Web Platform Lag

Hi,

It is great to hear you are enjoying the paid features of CapCut. Let us troubleshoot this lag issue you are facing on your MacBook Pro 2013 using the web version.

You are right to suspect that your older MacBook Pro might be contributing to the lag, even with the web version. While the web version avoids installation, it still relies on your computer's hardware to process and display the video, especially for demanding formats like 4K.

Here is a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps to explore:

Potential causes for lag in CapCut web (MacBook Pro 2013)

1. MacBook Pro 2013 Hardware Limitations:

   • Processor & RAM: A 2013 MacBook Pro, while likely capable for many tasks, might have an older processor and potentially less RAM compared to modern machines. 4K video editing, even in a web browser, is still resource-intensive. The web version offloads some processing to the cloud, but your local machine still handles decoding, rendering previews, and browser display.
   • Graphics card: The integrated graphics in a 2013 MacBook Pro might not be optimized for smooth 4K video playback and editing, even in a web browser.

2. 4K NTSC video format:

   • Resolution and data rate: 4K video, by its nature, has a very high resolution and data rate. This means your computer needs to process a lot more information compared to 1080p or lower resolution video.
   • NTSC: While NTSC vs. PAL primarily relates to frame rates and broadcast standards, NTSC 4K at 30fps is still a demanding format in terms of data.

3. Web browser performance:

   • Browser compatibility: While CapCut web should be compatible with modern browsers, certain browsers or browser extensions could potentially impact performance.
   • Browser load: Having many browser tabs open or other browser-based applications running simultaneously can also consume resources and contribute to lag.

4. Internet connection:

   • Upload vs. Editing Lag: Since you have already uploaded the videos, internet speed is less likely to be the primary cause of editing lag. However, a slow or unstable connection could still theoretically impact the web application's responsiveness in some scenarios.

Troubleshooting steps to try

1. Lower playback resolution within CapCut web:

   • Check for preview settings: Look within the CapCut web interface for settings that enable you to reduce the preview resolution or playback quality. CapCut has this feature to improve playback smoothness during editing. Lowering the preview resolution won't affect your final exported video quality, but it can significantly reduce the processing load during editing.

2. Optimize your browser environment:

   • Close unnecessary tabs & applications: Close all other browser tabs and any other applications running on your MacBook Pro while you are editing in CapCut web. This frees up RAM and processing power for CapCut and your browser.
   • Try a different browser: If you are using Safari, try using Chrome or Firefox, or vice versa, to see if browser-specific issues are contributing to the lag.

3. Check your internet connection:

   • Run a Speed Test: Use an online speed test to check your internet upload and download speeds. While less likely to be the main cause of editing lag after upload, a very slow or unstable connection could still contribute to issues with a web application.
   • If possible, use a wired connection to ensure consistent internet speeds.

4. Convert your video to a lower resolution/more web-friendly format (recommended action):

   • Reduce resolution to 1080p: Converting your 4K video to 1080p (Full HD) will significantly reduce the processing demands. 1080p is still high-definition and is often sufficient for web-based video content.
   • Convert to MP4 with H.264 Codec: Ensure your video is in the MP4 format and uses the H.264 video codec. This is a very widely supported and web-friendly format.
   • Use a video converter: Use a free video converter like HandBrake to convert your 4K NTSC videos to 1080p MP4 H.264. HandBrake is available for macOS.
   • Edit the converted videos in CapCut Web: Upload and edit the newly converted 1080p videos in CapCut web and see if the lag improves.

5. Reducing the preview quality can ease the processing load on your system.

   • Adjust Preview Quality:
     • Click the three-line icon above the preview window.
     • Select 'Preview'.
     • Switch from 'Best quality' to 'Best performance'.

   This setting prioritizes smoother playback over preview resolution.

6. Consider proxy editing:

   • Proxy workflow: This involves creating lower-resolution copies of your original video files to edit with. CapCut editor then switches back to the high-resolution originals for final export.
   • Enable Proxy Media in CapCut:
     • Click on the blank space in the timeline (ensure no video is selected).
     • Click the 'Modify' button in the 'Details' section or go to 'Menu' > 'Settings' to open project settings.
     • Navigate to the 'Performance' tab.
     • Turn on the 'Proxy' option and select a resolution (720p or 540p).
     • Click 'Save'.

   • This approach can significantly reduce lag during editing.

7. Revisit the desktop application (cautiously):

   • Basic test: As a last resort, you could cautiously try installing the CapCut desktop application to see if it performs any differently. However, given your concerns about your older laptop, it's possible the desktop app might be even more demanding than the web version. But it is worth a try since application installed on the system will have more stability than the ones which are run through a web browser.
   • Install and test with a short, lower resolution video: If you try the desktop app, install it, but first test it with a very short clip of your converted 1080p video. See if basic playback and simple edits are any smoother. If it is still extremely laggy, it's likely not a viable option for your current hardware.

8. Hardware upgrade (Long-Term Solution):

   • Acknowledge hardware limits: Ultimately, for smooth 4K video editing, especially with demanding codecs and effects, a more modern and powerful computer is often necessary.
   • Consider future upgrades: If video editing is a regular part of your workflow, consider planning for a future upgrade to a newer MacBook Pro or another laptop or desktop with more powerful processing, RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.
   • If possible, upgrade the RAM or switch to a faster storage drive (SSD) on the existing MacBook Pro.

In summary:

The most likely cause of the lag is the combination of your older MacBook Pro's hardware and the demands of 4K video. Converting your videos to 1080p MP4 H.264 is the most practical first step to try. This will significantly reduce the processing load and likely improve your editing experience in CapCut web on your current machine.

Let us know if you try these steps or if you have any more questions. We are here to help further if needed.

For a video guide on improving CapCut performance, you might find this video helpful:

Implementing these strategies should enhance your editing experience with CapCut on your current setup.