Capcut on desktop deleted all my projects

Hi,

Here's a breakdown of potential reasons why this happened and what you might be able to do to recover your work:

What are the reasons for this to happen? 

• App glitch or bug: A glitch within the CapCut app itself could be the culprit. Software can sometimes have unexpected errors that lead to data loss.
• Storage issues:
  • Full storage: If your device's storage (phone, tablet, or computer) was critically full, it might have caused issues with CapCut saving or loading project data.
  • Storage corruption: Less commonly, storage media can become corrupted, which could lead to project files becoming inaccessible.
• Account or sync problems:
  • Incorrect account: If you use CapCut's cloud sync features, ensure you are logged into the correct account. Projects might be associated with a different account than what you have logged into currently.
  • Syncing issues: Problems with CapCut's cloud syncing could potentially lead to projects not loading correctly or appearing to be lost.
• App update issues: Sometimes, app updates can cause unexpected problems with existing projects, though data loss is less common with updates.
• Accidental deletion: While you did not mention deleting them, it is worth considering if there is any chance projects were accidentally removed.

What steps you can take in order to recover them?

1. Restart your device: A simple restart of your phone, tablet, or computer can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. After restarting, reopen CapCut and check if your projects have reappeared.

2. Create a New Project:

   • Sometimes creating a new project, closing the application, and then reopening it can cause missing projects to reappear.
   • While this method isn't guaranteed, it's a simple step worth trying.
3. Check CapCut's "Me" section/profile:
   • In CapCut, look for a "Me" or profile section (at the bottom right in the mobile app, or in the top menu on desktop).
   • Within your profile, there would be a section for "Cloud Space" or "Projects." See if your projects are stored there, especially if you were using cloud syncing.
4. Look in local storage (Android & Desktop):
   • Android: Use a file manager app on your Android device. Navigate to the internal storage and look for folders related to CapCut (e.g., Android/data/com.lemon.lvoverseas/files/draft/). Project files might be stored here, though they may not be easily recognizable or directly importable.
   • Desktop (Windows/Mac): CapCut desktop projects are often saved in a local folder. The exact location can vary, but you can try searching your computer's file explorer for folders named "CapCut," "CapCut Projects," or similar. Look for project files with extensions like .caproj (for CapCut desktop).
5. Check the recycle bin/trash (Desktop): If you were using CapCut on a computer, check your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) to see if any CapCut project files were accidentally deleted.
6. Reinstall CapCut: As a last resort, you could try uninstalling and reinstalling CapCut. However, be very cautious with this step, especially on mobile, as uninstalling might delete local app data, potentially including project files if they are stored locally and not synced. If you do reinstall, check your cloud account after reinstalling to see if projects sync back.

7. Utilize data recovery software:

   • If the above methods don't work, consider using data recovery tools to scan your system for lost or deleted files.
   • Software like Wondershare Recoverit or iMyFone D-Back can help retrieve lost CapCut projects.
   • Ensure you follow the software instructions carefully to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
   • You can read our detailed guide on how to recover your lost projects from here.
   • Watch the video guide here
8. Contact CapCut support: If none of the above steps work, write an email to [email protected]. They will tell you about more debugging steps and provide specific advice or tools to help recover lost projects, depending on the circumstances. You can usually find support options within the CapCut app itself (in the "Me" or "Settings" section).

How to prevent such data losses in the future?

• Regularly back up projects:
  • Cloud sync: Utilize CapCut's cloud sync feature if you have an account. Ensure syncing is enabled to regularly back up your projects to the cloud.
  • Manual backup: For desktop CapCut, periodically manually copy your project folders to an external drive or cloud storage service for backup.
• Ensure sufficient storage: Keep an eye on your device's storage space and make sure you have plenty of free space available, especially when working with large video projects.
• Save frequently: While CapCut usually auto-saves, manually save your projects periodically during editing, especially before exiting the app or making major changes.
• Keep app updated: Keep your CapCut app updated to the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and improvements that could prevent issues like project loss.
• Avoid unnecessary deletions:
  • Be cautious when deleting files or clearing caches, as this can inadvertently remove project data.
  • Before deleting, verify that the files aren't associated with active projects.

Unfortunately, data loss situations can be difficult, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to recover your projects. However, by systematically checking these steps, you might have a chance of finding your lost work. In the future, implementing backup strategies will be crucial to protect your valuable editing work.