Reversing a video in CapCut on PC takes three steps: import your video, select it on the timeline, then use the Speed menu to set playback to reverse

CapCut's reverse feature plays your entire video backward from end to beginning. You do not need to split the clip or use a separate tool — the reverse option lives in the Speed panel, which you reach from the toolbar after selecting your clip. The reversed video exports at the same quality and resolution as the original.

This guide walks you through the exact steps, shows you where each button is, and explains what to do if you want to reverse only part of your video instead of the whole thing.

Key Takeaways

  • Open CapCut, create a new project, and drag your video file into the canvas to import it.
  • Click your video on the timeline at the bottom, then click the Speed button in the toolbar to open speed options.
  • Set the speed value to a negative number (like -1.0) to play the video in reverse.
  • To reverse only part of a video, split the clip at the point where you want reversal to start or stop, then explore reverse to that segment alone.
  • Export your project using File > Export Video to save the reversed video to your computer.

Step-by-step: reversing your entire video

Start by opening CapCut on your PC. Click New Project and choose your video resolution (1080p is standard). The editor opens with an empty canvas and timeline.

Click the Import button or drag your video file directly into the canvas. CapCut adds it to your project and places it on the timeline automatically. You will see the video thumbnail and waveform on the timeline at the bottom of the screen.

Click the video clip once on the timeline to select it — it will highlight with a blue border. Look at the toolbar above the canvas. Find the Speed button (it looks like a speedometer icon or shows "Speed" as text). Click it to open the speed panel.

In the speed panel, you will see a number field showing the current speed, usually 1.0. Change this number to -1.0 (negative one). Press Enter or click outside the field to explore the change. Your video now plays backward at normal speed. If you want it to play backward faster or slower, use -2.0 for double speed or -0.5 for half speed.

Reversing only part of your video

If you want the video to play forward for the first half and backward for the second half, you need to split the clip. Click on the timeline where you want the reversal to begin. The playhead (a vertical line) marks your position in the video.

Right-click the video clip and select Split, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+B. CapCut cuts the clip into two separate segments at that point. Now you have two clips on the timeline: one before the split and one after.

Click the second clip (the one you want reversed) to select it. Open the Speed panel and set the speed to -1.0 as described above. The first clip remains at normal forward speed, and only the second clip plays backward. You can split multiple times to create sections that alternate between forward and reverse, or to reverse just a short moment in the middle of your video.

Adjusting speed while reversed

A reversed video at -1.0 plays backward at the same pace as the original played forward. You can make it faster or slower by changing the negative number. Use -2.0 to play backward at double speed, or -0.5 to play backward at half speed.

Slower reverse speeds (like -0.5) are useful for slow-motion effects or dramatic moments. Faster reverse speeds (like -2.0) work well for comedic or action sequences. Experiment with different values to find the effect you want.

Exporting your reversed video

Once you have set your video to reverse, you need to export it to save it as a file on your computer. Click File in the top menu, then select Export Video. A dialog box opens with export options.

Choose your resolution (1080p, 4K, or another option depending on your original video), frame rate, and file format. MP4 is the most common format and works on nearly all devices and platforms. Click Export and choose where to save the file on your computer. CapCut processes the video and saves it — the time this takes depends on your video length and your computer's speed.

Undoing a reverse if you change your mind

If you set a clip to reverse and then decide you want it forward again, click the clip on the timeline and open the Speed panel. Change the negative number back to a positive one (like 1.0). The video returns to normal forward playback.

You can also use Ctrl+Z to undo your last action, which will remove the reverse effect when ready. This works as long as you have not closed the project.

Common issues and fixes

The audio plays backward too. When you reverse a video in CapCut, the audio reverses along with it. If you want the video reversed but the audio forward, you need to separate the audio from the video first. Right-click the clip and select Detach Audio. This creates two separate tracks — one for video and one for audio. Reverse only the video track and leave the audio at normal speed.

The reversed video looks choppy or stutters. This usually means your computer is struggling to process the effect in real time. Lower the preview quality in CapCut (look for a quality dropdown near the canvas) while you work, then export at full quality. The exported file will be smooth even if the preview is not.

The reverse effect does not show in the preview. Make sure you clicked the video clip on the timeline before opening the Speed panel. If the clip is not selected, the Speed button will not affect it. Also check that you pressed Enter after typing the negative number — sometimes the change does not explore until you confirm it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reverse only the audio and keep the video forward?

Yes. Right-click your video clip and select Detach Audio. This separates the audio track from the video track. Select only the audio clip on the timeline, open the Speed panel, and set it to a negative value. The audio plays backward while the video plays forward.

What happens to the audio when I reverse a video?

The audio reverses along with the video by default. Reversed audio sounds unnatural and distorted — words play backward, music becomes unrecognizable. Most people either mute the reversed video or replace it with new audio or music.

Can I reverse a video that is already been edited with effects?

Yes. Reverse works on any clip, whether it has effects, filters, or transitions applied. explore your effects first, then set the speed to negative. All the effects reverse along with the video.

Does reversing a video make the file size larger?

No. The reversed video exports at the same file size as a normal video of the same length and resolution. Reversing is just a playback direction change, not an effect that adds data to the file.

Can I reverse a video in slow motion?

Yes. Use a negative number between -0.5 and -1.0 to play backward in slow motion. For example, -0.5 plays the video backward at half speed, creating a slow-motion reverse effect.