How to Use CapCut on PC & Mac: Learn to Edit like a Pro

What is CapCut desktop video editor

CapCut desktop video editor is an AI-powered free video editing software that lets you turn your raw videos into pro-quality content. From memes to AI transformations, CapCut lets creators create content with its user-friendly features, including cutting, speed adjustments, reversals, music integration, stickers, text, and more. The platform suits students, professional video editors, or social media creators on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram. You can upgrade to CapCut Pro+ to unlock some more advanced features.

What are the key features of CapCut for PC

Creating professional videos is easier with CapCut's AI-powered tools that streamline editing and enhance creativity. These features help you produce high-quality content quickly, whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor. Here are the key AI features available on CapCut for PC:

• AI video maker: The AI video maker automatically generates videos from your clips or images, arranging them with smooth transitions and effects. It saves time by suggesting edits, music, and pacing, allowing you to focus on creative direction while producing polished videos effortlessly.
• AI video (Supported by Veo 3.1 & Sora 2): CapCut leverages advanced AI like Veo 3.1 and Sora 2 to analyze your footage and generate professional video edits. These tools enhance visuals, optimize timing, and create seamless storytelling, making complex editing tasks faster and more intuitive.
• AI image (Supported by Seedream 4.0): Using Seedream 4.0, CapCut can generate or enhance images for your videos, including background removal, upscaling, and color correction. This AI text-to-image generator ensures your visuals are crisp, high-quality, and ready to integrate seamlessly into any project.
• Effortless video reframing with auto reframe technology: CapCut desktop video editor lets you tailor your content for various platforms and media-playing devices by customizing the aspect ratio, like 4:3, 1:1, or 16:9. That way, you can engage your audience with standout content and seamless playback transitions.
• Generate captions automatically from video and audio: Manual text entries can become tedious, especially for beginners learning how to use CapCut on PC. Hence, consider using the Voiceover and auto captions tools to automatically generate captions and stylize them collectively with a simple click.
• Auto cut for removing backgrounds with one click: CapCut's auto cutout function lets you remove the background with one click. You can also use the chroma key feature to remove the green color and replace it with a color or background of your choice.
• Various video editing tools for professional video creators: CapCut's superb editing tools, such as split scene, keyframe, mask, etc, simplify the video editing process for beginners and pros alike. Creators can leverage CapCut to create distinct, one-of-a-kind ads for brands, allowing them to command premium rates and maintain a competitive edge.
• The perfect companion for TikTok and YouTube creators: CapCut desktop video editor can help content creators condense longer videos into TikTok and YouTube shorts. Best of all, they don't need to spend the time and effort shooting the video themselves, but can use the provided pro-templates or stock footage.

How to use CapCut on PC & Mac（Essential tools）

To get started with CapCut on PC and Mac, it's important to familiarize yourself with its essential tools. Understanding these key features will help you edit efficiently and create professional-quality videos with ease. Here is how to get started:

STEP 1
1. Import video

• Launch CapCut and select "Create project" from the main interface.
• Click "Import" to upload your media from your device.
• Once imported, you can start editing your video using CapCut's built-in tools.

STEP 2
1. Edit video

• Split scene
• Select your video in the timeline and place the playhead where you want to split.
• Click the "Split" icon to divide the clip.
• Repeat this process to split scenes as needed for precise editing.

• Auto reframe
• Go to "Video" > "Basic" and scroll to "Auto reframe".
• Enable it and choose the desired aspect ratio(s) for your video.
• CapCut automatically keeps the main content centred, making it ideal for multi-platform posting.

• Add transitions, filters, effects, and stickers
• Open the "Transition" tab to explore and apply smooth transitions between clips.
• Use "Filters" to apply aesthetic looks, such as Humble, Bad Bunny, Freedom, or Hollywood Past.
• Go to "Effects" > "Video effects" to enhance your visuals with dynamic effects.
• Add custom stickers for a creative and engaging touch.

• Generate auto captions
• To access the auto caption generator, navigate to "Captions" > "Auto captions" and select the video's language.
• Click "Generate" to automatically create synced captions for your video.

• Add music and a voice changer
• Go to "Audio" > "Music" to explore and add background tracks from various themes.
• Add "Sound effects" to enhance the mood or action in your video.
• Use "Audio" > "Voice changer" > "Voice filters" to modify voices with options like Micro, Low, High, Sweet, or Flashback.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

• Once editing is complete, open the "Export" section.
• Adjust video settings like resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate.
• Click "Export" to save the video to your device.
• Optionally, share your video instantly on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.

How to use CapCut on PC & Mac（AI video editing tools）

You can use CapCut for AI-powered video editing to speed up your workflow and create professional results in minutes. Here is how you can use these features effectively:

STEP 1
1. Import video

• Launch CapCut and create a new project.
• Click "Import" to upload your media from your device.
• Drag the imported files into the timeline to start editing.

STEP 2
1. Edit video

• Convert text to video
• Go to "AI media" > "AI video" from the left sidebar.
• Select "Text to video" and enter a detailed prompt for your video.
• Choose a model like "Seedance 1.0", adjust the duration, and select the aspect ratio.
• Click "Generate" to let AI convert your text into a full video.

• Convert image to video
• Navigate to "AI media" > "AI video" and choose "Image to video".
• Use "Import image" to upload your image.
• Enter the prompt explaining how you want your image animated.
• Select a model such as "Seedance 1.0" or "Runway", choose duration and aspect ratio, then hit "Generate". CapCut will convert your image into a dynamic video in seconds.

• Convert text to speech
• Go to "Text" > "Add text" to place a text box on the timeline.
• Type or paste your script in the right-side editor.
• You can also use "AI writer" to instantly generate a script.
• Click "Text to speech", choose a voice style, and hit "Generate speech" to create AI narration.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

• Click the "Export" button at the top right. Adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and codec.
• Hit "Export" again to save the video to your device.
• You can also share it directly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

How to use CapCut on PC & Mac（AI video maker）

You can use CapCut's powerful "AI video maker" to turn scripts into polished videos within minutes. Here is how you can use these features effectively:

STEP 1
1. Access the AI video maker

• Launch CapCut on your PC or Mac and select the "AI video maker" from the main dashboard. This takes you directly to CapCut's AI workspace, where you can begin generating your video.

STEP 2
1. Generate the video

• Choose the "Instant AI video" feature from the available options.
• Select your preferred style, such as Realistic Film, Cartoon 3D, or Movie, for your video's appearance.
• Pick the aspect ratio, then use the "Enter script" box to type your script or click "Generate script" to let AI write it for you.
• Select the voice style and video duration, then click "Create" to let CapCut generate the full video.

STEP 3
1. Customize the video

• Once the video is generated, go to "Scenes" and select "Media" to replace any scene or generate new visuals using AI.
• Use the "Voiceover" option to add narration or modify the existing AI-generated voice.
• Go to "Elements" to apply caption templates for clean, ready-to-use subtitles.
• Select "Music" to add background music from CapCut's library for a more engaging final output.

STEP 4
1. Export and share

• When editing is complete, click "Export" and adjust video settings such as resolution, bitrate, and format.
• Hit "Export" to save the final video to your device and share it anywhere you like.

How to use CapCut on PC & Mac（AI image tools）

You can use CapCut's AI image tools to turn ideas into high-quality visuals instantly. Here's how you can use these features step by step.

STEP 1
1. Access AI design

• Launch CapCut and select the "AI design" feature from the main dashboard.

STEP 2
1. Convert text to an image

• Enter your prompt in the text box or use the "Upload" option to add a reference image for better accuracy.
• Click "Send" and CapCut will generate an image based on your input.
• Example Prompt:
• "Create a professional influencer-style model photo in a bright sunny theme. Use warm golden lighting, soft shadows, and a clean outdoor background. The model should look confident, stylish, and naturally glowing."

STEP 3
1. Edit your image

• Click "AI tools" > "Upscale" to enhance image quality and sharpen important details.
• Use the "Remove background" feature to eliminate unwanted backdrops and create a clean, isolated subject.
• Select the "Adjust" icon and apply "AI color correction" to improve brightness, contrast, and color tones.
• You can also add text, stickers, filters, and effects to give your image a polished and creative look.

STEP 4
1. Export and share

• Click the "Download" button in the top-right corner and adjust the format, quality, and resolution.
• Select "Download" again to save the image to your device.
• You can also share it instantly on platforms like Instagram or Facebook if needed.

Mastering CapCut on PC and Mac allows you to create polished, professional-quality edits with ease. From AI-powered tools like automatic captions, background removal, and smart templates to manual adjustments such as trimming, transitions, and color grading, every feature helps bring your creative vision to life. Learning how to use CapCut on PC streamlines your workflow, making complex edits faster and more intuitive. Start experimenting with its advanced functions today, and unlock your full potential in video creation, whether you're producing content for social media, tutorials, or personal projects.

FAQs

1
1. Is CapCut a good editing app?

Yes, CapCut is an excellent video editing app available on the web, desktop, and mobile phones. It offers a comprehensive suite of video editing features, including access to stock images and videos. Best of all, it's free to use, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced editors looking for a versatile and powerful tool.

2
1. Is CapCut easy to use?

Yes. Even if you're an amateur learning how to use CapCut on PC, its intuitive and easy-to-use interface will make you feel and leave like a pro. You can create and edit incredible videos anywhere, including your desktop, browser, or iPhone.

3
1. How do I use CapCut directly from TikTok?

Before using CapCut on PC, you can log in to your TikTok account. CapCut connects with TikTok and lets you import your favorite videos and audio for editing. This compatibility cements why CapCut is the best all-in-one creative platform.

4
1. Why do people use CapCut?

People use CapCut because of its magical AI features and built-in stock assets like royalty-free music and videos. That's not all. The tool is free to use unless you want to upgrade and use its pro features, which will open up your creativity boundaries with little to no extra cost.

5
1. What is the difference between CapCut Pro and the free version?

CapCut Pro is a paid version of CapCut with access to advanced features and tools, and media editing capabilities. On the other hand, the free version is a ready-to-go version of the app. Either way, they possess a wealth of features, including stock videos, images, audio, various text effects, automatic captioning, and much more.

If you want to learn more about how you can use CapCut for your next video editing project, you may find the following article helpful.

CapCut tutorial for beginners

How to use CapCut