Why Can't I Split the Subtitles in CapCut?

CapCut Online

CapCut Web now supports subtitle splitting as of recent updates. The feature works similarly to desktop but uses browser-based controls.

How to Split:

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1. Open your project at CapCut Online.
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2. Add subtitles via Text → Auto Captions or create manual text.

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1. In the timeline, click to select the subtitle block.
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2. Move the playhead to the exact split position (must be within the block).
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3. Click the scissors icon that appears above the timeline, or press the B key on your keyboard.

Common Reasons Splitting Fails:

• The subtitle segment is too short—browser version also enforces a minimum duration.
• You clicked outside the subtitle block before splitting—ensure it's selected.
• Browser performance issues (e.g., low memory or outdated Chrome)—try refreshing or switching browsers.
• Auto-captions are still syncing—wait until the waveform stops loading.

📍 Tip: The B key shortcut works reliably in Chrome and Edge. Avoid using Firefox for advanced editing.

CapCut Desktop (Windows / macOS)

Subtitle splitting is fully supported on desktop with precise keyboard shortcuts.

How to Split Subtitles:

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1. Generate subtitles via Text → Auto Captions, or add manual text.

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1. In the timeline, click to select the subtitle block.
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2. Position the playhead where you want the split.
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3. Press Ctrl+B (Windows) or Cmd+B (macOS), or right-click the subtitle and choose Split.

Why Splitting Might Fail:

• The playhead is not within the subtitle clip's time range.
• The subtitle segment is shorter than the system's minimum threshold (typically ～0.2–0.3s).
• The text layer is nested inside a compound clip or group—you must ungroup it first (Right-click → Ungroup).
• Auto-captions are still processing—wait until the waveform and text are fully loaded.

📍 Tip: Zoom in on the timeline (using scroll + Ctrl/Cmd) for frame-accurate splitting.

CapCut Mobile App (iOS / Android)

Subtitle splitting is fully supported on mobile and is the most intuitive experience.

How to Split Subtitles:

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1. Add or generate subtitles: Tap Text → Auto Captions (or add manual text).
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2. In the timeline, tap the subtitle clip to select it.
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3. Move the playhead to the exact point where you want to split.
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4. Tap the "Split" icon that appears above the timeline, or long-press the subtitle and choose Split.

Why Splitting Might Fail:

• The segment is too short (e.g., less than 0.3 seconds)—CapCut enforces a minimum duration to ensure readability.
• You're trying to split outside the bounds of the subtitle clip (the playhead must be inside the clip).
• The subtitle is locked or grouped with other elements—tap to unlock or ungroup first.
• You're using an older version of CapCut; update via App Store or Google Play.

📍 Tip: If splitting fails, try trimming the subtitle slightly first, then split at a clearer pause in speech.

Thank you for using CapCut!