Unable to open video from cloud on desktop

Hi,

We understand that you are facing problem accessing the same CapCut projects across devices. While the mobile version allows uploading projects to the cloud, these projects aren't always accessible or editable on the desktop version, leading to the error message you have encountered.

Determining the cause of this problem: Cloud sync limitations

CapCut's cloud storage primarily syncs your project files (the edit instructions, timeline, effects, etc.), not the actual video media. When you upload a project from mobile, it uploads the recipe for your edit. While the cloud might store some lower-resolution previews, the desktop version needs access to the original, full-resolution video files to reconstruct the edit.

Here's why this often fails:

• Your original video files are likely stored on your mobile device. The desktop version has no way to access them directly.
• Uploading large video files to the cloud for every project would be incredibly bandwidth-intensive and storage-heavy. Remember that CapCut offers 5 GB storage for free users and 100 GB for Pro users. CapCut's cloud storage, even for Pro users, is not designed for this.

Rule out project compatibility issues:

• While CapCut aims for cross-device compatibility, there might be specific features or effects used in your mobile project that are not fully supported or recognized by the desktop version. This could lead to the project not opening correctly.
• Solution:
  • Simplify the project and see if it helps: As a test, try creating a very simple project on your mobile device with basic edits and upload it to the cloud. Then, try opening this simple project on desktop. If it works, it might indicate that the issue is related to complexity or specific features in your original project.
  • Check for unsupported features: If the simple project works, review your original mobile project for any advanced effects, transitions, or third-party plugins that might not be fully compatible with the desktop version. Consider temporarily removing or simplifying these elements in the mobile version, re-syncing, and then trying to open on desktop again. You can always re-add or adjust these features on desktop if needed, using desktop-compatible alternatives.

Software version mismatch:

• It is possible that you are running different versions of CapCut on your mobile and desktop devices. While CapCut generally aims for backward compatibility, using significantly different versions could sometimes cause project loading issues.
• Make sure both your CapCut mobile app and CapCut desktop application are updated to the latest versions available. Check the app stores (Google Play Store/Apple App Store) for mobile and download the desktop version here to download and install updates.

Project corruption issue:

• In rare cases, the project file itself might have become corrupted during the upload or syncing process.
• Try exporting your project as a video file from the mobile app (to your phone's storage or cloud backup). Then, create a new project on your mobile device and import this exported video file. Make any necessary adjustments, and then try uploading this new project to the cloud and opening it on desktop. This can sometimes resolve underlying project file issues.

How to solve this problem?

Generally speaking if you are using the same account across all devices and accessing projects through the cloud feature you should be able to access the projects.

Basic checks:

Lets get to the basics. Follow these steps initially:

• The project might not have fully synced to the cloud from your mobile device. This could be due to a slow or unstable internet connection, or a delay in CapCut's syncing process.
• Ensure both your mobile and desktop devices have a stable and strong internet connection.
• In the CapCut mobile app, try manually syncing your project again. Look for a cloud icon or sync option associated with your project and tap it to initiate a fresh sync.
• Give it some time (e.g., 15-30 minutes) for the project to fully sync to the cloud, especially if it's a large video file. Then, try opening it again on the desktop version.
• It is important to be logged into the same CapCut Pro account on both your mobile and desktop devices. If you have accidentally logged into different accounts, or a free account on desktop, you won't be able to access your Pro cloud projects.
• Double-check that you are logged in with the exact same CapCut Pro account credentials (email address, etc.) on both the mobile and desktop applications. Log out and log back in on both devices to be absolutely sure.

However, if the same is not working then a more dependable approach involves exporting your project from the mobile app and importing it into the desktop version.

1. Export the project on mobile:

   • Open your project in CapCut on your mobile device.
   • Export the video to your device's storage.

2. Transfer the exported video to your PC:

   • Use a file transfer method (such as USB cable, cloud storage service, or email) to move the exported video file from your mobile device to your computer.

3. Import the video into CapCut desktop:

   • Open CapCut on your PC.
   • In CapCut desktop, you will need to relink or import the video files you transferred. CapCut will then use these local files to reconstruct your project.

Please note that this method imports the video as a single file, and you won't have access to individual editing layers or elements from the original project.

Other things to consider:

• "Draft" vs. "Project" terminology: A "draft" on mobile might not be fully compatible as a "project" on desktop. Make sure you are saving your workflow on mobile in a way that is intended for cross-device access.
• The cloud syncs the edit instructions, not the raw video.
• In such cases you will need to transfer the original video files to your desktop.

Recommendation:

Given the current limitations, it's advisable to complete your editing workflow on a single platform (either mobile or desktop) to avoid compatibility issues. Alternatively, consider using the export-import method described above for basic edits.

The manual file transfer is the most straightforward and reliable method. It might seem a bit tedious, but it avoids the complexities and limitations of cloud storage for large video files.

Please note that the development team takes such feedback into consideration and might be working on a full mobile-PC compatibility and will be hopefully available in the next versions.

For a video guide on transferring CapCut projects between devices, you might find this tutorial helpful:

We hope this information clarifies the current capabilities of CapCut regarding cross-platform project editing.