Quality Loss

Have you selected 4K as the export settings while downloading? Also, you might need to have storage space available on your CapCut account as well apart from on your hard disk.

Hi,

Based on various user experiences, here is a detailed report on why you might be experiencing this quality loss issue in CapCut on Windows and how to maximize your export quality. Try if any of the the below mentioned steps work for you and let us know.

Here is a breakdown of factors that influence video export quality and how to optimize your CapCut settings:

Understanding video quality and file size:

• Bitrate is key: The most significant factor determining your video quality and file size is the bitrate. Bitrate refers to the amount of data used per second of video. A higher bitrate means more data is used to represent each second, resulting in better quality and a larger file size. Conversely, a lower bitrate means more compression, smaller file size, and lower quality meaning more noticeable compression artifacts, less crispness.
• Resolution and frame rate: Resolution (like 1080p, 2160p, 4K and 8K) and frame rate (like 30fps, 60fps) also impact file size, but bitrate is the primary driver of quality. Higher resolution and frame rate videos can benefit from higher bitrates to maintain sharpness.
• Codec (H.264, H.265/HEVC): CapCut uses video codecs like H.264 (AVC) and the more efficient H.265 (HEVC). H.265 can often achieve similar quality to H.264 at a lower bitrate (smaller file size), but H.264 is more widely compatible.

Why your 20GB project might export to 500MB

Your original 45 clips at 400MB each totaling 20GB represent the uncompressed or less compressed size of your source footage. CapCut compresses the video during export to create a manageable output file. This compression is necessary for sharing and playback, but the degree of compression is what impacts quality.

The default export settings in CapCut are often set to create a balance between file size and quality, resulting in smaller file sizes suitable for online sharing. However, this can lead to quality loss if you don't adjust the settings for higher quality.

Optimizing your CapCut export settings for highest quality on Windows:

Here is how to find and adjust the export settings in CapCut on Windows to minimize quality loss:

1. Access export settings: After you have finished editing your video in CapCut and click the "Export" button, you should see export settings options.

2. Resolution:

   • Match source or higher: Ideally, set the resolution to be the same as your source clips or even slightly higher (if your source is already high resolution like 1080p or 4K). Upscaling too much will not magically improve quality if your source is lower resolution, but matching the source resolution is a good starting point.
   • Common options: Look for options like 1920x1080 (1080p or Full HD) or 3840x2160 (4K or Ultra HD) if your source footage supports it.
   • Ensure you have enough space on your local disk or cloud where you are going to save the output especially if you are attempting to save a high resolution which will most likely occupy more space.

3. Frame rate:

   • Generally, it is best to export at the same frame rate as your source footage (e.g., 30fps or 60fps). Changing frame rates during export can sometimes introduce issues.

4. Format and codec:

   • MP4 (H.264): MP4 with the H.264 codec is a widely compatible and generally good choice for quality and file size balance. CapCut defaults to this.
   • HEVC/H.265: If you seen an option for H.265 (HEVC) in CapCut at the time of export, it might offer slightly better quality at a smaller file size compared to H.264. However, HEVC might have slightly less compatibility with older devices or software. If you see this option, you can test it.

5. Bitrate - important for quality:

   • "Recommended" or "Custom" Bitrate: CapCut has a "Recommended" bitrate setting, or it also allows you to choose "Custom" and set the bitrate yourself.
   • Aim for higher bitrate: To maximize quality and minimize loss, you need to increase the bitrate. Find the options for "High Quality" or "Best Quality". If you see a "Custom" bitrate setting in your CapCut, experiment with higher values.
   • Experiment with Bitrate values:
     • Start high: Try setting a bitrate of 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps (Megabits per second) for 1080p video, or even higher ( 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps or more) for 4K video. These are just starting points, and you can adjust based on your needs and testing.
     • Test exports: Export short sections of your video at different bitrates and compare the quality and file size. You can gradually decrease the bitrate until you find a balance between acceptable quality and file size.
     • "CBR" vs. "VBR": CBR means Constant Bitrate which maintains a consistent bitrate throughout the video, which can be good for consistent quality. VBR means Variable Bitrate which adjusts the bitrate dynamically based on the complexity of the scene, potentially saving file size while maintaining quality in simpler scenes. VBR is often a good choice for online delivery, but CBR can be slightly more predictable for quality.

6. Export settings location: In CapCut PC, you can adjust resolution, bitrate, format, and codec in the export settings. You can find these options in the export window after clicking "Export."

Additional tips for maintaining good quality outputs:

• Test exports especially smaller sections: Don't export your entire 20GB project repeatedly while experimenting. Export short, representative sections (a minute or two) with different settings to quickly compare quality and file size.
• Compare side-by-side: When comparing exported videos, view them on a large screen if possible and compare them side-by-side to clearly see the quality differences. Pay attention to sharpness, detail, and compression artifacts (blockiness, blurring etc).
• Device playback: Keep in mind that very high bitrate videos might be more demanding to play back, especially on older or less powerful devices. Ensure your playback device can handle the quality you are aiming for.
• Windows might be an issue: While CapCut is available on Windows, the mobile versions (Android/iOS) are its primary platforms. However, the Windows version should still be capable of high-quality exports. It is less likely that Windows itself is the direct cause of quality loss, but rather the default export settings might be more geared towards smaller file sizes on the Windows version. Focus on finding and adjusting the bitrate settings within CapCut on Windows.

For a visual guide on optimizing export settings and obtaining higher quality in CapCut, you might find this tutorial helpful:

By adjusting these settings, you should be able to export videos that closely match the quality of your original clips.

The key to improving export quality in CapCut is to increase the bitrate in the export settings. Experiment with higher bitrate values, test short exports, and visually compare the results to find the best balance of quality and file size for your needs. Make sure you are exporting at a resolution and frame rate that matches or is close to your source footage.