Replaceable material clips (also called "editable" or "placeholder" clips) let other users swap your original media with their own when using your template. This feature is only available on CapCut Mobile and Web as of December 2025. The Desktop app does not support creating or defining replaceable clips.
Below are the step-by-step instructions for each supported platform:
CapCut Online
- Step 1: Complete your project in the CapCut Web editor using your own videos, images, effects, and audio.
- Step 2: In the top-right corner, click the "Share" button, then select "Share as Template."
- Step 3: On the next screen, you'll see the "Set Replaceable Clips" panel. Go to the "Media" tab to view all clips in your timeline.
- Step 4: Check the box next to any video or image you want to make replaceable. If available, click the gear icon next to a selected clip to set advanced options—such as maximum duration or media type restrictions (e.g., "image only").
- Step 5: Add a clear title and optional description for your template.
- Step 6: Click "Publish Template." Users who open your template will see a "Click to Replace" overlay on the clips you designated.
📍 Note: Templates published via Web automatically sync to your CapCut account and appear in "My Templates" on mobile.
❌ CapCut Desktop (Windows / macOS)
CapCut Desktop does not support setting replaceable material clips. While you can edit projects with high precision and even open templates that contain editable placeholders (imported from Mobile or Web), the desktop app provides no interface to mark clips as replaceable during template creation.
If you save a project as a .capcut file on Desktop and share it, recipients will receive your original media with no ability to replace individual clips through the standard template workflow.
📍 Workaround: Finalize your edits on Desktop, export the video, then re-import it into the Mobile App or Web Editor to publish as a proper editable template.
CapCut Mobile App (iOS / Android)
- Step 1: Finish editing your video project, including all effects, text, music, and transitions. Identify which clips you want others to be able to replace (e.g., a plain background shot or labeled placeholder).
- Step 2: On the export screen, tap "Post as Template" instead of "Export." This button is usually centered at the bottom of the screen.
- Step 3: Enter a title for your template and select a cover image, then tap "Next."
- Step 4: You'll be taken to the "Confirm editable clips" page. Under the Videos section, browse through thumbnails of all media clips in your timeline.
- Step 5: Tap each clip you want users to replace. A checkmark or "Editable" badge will appear on selected clips. (In some regions, you can long-press a clip to restrict replacement to images only or videos only.)
- Step 6: Tap "Post" to publish your template. Once live, anyone who uses it will see a "Replace" button on the clips you marked.
📍 Tip: Only clips explicitly marked in Step 5 will be replaceable. All other elements—like filters, motion graphics, or audio—remain locked unless you separately enable text/audio editing.
🔑 Best Practices
- Test your template: After publishing, open it in a new project and try replacing clips to verify functionality.
- Limit editable clips: Mark only 1–3 key segments to avoid confusing users.
- Add visual cues: Use non-editable text like "Your Video Here" to guide users.
- Optimize media: Use JPEG (not HEIC) and keep images under 10 MB for reliable replacement across devices.
By following these steps, you can create flexible, user-friendly templates that empower others to personalize your creative vision.