click Import on the side. Then select the video clips you want to add. This will add the clips to the library window in the upper-left corner.
On both desktop and mobile, the preview window is in the top half of the screen. On Desktop, it’s in the large window in the middle.
The timeline is where you place video and audio clips from your project in sequential order. It’s at the bottom half of the screen. The timeline has a vertical white line called the playhead. You can tap and drag the playhead to change positions. Where you place the playhead determines the preview in the preview panel.
The toolbar contains all the tools you will use to make edits in your project. On mobile, it’s at the bottom of the screen. When you tap a clip to select it, the options in the toolbar will change to reflect changes you can make to that specific clip. On desktop, the toolbar is above the timeline. You will also find options to edit clips above the library Panels, as well as some tabs for more advanced edits above the Properties window.
On desktop, the panel in the upper-left corner is your library panel. This is where you can import all the clips and audio files you want to use in your project. You can also make text cards or stickers, as well as transitions and effects, in this panel.
On desktop, you’ll also find the Properties panel in the upper-right corner. When you select a clip, this panel displays options for editing the clip. You can also use this window to make adjustments to effects, filters, and animations.
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Understand the subscription model. While CapCut is a free app, it does have many paid features. Throughout the app, you’ll see many features that have a blue diamond next to them. These features are included in the Standard subscription model. Features that have a purple diamond are part of the Pro subscription plan:^{[3]
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- Standard plan: This is the free version of CapCut. The free version gives you limited access to templates, effects, animations, and other features included in the free plan. Though they are free, many have a limited number of uses per month, or you may need to purchase credits to use certain features.
- Pro Plan: This gives you access to all the Pro templates, effects, and features. The Pro Plan costs $19.99 per month, or $179.99 per year.

Part 3

Part 3 of 8:

Making Basic Edits

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Trim video clips. "Trimming" in video editing is when you shorten the beginning or end of your video. This is a way of removing excess video footage from the start or end of the clip.[Image:Edit Videos with CapCut Step 12 Version 3.jpg|center]]
- To trim a clip, click or tap the clip in the timeline to select it. Then click or tap and drag the left edge of the clip to trim the beginning or the right edge to trim the end. Drag the edge of the clip inward to trim the section of the video you don’t want to keep.
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Add another clip. You can add multiple clips and audio files to your project. This allows you to cut from one shot to another. Use one of the following steps to add another clip:
- Mobile: To add another clip on mobile, tap the white plus (+) to the left of your clip in the timeline. Select the clip you want to add and tap Add.
- Desktop. If the clip has not already been added to the library, click Import in the library window and select the clip you want to add. Then click and drag it into the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Place it where you want it to go in the timeline.
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Split video clips. Splitting a video clip means cutting it into two separate clips. This allows you to make separate edits to different parts of a clip or to place a separate clip in between two parts of a clip. Use the following steps to slip and video clip: ^{[4]
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- To split a clip, click and drag to place the timeline where you want to split the clip. Tap the clip on mobile to open the Edit panel. Then click or tap the Split icon, which has an icon that resembles the ends of two clips. It’s at the bottom of the screen on mobile and above the timeline on Desktop.
Cropping a clip adjusts its framing. You can remove the sides of the clip to put more focus on the subject in the clip. To crop a clip, click the clip you want to crop. Then click or tap the crop icon. It resembles two right angles forming a square with a line through the middle. Then click or tap and drag the edges of the clip in the preview panel inward so that it is framed the way you want it. Then click Confirm on desktop or tap the checkmark in the upper-right corner.^{[5]
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Rotate a clip. Rotating a clip lets you tilt it or completely change its orientation. This can be useful for adding a slight tilt for effect, or if you filmed a video in landscape or portrait mode and need to change it. Use one of the following steps to rotate a clip:
- Mobile: Tap the clip you want to rotate, then tap the Transform icon, which resembles two right angles forming a square. Tap the Rotate icon, which resembles a tilted rectangle, to rotate the clip 90 degrees. You can tap it as many times as you need. For a more specific rotation, tap the Advanced icon and then tap the Rotate tab. Tap and drag the slider bar to rotate the image.
- Desktop: Click the clip you want to rotate. Then click the Rotate icon above the timeline to rotate the clip 90 degrees. It resembles a tilted square. For a more specific rotation, click the Video tab at the top of the Properties window in the upper-right corner. Enter a specific degree in the field next to "Rotate" or click the arrows to increase the degree. You can also click and drag the knob to the right of the Rotate field.
Flipping a clip changes the orientation so that it is a mirror image. This is useful if you filmed a clip using your selfie camera and you need to turn it around. To flip a clip, click or tap the clip you want to flip and then click or tap the Flip icon. It resembles two triangles with a line in between them. It’s in the toolbar at the bottom on mobile and above the timeline on desktop.
Reversing a clip can create a unique effect. To put your video clip in reverse, click or tap on the clip and then select "Reverse" in the toolbar. It has an icon that looks like a triangle inside a circle. On mobile, it’s at the bottom of the screen. On Desktop, it’s above the timeline.^{[6]
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Freeze a clip. Freezing a clip will create a still image of a single frame. You can hold the still image for as long as you want. To freeze a frame, click and drag to place the play head on the frame you want to freeze the clip. Then click or tap the Freeze icon. It has an icon that resembles a rectangle with two lines on the sides. This will split the clip and place a new clip, which is a still image of the frame, between the two clips.
- To adjust the length of the freeze, click or tap and drag the sides of the clip of the still image in the timeline.
If you want to delete a clip from the timeline, simply click or tap the clip you want to delete, and then click or tap the icon that resembles a trash can. It’s at the bottom of the screen on mobile. On Desktop, it’s above the timeline.
If you ever make an edit that you don’t want to keep, you can easily undo it. Simply tap on the back arrow, which resembles a U-shaped arrow pointing left. It’s above the timeline. On mobile, it’s on the right side. On desktop, it’s on the left.

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Part 4 of 8:

Adjusting the Speed

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Change the speed of your video. Speeding up or slowing down a clip is a popular feature that many people use for TikTok videos. Tap on a clip in your timeline, then tap on the "Speed" button in the toolbar - the icon looks like a small circle inside a larger circle. On Desktop, click the Speed tab at the top of the Properties window in the upper-right corner. There are three types of speed adjustments you can make. They are as follows:
- Normal Speed: Click or tap Normal to speed up or slow down the entire clip. You'll see a slider with speeds ranging from 0.1x to 100x. Simply drag the blue circle along this slider to whichever speed you want, then tap the bottom right check mark. 1.0x is normal speed. Anything below 1.0x will slow it down, and anything above 1.0x will speed it up.
  - By default, the pitch will stay the same when you add a normal speed change. If you want the pitch to change, check the option to change the pitch.
- Curve Speed: Curve speed allows you to gradually speed up or slow down a clip over time. Tap on Curve to vary the speed throughout different parts of your clip. Tap on any of the pre-made templates CapCut provides. Click or tap Custom to create your own. Tap Edit on mobile to adjust the curves. On desktop, the curve graph is below your options in the Properties window. Click or tap and drag the nodes (small circles) to adjust the curves and the speed of the video transition.^{[7]
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- Velocity effects: Velocity effects are speed effects that sync with the music of your clip. Clip or tap Velocity effects, and then clip or tap one of the effects. Use the drop-down menus to select the music source, the beat that it syncs to, and the speed.

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Part 5 of 8:

Adjusting Audio

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Adjust the volume of a clip. To adjust the volume of a clip, click or tap the clip in the timeline. On mobile, tap Volume in the toolbar at the bottom and turn the knob to increase the volume, says social media creator Daniel Lee.^{[8]
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Daniel Lee
Voice Actor and Social Media Creator

Expert Interview} On Desktop, click the Audio tab at the top of the Properties window in the upper-right corner. Use the Volume slider to adjust the volume of the clip.
- You can also click or tap Reduce noise to apply background noise reduction.
- Click Loudness normalization on desktop, or tap Loudness adjustment on mobile to normalize the volume of your clip with the other clips in your project.
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Add audio to a clip. You can add background music or sound effects to a video. Once added to your timeline, you can click and drag it to change the position of the audio in your project. Use one of the following steps to do so:
- Mobile: Tap Add sound in the line below your video clip. Then tap Sounds to search for music. Tap Sound FX to search for sound effects. Use the search bar to search for sounds. Tap a song or sound effect to hear it. Click the icon that resembles an arrow over a line to download the sound. Then tap the plus (+) icon to the left to add it to your timeline.
- Desktop: Click the Audio tab above the library panel on the left. Click Music to the left to search for music. Click Sound Effects to search for sound effects. Use the search bar to search for sounds. Click a sound to hear it. Click the icon that resembles an arrow over a line to download the sound. Click the plus (+) icon to add the clip to your library. Click and drag it from the library panel to your timeline.
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Extract audio from a video. Extracting audio from a video creates a separate audio file from the video file. You can use this to sync your audio if it is out of sync, or use the audio in a different video. Use one of the following steps to extract audio from a video clip:
- Mobile: Tap the video you want to extract audio from. Then tap the Extract audio icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. It has an icon that resembles a play triangle in a rectangle. This will instantly create a separate audio file for the video in the timeline below your video clip.
- Desktop: Add the video you want to extract audio from to your timeline. Right-click the video clip and click Extract audio. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+S or Command+Shift+S on Mac to extract audio. This will create a separate audio file for the video clip in the timeline right below it.
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Record a voice-over. To record a voice-over, place the playhead where you want to start your voice-over. On Mobile, tap the Audio option in the toolbar. Then click or tap the icon that resembles a microphone in the toolbar. Click or tap the round record button to start recording. Click or tap it again to stop recording.
- Mobile: On mobile, you can tap Voice enhancer or Voice changer to enhance your voice or use AI to change your voice. To enhance your voice, tap the option and then tap the toggle switch to turn it on. Use the slider bar to adjust how strong the effect is. To change your voice, select the option and then tap the voice you want to use.
- Desktop: On desktop, you can check the checkbox next to "Voice enhancer" in the recording panel to apply it. You can also check "Mute project" if you are using a computer mic and you don’t want it to pick up sound from your project. To change your voice, click the audio clip when you are done recording it. Click the Voice changer tab at the top of the Properties panel. Then select a voice you want to use.

Part 6

Part 6 of 8:

Adding Text & Stickers

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Add text. If you want to add a title to your video clip, you can do so with text. You can tap and drag the text card in the timeline to adjust when the text starts. You can also drag the sides of the text card in the timeline to adjust the duration of the text. Use one of the following steps to add text to your clip:^{[9]
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- Mobile: Tap Add text in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Then select a style/animation of the font. Type the text you want to add. Tap and drag the text in the preview window to adjust where you want to place the text. You can also use pinch-zoom to adjust the size of the text, or rotate it with two fingers.
- Desktop: Click Text at the top of the library panel. Use the options to the left to select a category of font. Click a font or animation you want to use. Double-click the text in the Preview window. Type the text you want to add. Then click and drag the text in the preview window to place it where you want it to go.
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Add captions. CapCut can automatically caption the speech in your videos. Auto captions are a Pro feature that you need to pay for, but you get a couple of free uses per month. If you want to caption your speech, use the following steps to do so:
- Mobile: Tap Auto Caption at the bottom of the screen. Use the drop-down menu next to "Generate from" to select if you want to generate captions from the video, audio clip, or voice-over. Select one of the text options below "Templates" and then tap Generate.
- Desktop: Click the Transcript icon in the Toolbar above the timeline. This will generate a transcript window on the left side. Click the icon that resembles a square with "CC" in the middle in the upper-right corner of the transcript window to generate captions. Select a text style in the Properties panel to the right.
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Add stickers. Stickers allow you to add some style to your videos by placing simple images and animations over your video. When you place a sticker, you can click and drag it in your timeline to determine when you want the sticker to appear. You can also adjust the duration of the sticker by clicking and dragging the edges of the sticker clip in the timeline. Use one of the following steps to add stickers to your video:
- Mobile: Tap the Stickers icon in the toolbar at the bottom. It has an image that resembles a peeled circle. Tap one of the category tabs or use the search bar at the top to search for a specific sticker. Tap the icon that resembles a photograph with a plus sign (+) to select an image from your phone to use as a sticker. Tap the sticker you want to use. Tap and drag the sticker to place it in the preview panel. Use pinch-zoom to adjust the size of the sticker. You can also rotate the sticker with two fingers.
- Desktop: Click the Sticker icon above the library panel. It has an icon that resembles a peeling circle. Click the category tabs to the left to select a category. Click a sticker you want to use. Then click and drag it to the timeline. Drag it to the location you want to place it in the preview window. Click and drag the corners in the preview panel to adjust the size of the sticker. Click and drag the icon that resembles a circular arrow to rotate the sticker.

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Part 7 of 8:

Adding Transitions, Effects, & Filters

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Add adjustments to a clip. Adjustments allow you to make color corrections to enhance the look of a video clip. This can include adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, highlights, shadows, and more. Use one of the following steps to make adjustments to a clip:
- Mobile: Tap the clip you want to apply an adjustment to. Tap Adjust in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. It has an icon that resembles two slider bars. Tap the adjustment type you want to make. Then use the slider bar to make the adjustment. Once you’ve added all the adjustments you want to make, tap the checkmark icon on the right side.
- Desktop: Click the clip you want to make adjustments to. Then click the Adjust tab at the top of the Properties window to the left. Scroll down and use the slider bars to make adjustments to the clip.
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Apply a filter to a video clip. Filters are similar to adjustments, but they’re pre-configured to create a specific look. Use one of the following steps to add a filter to a video clip:
- Mobile: Tap the video clip you want to apply a filter to. Then tap Filters in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. It has an icon that resembles three overlapping circles. Then tap a filter you want to apply. Use the slider bar at the bottom to adjust the strength of the filter. Then tap the checkmark on the right to apply the filter.
- Desktop: Click Filters above the library panel in the upper-left corner. Then click one of the category tabs to the left. Click a filter to preview it. To apply it, click and drag it over the clip you want to apply it to in the timeline. To adjust the strength of a filter, click a clip with a filter applied to it. Then click the Video tab in the Properties window, followed by the Basic tab. Expand the Filter menu and use the slider bar to adjust the strength. To remove a filter, click the trash can icon next to the filter name.
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Apply an effect. Effects are specific video edits and animations that are made to enhance a video. They can be used to add spectacle, emphasize a moment, or add a mood to a video. Use one of the following steps to add an effect to a video clip:^{[10]
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- Mobile: Tap the video clip you want to apply an effect to. Then tap Effects in the toolbar. It has an icon that resembles a star magic wand. Tap the type of effect you want to apply (i.e., video effects, body effects, style, AI effects). Then use the tabs at the top to select a category. You can also use the search bar to search for a specific effect. Tap an effect to preview it on your clip. Use the slider bars at the bottom to adjust the parameters of the effect. Tap the checkmark icon to the right to apply the effect.
- Desktop: Click Effects at the top of the library panel. Use the tabs to the left to browse the categories of effects. You can also use the search bar at the top to search for a specific effect. Click an effect to preview it in the Preview panel. Click and drag it on top of the video clip you want to apply it to to apply the filter. Then use the slider bars in the Properties panel to adjust the parameters of the filter.
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Apply an animation. Animations are similar to effects. They add motion to your video to emphasize a moment and add spectacle. Use one of the following steps to add an animation:
- Mobile: Tap the video clip you want to apply an animation to. Then tap Animations in the toolbar at the bottom. It has an icon that resembles a square with a play triangle in the middle. Use the category tabs at the top to select a category. Tap an animation to preview it. Use the slider bar at the bottom to adjust the strength or parameters of the animation. Tap the checkmark icon on the right to apply it.
- Desktop: Click the clip you want to apply an animation to. Then click the Animation tab at the top of the Properties panel on the right. Click an animation to apply it to the clip. Use the slider bar at the bottom to adjust the strength and parameters of the animation.
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Apply a transition. Transitions are similar to effects and animations, but they go in between clips. They are used as a stylish way to transition from one clip to another. Use one of the following steps to apply a transition.
- Mobile. Tap the icon that resembles a white square with a line through it at the end of a clip in your timeline. Then tap one of the category tabs at the top. You can also use the search bar at the top to browse for specific transitions. Tap a transition to preview it. Use the slider bar at the bottom to adjust the strength or parameters of the transition. Tap the checkmark icon to the right to apply it.
- Desktop: Click Transitions at the top of the library panel. Click one of the categories to the left to browse transitions. You can also use the search bar at the top to search for a specific transition. Click a transition to preview it. Click the plus icon (+) in the lower-right corner of the transition to apply it at the end of the clip the playhead is on. Use the slider bar in the Properties panel to adjust the strength and parameters of the transition.

Part 8

Part 8 of 8:

Exporting

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Click or tap Export when you are finished editing. It’s in the upper-right corner on both the mobile and desktop versions of the app.
- If you are using any pro or standard features without a subscription, you will be alerted now.
On mobile, tap the Export options button if you want to view your export options. It has an icon that resembles a tray with an arrow pointing up.
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Select your export options. You can adjust the following options:
- Title (desktop only): On desktop, you can give the video a specific file name. To do so, enter in the field next to "Title."
- Export to: (desktop only): On desktop, you can also select a specific location to export the video to. To do so, click the icon that resembles a folder and select the location you want to save the video file to.
- AI Ultra HD: This is a subscription feature, but you get a few free tries per month. This option will use AI to enhance your video and make it smoother. To enable this feature, click the toggle switch next to AI Ultra HD.
- Resolution: This allows you to select the final resolution for your video. Use the slider bar on mobile or the drop-down menu on desktop to select the video resolution. 1080p is standard HD.
- Frame rate: This allows you to select how many frames per second you want your video to have. Use the slider bar or drop-down menu to select the frame rate. 30 frames per second is standard cinematic quality. 60 frames per second is good for fast motion.
- Codec (desktop only): On desktop, you can select a specific codec for the video. This determines how the video is compressed and read. H.264 is the standard codec for standard HD (1080p) videos. Select HEVC if the video is 4K quality.
- Format (desktop only): On desktop, you can select the video file output. MP4 is the video format that is most common and most compatible with a variety of platforms and systems.
On mobile, it’s in the upper-right corner. On desktop, it’s in the lower-right corner of the Export window. This will render and export your video project.
On mobile, you can instantly share your video on social media right after you export it. Tap Share to TikTok to instantly share it on TikTok. You can also tap the option to share it on Lemon8, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or more.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I retain quality and make my video look crisp and smooth?

João Homem
Film & Media Industry Expert
João Homem is a Professional Colorist and Film & Media Industry Expert based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Escuro Studios, a Canadian full-service production company, he oversees creative development and both pre- and post-production for diverse projects, including music videos, commercials, films, and TV series. He is also the CEO and founder of Cromatic Elements, an online asset store for filmmakers that supports emerging professionals by providing a platform to share high-quality tools, insights, and assets across multiple creative fields. Originally created to develop filmic assets for personal use, Cromatic has grown into a community-driven space where up-and-coming creatives can access resources designed by top industry professionals. João’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and offering accessible, authentic tools has positioned Cromatic as a valuable resource for filmmakers around the world.

João Homem

Film & Media Industry Expert

Expert Answer

Start by using high-quality footage. Keep your video settings high throughout the editing process and export in high resolution (1080p or higher) and a consistent frame rate (30 fps or 60 fps). You should also avoid excessive compression when exporting and avoid overdoing effects, filters, or sharpness adjustments. And don't forget to use the built-in stabilization feature if your footage is shaky to create a more polished and professional look.

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How do I post templates that I made from others?

Michelle S. Peak

Community Answer

Open the CapCut app and create a new project. Import the template that you want to use. You can do this by clicking on the Import button and selecting the template from your device. Edit the template as you see fit. You can add or remove layers, change the text, or adjust the effects. Once you are satisfied with the edited template, export it. When you are exporting the template, make sure to select the Share as template option. Enter a title and description for your template. Click on the Share button to post your template.

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Question

How do I loop a video?

Muhammad Kamran

Community Answer

To loop a video in CapCut: Open CapCut and import the video you want to loop. Tap on the video clip in the timeline, then tap on the "Duplicate" option. This will create a copy of the clip right after the original one. Continue duplicating the clip as many times as needed to achieve the desired loop length. Once you have enough duplicates to create the loop effect, export the video. This method allows you to create a continuous loop of your video within CapCut.

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