CapCut Keyboard Shortcuts
50+ CapCut shortcuts for video editing and content creation. Speed up your workflow on desktop.
Playback
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Play / Pause | |
| Go to beginning | |
| Go to end | |
| Move playhead frame by frame | |
| Move playhead 5 frames | |
| Reverse / Pause / Forward playback |
Editing
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Cut | |
| Copy | |
| Paste | |
| Split clip at playhead | |
| Delete selected clip | |
| Duplicate clip | |
| Select all | |
| Delete and close gap |
Timeline
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom in / out timeline | |
| Fit timeline to window | |
| Move clip up / down track | |
| Nudge clip left / right | |
| Scroll timeline horizontally |
Media
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Import media | |
| Import from library | |
| Insert clip at playhead | |
| Overwrite at playhead |
Text
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Add text | |
| Add text template | |
| Confirm text edit |
Effects
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open effects panel | |
| Open filters | |
| Add adjustment layer |
Audio
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Mute/unmute clip audio | |
| Detach audio from video | |
| Link / unlink audio and video | |
| Set in / out point |
Transform
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Reset transform | |
| Crop | |
| Rotate 90° | |
| Flip horizontal |
Export
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Export video | |
| Save project | |
| New project | |
| Open project |
Keyframes
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Add keyframe | |
| Previous keyframe | |
| Next keyframe | |
| Delete keyframe |
Speed
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Speed / Reverse | |
| Speed curve editor |
Pro tips
Split and Delete is Fastest
Use Ctrl+B (⌘+B) to split at the playhead, then Delete to remove the unwanted section. This is faster than trimming handles for rough cuts.
Auto Captions Save Hours
Use CapCut's Auto Captions feature to generate subtitles instantly. You can edit the text, change styles, and adjust timing - much faster than typing manually.
Speed Curves for Pro Edits
Instead of constant speed changes, use the Speed Curve editor for smooth ramps. CapCut has presets like Montage, Hero, and Bullet Time for cinematic effects.
Use Templates as Starting Points
Browse CapCut's template library for popular editing styles. Apply a template, then customize the clips, text, and music to make it your own.
Keyboard + Mouse for Speed
Keep one hand on J/K/L for playback and the other on the mouse for selections. Use Ctrl+B for splits without switching tools.
Keyframe Everything
Add keyframes (Alt+K) to any property - position, scale, opacity, speed. Use ease-in/ease-out for smooth animations instead of abrupt changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is CapCut free to use?
CapCut has a free tier with many features. CapCut Pro (subscription) unlocks additional effects, fonts, music, cloud storage, and removes watermarks on premium features. The desktop app is free with optional Pro upgrade.
What's the maximum export resolution?
CapCut desktop supports up to 4K (3840x2160) export. You can also export in 1080p, 720p, or custom resolutions. Frame rates up to 60fps are supported.
Can I use CapCut for professional work?
Yes. CapCut desktop has many professional features: keyframe animation, speed curves, color grading, multi-track editing, and plugin support. It's increasingly used for social media content, YouTube, and short-form video.
How do I add music to my video?
Use CapCut's built-in music library (royalty-free), or import your own audio files. Drag audio to the timeline, then trim and adjust volume. Use Beat Sync to automatically match cuts to the music beat.
Can I collaborate with others?
CapCut supports cloud projects that can be shared. With CapCut for Teams (business plan), multiple editors can work on the same project with shared assets and brand kits.
What's the difference between CapCut mobile and desktop?
The desktop version has more tracks, better keyframe control, speed curves, and higher export quality. The mobile version is more touch-optimized with simpler effects. Projects can sync between platforms via cloud.
Want to master CapCut?
Go beyond shortcuts with in-depth CapCut video courses, from the basics all the way to advanced workflows.
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