Some footage in project are corrupted

Hi,

The "Some footage in project are corrupted" message in CapCut is a known issue, and while there's no guaranteed fix, there are several steps you can try to recover your project.

Here's what you can do, ranging from simple troubleshooting to more advanced recovery methods:

Possible Causes:

• The original media files (video, audio, images) were moved, renamed, or deleted from your device.

• A CapCut update or crash corrupted part of the draft.

• File storage cleanup (either manually or via device system optimizations) removed temporary CapCut data.

• Network sync failure if it was a cloud project.

1. Basic Troubleshooting within CapCut:

• Restart CapCut and your device: This often resolves temporary glitches. Close the app completely and reopen it. If that doesn't work, restart your phone/computer.

• Check "Trash" or "Cloud Space" in CapCut: If you accidentally deleted the project or if it was partially synced to the cloud, it might be in the trash folder within CapCut or in your CapCut cloud space (if you have that feature enabled).

  • On PC, look for a "Trash" button on the right side of the interface. Projects are typically kept for 30 days.

  • If you're using the online version or have cloud upload enabled, check "My Space" or the "Library" section for uploaded videos and drafts.

• Clear CapCut's cache (with caution): This can sometimes resolve corruption issues by removing temporary files.

  • On Android: Go to your device's Settings > Apps > CapCut > Storage > Clear Cache. Do NOT clear data, as this could delete your projects.

  • On iPhone: You might see an "Offload App" option, which frees up storage without deleting app data.

  • Important Note: It is advised against clearing the cache if you're trying to recover deleted data, as it can permanently remove it. However, in cases of corruption where the project won't open, clearing the cache might help. Proceed with caution.

• Duplicate the project (if you can access it at all): Try duplicating the corrupted project (if the option is available next to it) and then trying to open the duplicated version. After opening the duplicate, try making a small change (like adjusting saturation from 0 to 1) and then exporting.

2. Check for Original Footage:

• Locate your original video files: The "footage corrupted" message suggests an issue with the source media. Ensure that all the original video clips you used in the project are still on your device (or external storage) in their original location and are not corrupted themselves. If they were on an external drive, ensure the drive is properly connected and functioning.

• Re-import footage into a new project: If you still have all your original video files, you could try starting a new CapCut project and re-importing all the footage. This is a last resort if you cannot recover the old draft, but it would mean re-doing your edits.

3. Check if It Was a Cloud Project

If your draft was saved to CapCut Cloud:

• Open CapCut.

• Tap Profile (Me) at the bottom right.

• Go to Cloud Projects (or “My Space” if you’re using a different language setting).

• See if the project appears there. Try opening from this list.

If yes:

• Tap the project and wait for it to fully sync.

• Make sure you're on a strong Wi-Fi connection.

• If you reinstalled CapCut recently, and the cloud project isn’t there, it's possible that the cloud sync was not enabled or failed during saving.

4. Check Internal Storage (Android only)

If you're on Android:

• Use a file manager and navigate to:

   

  Internal Storage > Android > data > com.lemon.lvoverseas > files > capcut_projects


• See if the folder with your project name exists. If yes, do not delete anything.

You can try copying this folder to a safe location. Advanced users can attempt to manually rebuild projects or reach out to CapCut’s support for recovery help using these files.

5. Check iCloud (iPhone only)

If you're using iOS and iCloud backup was enabled, check:

• Files > iCloud Drive > CapCut to see if anything useful is stored there.

• Also go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > CapCut to see if it’s using any data.

6. Data Recovery Software (for deleted/lost files):

• If the original video files themselves are corrupted or you suspect the project file was deleted, data recovery software might be able to help. These tools scan your device's storage for lost or deleted files.

  • Examples of such software include Stellar Photo Recovery Premium(for PC) or iMyFone D-Back (for iPhone, Android, and PC).

  • This is typically a paid solution and success is not guaranteed, but it's an option if the files are truly gone from your device.

7. Check Device Backups:

• Mac (Time Machine): If you're using CapCut on a Mac and have Time Machine enabled, you might be able to restore an earlier version of your CapCut project folder from a backup.

• Windows (File History): Similarly, on Windows 10/11, if you have File History turned on, you might be able to recover an older version of the project files.

8. Contact CapCut Support:

• This is highly recommended, especially since the project is very important to you. Support will have specific troubleshooting steps or be able to offer more direct assistance.

• Email: capcut.support@bytedance.com

• Go to CapCut app → Me (Profile) → Settings (⚙️) → Help Center / Feedback.

• Tap Report a Problem → choose Editing or Project Issue.

• Write that your draft has become corrupted and attach screenshots or any error messages.

• Social Media: You can also try reaching out to CapCut support on the Facebook (@CapCutapp) or Instagram (@CapCutapp) pages. Be concise and patient, as they receive many inquiries.

Optional Last Resort (If You Have the Footage)

If the original video clips are still on your phone or cloud:

• Create a new project and try manually re-importing your clips.

• Use CapCut’s auto editing or AI highlights as a starting point if you don’t remember every cut.

• If you saved an export earlier, you can also edit that exported file.

Important Considerations to Prevent Future Issues:

• Regularly export drafts: Even if a project isn't finished, frequently exporting a version of your progress can act as a backup.

• Back up your original media: Always keep copies of your original video and audio files in a separate, secure location (e.g., cloud storage, external hard drive).

• Utilize CapCut's cloud sync: This can help if your local files get corrupted or lost.

• Ensure sufficient storage: Low storage space can sometimes lead to app instability and file corruption.

• Keep CapCut updated: Ensure you're running the latest version of CapCut, as updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements.

We understand this is a stressful situation. Start with the simpler troubleshooting steps, and if those don't work, consider reaching out to CapCut support or exploring data recovery options. Good luck!