How do I download capcut and start a new project?

Search for "CapCut" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Download and install the free app. Open it and tap the large + New Project button. Your phone's camera roll will open — select the video clips or photos you want to use (tap each one to select it). Tap Add when done.

How do I trim a clip to remove unwanted parts?

After importing, your clips appear in the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Tap a clip to select it (it gets a white border). You will see handles at each end of the clip. Drag the left handle to the right to cut off the beginning, or drag the right handle to the left to cut off the end. The preview at the top of the screen shows the result as you drag.

How do I rearrange your clips?

In the timeline, press and hold a clip until it lifts up slightly. Then drag it left or right to a new position in the order. Release to drop it in place. This lets you change the order in which clips appear in your finished video.

How do I add text captions?

Tap the Text button in the menu row below the preview. Tap Add Text. A text box appears — type your caption. Choose a font, color, and style from the options that appear. Tap the checkmark when done. In the timeline, a text bar appears — drag its ends to control how long the caption stays on screen. Tap elsewhere to deselect.

How do I export and save your video?

When your video looks the way you want, tap the Export button in the top-right corner (it looks like an upward arrow or says 1080P). Choose the video quality — 1080P is a good standard choice. Tap Export. CapCut will process the video (this takes a minute or two) and then save it to your phone's camera roll. You can then share it from Photos like any other video.

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CapCut is a free video editing app you can use on your iPhone or Android phone. It was created by the same company as TikTok, but you do not need a TikTok account to use it — it works as a standalone video editor for anyone who wants to make short videos.

With CapCut you can combine video clips, trim out the parts you do not want, add text and captions, include background music, adjust the speed, and add transitions between clips. The finished video saves to your phone's camera roll and can be shared anywhere you want — via text, email, social media, or kept privately for yourself.

CapCut is popular for making short family videos, slideshows from vacation photos, birthday tributes, and church or community group videos. It is designed so that people without any video editing experience can produce polished-looking results.

The app has a timeline at the bottom of the screen where your video clips and audio tracks appear as bars. You tap and drag to arrange clips, and tap a clip to see editing options for that specific clip.

One of the most useful features for older adults is the "Auto Captions" tool, which listens to any spoken words in your video and automatically generates on-screen captions — similar to subtitles. This makes your video accessible to people who are hard of hearing.

CapCut is free to download and use. Some advanced templates have a small fee, but everything you need to make a great basic video is available for free. The app does not require a subscription.

CapCut for Beginners: Trimming Clips, Adding Captions, and Making Short Videos

Download CapCut and start a new project

Trim a clip to remove unwanted parts

Rearrange your clips

Add text captions

Export and save your video

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