Why Can't I Directly Paste My Photo in The Chat Box of AI Design?

If you're trying to paste an image into the AI Design chat box in CapCut and receive an error message like "the image exceeds 10 MB"— even though your file is clearly under 10 MB—the issue is likely not about file size alone, but rather related to file format, encoding, or how the image is being copied.

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CapCut
CapCut
Jan 6, 2026
3 min(s)

If you're trying to paste an image into the AI Design chat box in CapCut and receive an error message like "the image exceeds 10 MB"—even though your file is clearly under 10 MB—the issue is likely not about file size alone, but rather related to file format, encoding, or how the image is being copied. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

Table of content
  1. 1. Verify the Actual File Size
  2. 2. Check Supported Image Formats
  3. 3. Avoid Pasting from Certain Sources
  4. 4. HEIF/HEIC Files on iOS May Cause Confusion
  5. 5. Use Upload Instead of Paste (Recommended)

1. Verify the Actual File Size

  • Right-click the image file (on PC) or check its info (on mobile) to confirm its true size in MB.
  • Some apps display "optimized" or "preview" sizes that differ from the actual file size. The system checks the real file size, not the displayed one.

2. Check Supported Image Formats

CapCut only accepts specific image formats depending on your device:

  • Android: BMP, JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), PNG, WebP
  • iOS: BMP (.bmp), JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), PNG (.png), WebP (.webp), HEIF (.heic, .heif)

📍 If your photo is in an unsupported format (e.g., TIFF, PSD, RAW, SVG, or a renamed file), CapCut may reject it—even if it's small in size.

3. Avoid Pasting from Certain Sources

  • Pasting directly from some apps (like WhatsApp, Notes, or screenshot editors) may embed hidden metadata, layers, or temporary formats that inflate the effective size or change the MIME type.
  • Instead of pasting, save the image to your device first, then upload it using the "Upload" button in the AI Design chat box.

4. HEIF/HEIC Files on iOS May Cause Confusion

  • iPhones often save photos in HEIC format by default (to save space). While CapCut supports HEIF on iOS, some browsers or cross-platform contexts (like Web or Android) do not.
  • If you're using CapCut Web or sharing an iOS photo to an Android device, the HEIC file might be misinterpreted or fail validation.

📍 Solution: Convert HEIC to JPEG or PNG before uploading:

▪️ On iPhone: Go to Settings > Camera > Formats > Choose "Most Compatible" to save future photos as JPEG.

▪️ Or use the Files app to duplicate and convert: Open the photo in Photos → Share → Save to Files → It will auto-convert to JPEG when shared externally.

5. Use Upload Instead of Paste (Recommended)

  • The paste function in web or desktop apps can behave unpredictably due to clipboard limitations.
  • Always use the upload icon in the AI Design chat box to select the file directly from your device. This ensures correct format and size detection.Moreover, you have the option to upload images either locally from this device or from space, depending on where your photos are stored.
Image upload function in AI design

📍 If you do encounter any issues or if you have materials in formats that aren't supported, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We're always here to help address any questions or needs you may have.

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