I always create compounds for multiple videos and assets to make my work easier. This really helps to keep my timeline organized. And if I need them again, I can just search for them in the subproject.
But now everything is gone. All my presets are gone along with the compounds.
Normally, when I create a compound and then delete it from the timeline, it would still remain there and I could use it again later if needed. However, for some reason now all of my subprojects are gone.
When I create a compound, it does appear in the Subproject tab. But if I delete it from the timeline, the compound in the Subproject tab disappears as well.
Please, is there any solution to this?
Hi,
Your Subprojects / Compounds are no longer being saved independently in CapCut.
Based on what you described, this usually happens for one of these reasons:
1. You are in a Different Project Type (Cloud vs Local)
CapCut now separates:
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Local Projects
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Cloud Projects (CapCut Space)
If you are working in a Cloud project, compounds sometimes behave differently and may only exist while used in the timeline.
How to Check:
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Go to Home screen
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See if your project is labeled Cloud or Local
If you are in Cloud mode, try creating a new Local project and test if compounds stay after deleting them from the timeline.
2. CapCut Version Update Changed Behavior
Recent updates of CapCut (especially desktop) modified how Subprojects / Compounds are stored.
In newer builds:
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A compound only remains in Subprojects if it exists in the timeline.
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Deleting it removes its reference entirely.
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It behaves more like a nested clip than a saved asset.
This is unfortunately intentional in some versions.
3. Project File Corruption
If this is happening in only one project:
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The project database might be corrupted.
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Subproject references may have been wiped.
Try:
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Open an older backup project
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Create a brand new project and test compound behavior there
Solutions / Workarounds
Solution 1: Convert Compounds into Templates
Instead of relying on Subprojects:
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Create your compound
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Right-click it
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Export it as a project file OR save as a template
Then import it when needed.
This makes it permanent.
Solution 2: Keep a “Compound Storage Timeline”
Create:
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A separate sequence called:
Compound Library -
Place all your compounds there
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Never delete them
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Just disable the track (don’t remove the clips)
This prevents CapCut from removing them from Subprojects.
Solution 3: Use Project Duplication
If you rely heavily on reusable presets:
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Create a master project called:
Preset Library -
Store all compounds there
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Duplicate that project whenever starting new work
This is currently the safest professional workflow workaround.
Solution 4: Roll Back to an Older Version
If this started after updating:
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Uninstall current CapCut
Be careful as newer project files may not open in older versions.
To narrow this down:
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Are you using Desktop or Mobile?
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Did this start after a recent update?
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Is it happening in all projects or just one?
CapCut has been shifting more toward:
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Cloud-based workflows
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Simplified project structures
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Lighter project files
Unfortunately, advanced organization features sometimes get simplified in updates.
Can you tell us a little more details to help you better:
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Your platform (Windows / Mac)
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Your CapCut version
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Whether you are in Local or Cloud mode
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