Hello, could you please tell me if the CapCut online editor has the same features as the desktop version? Additionally, I got the desktop version, but it won't let me post a video because of disk-related problems; it tells me please upgrade. If you have the desktop version installed, isn't it free to upload?
Hi,
No, they aren't identical, though they share the same DNA. Think of the online editor as a "lite" version for quick social clips, while the desktop version is the "pro" powerhouse for serious projects.
Regarding your export issue, the "upgrade" message is a confusingly worded error. It usually doesn't mean you need to pay for a subscription as it often means your hardware or storage needs an "upgrade" (clean-up) to handle the file.
CapCut Online vs Desktop — Feature Differences
CapCut Online (Web Editor)
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Accessible in your browser without installation.
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Great for quick edits, templates, basic trimming, and effects.
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Includes cloud access & real-time collaboration features.
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You can export/share directly to social media from the web.
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Certain advanced tools (like green screen or full feature set) can be missing or limited compared to desktop.
Good for: beginners, light editing, quick social media projects.
CapCut Desktop (Installed App)
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More powerful: supports true timeline editing with layers, keyframes, advanced color editing, audio controls, and heavier tools.
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Works fully offline once installed.
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Better handling of large, complex projects versus browser editor.
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Generally more editing tools and effects than the web version.
Good for: serious editing, larger videos, more professional workflows.
Feature comparison summary
| Feature | Web Editor | Desktop App |
|---|---|---|
| Basic editing (cut/trim) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Templates & effects | ✔️ | ✔️ (more) |
| Advanced editing tools (keyframes, color) | ❌ or limited | ✔️ |
| Offline editing | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Collaboration & cloud | ✔️ | Limited |
| Performance (large projects) | Lower (browser limits) | Higher |
Bottom line: Desktop generally has more features and power, while web is simpler and more convenient.
Your desktop version issue: “Disk-related problems / Please upgrade”
Why might it be asking you to upgrade?
Despite CapCut offering a free desktop version for editing and exporting videos in many regions, there are a few causes for the prompt you’re seeing:
Free vs Paid (Pro)
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CapCut Free/Standard lets you edit and export normally, but:
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Some advanced export options (like very high resolution, no watermarks, or certain effects) requires a Pro subscription.
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CapCut Pro unlocks:
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Higher export quality (like 4K or premium codecs)
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Premium effects, stock assets, AI tools
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No watermarks on some templates or assets
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Cloud storage or collaborative features
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Exporting can be restricted behind a paid tier depending on the platform and account.
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So if CapCut is showing “upgrade” when trying to export, it means it is requiring a Pro upgrade for that specific export setting or feature (not just because it’s desktop).
About the “disk-related” note
This could be:
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A prompt incorrectly translated as suggesting a license upgrade. (Sometimes the wording is unclear.)
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A message tied to resource limits in the free tier (e.g., high-resolution export disabled).
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A request to sign into an account to enable upload/export.
It doesn’t necessarily mean the app is paid to use in the first place — the desktop app itself is free to install/edit.
Fixing the "Disk Problems/Please Upgrade" Error
If you are using the desktop version, uploading and exporting is free (unless you used "Pro" stickers or effects). That "Please Upgrade" message is usually a technical glitch related to your computer's storage.
1. Clear the cache
CapCut stores huge temporary files that can "choke" your disk.
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Go to Settings (hex icon) on the main homepage or top menu.
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Under the Project or Cache tab, click the Delete icon next to "Cache Size."
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Note: This won't delete your videos, just temporary files.
2. Check your "save to" path
CapCut might be trying to export to a drive that is full or restricted.
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In the Export window, look at the Export to folder path.
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Try changing the location to a different drive or your Desktop.
3. Disable "Hardware Encoding"
Sometimes your graphics card "trips" during the export.
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Go to Settings > Performance.
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Uncheck Speed up hardware encoding.
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Restart CapCut and try to export again.
4. Watch Out for "Pro" Features
If you used a transition or effect with a small "Pro" tag in the corner, CapCut will block the export and ask you to "Join Pro" (Upgrade).
Tip: Look through your timeline for any effects with a purple "Pro" icon. Remove them, and the "Export" button should turn from "Upgrade to Export" back to a regular free export.
Key Takeaways
CapCut desktop is free to download and edit on.
However, some export/upload features (especially premium ones like high resolution or advanced AI cleanup) may require upgrading to Pro.
The online version is more limited in tool depth but convenient and doesn’t need installation.
Tips to fix your export issue
If CapCut won’t let you upload/export:
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Check which export quality you selected — try a lower resolution (e.g., 1080p).
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Sign into your CapCut account — some desktop exports require login.
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Try the online editor and export from there as a temporary workaround.
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If it still blocks, it likely indicates a Pro-only export feature.
If you want step-by-step help with the exact error message you are seeing, just share the full text of the message as a reply to this post and we can walk you through precise fixes.
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