Splicing clips and adding overlays in CapCut on Windows

To splice clips together in CapCut on PC, you import multiple video files into your project, arrange them on the timeline in the order you want, and trim the edges where they meet. An overlay is a separate video or image layer that plays on top of your main footage — you add it to the timeline above your base clip, position it, and adjust its transparency or blend mode. Both techniques use the same timeline interface: drag clips into place, use the trim handles to cut unwanted sections, and layer additional content above your main video.

This guide walks through the exact steps for each technique, from importing files through exporting your finished video. The process is the same whether you're working with video clips, images, or text overlays.

Key Takeaways

  • Import all your clips into a single project by clicking the plus icon in the media panel and selecting the files you want to use.
  • Drag clips onto the timeline in the order you want them to play, then use the trim handles on each clip's edges to remove unwanted sections.
  • Add an overlay by dragging a second clip or image above your main video track, then adjust its size, position, and transparency using the canvas and effects panels.
  • Use the playhead (the vertical line on the timeline) to preview your edits in real time before you export.
  • Export your finished video by clicking Export in the top right, choosing your resolution and frame rate, then clicking Export again to save the file.

Importing clips into your CapCut project

Open CapCut on your Windows PC and create a new project. Click the plus icon in the media panel on the left side of the screen — this opens your file browser. Navigate to the folder where your video clips are stored and select all the files you want to use. You can select multiple files at once by holding Ctrl and clicking each one, then click Open. CapCut imports them into the media library at the bottom left.

If you're importing clips from different folders, repeat this step for each folder. All imported files appear in the same media panel, so you can see everything you're working with in one place. Organize them mentally before you start — knowing the order you want them to play makes the next step faster.

Arranging clips on the timeline in order

The timeline is the horizontal strip at the bottom of the screen where your video takes shape. Drag your first clip from the media panel onto the timeline. It snaps into place at the start. Drag your second clip onto the timeline to the right of the first one — it automatically positions itself after the first clip ends. Continue dragging clips in the order you want them to play.

If you place a clip in the wrong position, click and drag it left or right on the timeline to move it. The clips shift to make room. You can also right-click a clip on the timeline and select Delete to remove it entirely. Once all your clips are in the correct order, you're ready to trim the edges where they meet.

Trimming clips to remove unwanted sections

Each clip on the timeline has two small handles — one on the left edge and one on the right edge. These are the trim handles. Click and drag the right handle of your first clip to the left to shorten it and remove footage from the end. Drag the left handle of your second clip to the right to remove footage from its beginning. This is how you cut out pauses, mistakes, or dead space between clips.

As you drag a trim handle, the timeline shows you exactly how much time you're removing. The number appears above the handle. If you trim too much, drag the handle back out to restore the footage. Once both clips are trimmed to the length you want, they sit seamlessly next to each other on the timeline. Repeat this process for every pair of clips where they meet.

Adding an overlay clip or image above your main video

An overlay plays on top of your main footage. To add one, drag a second clip or image from the media panel onto the timeline, but place it directly above your first clip instead of to the right of it. A second video track appears automatically. The overlay now plays at the same time as the clip below it, layered on top.

Position the overlay so it starts and ends where you want it to appear. If your overlay is shorter than your main clip, drag its left edge to align it with the moment you want it to start. Use the trim handles on the overlay the same way you trimmed your main clips — drag the edges inward to shorten it or outward to extend it. The overlay can be any length; it doesn't have to match your main clip.

Adjusting overlay size, position, and transparency

Click the overlay clip on the timeline to select it. The canvas in the center of the screen now shows your overlay on top of your main video. You'll see a bounding box around the overlay with corner handles. Drag these handles outward to make the overlay larger or inward to make it smaller. Drag the overlay itself to move it to a different position on the screen — left, right, up, or down.

To adjust transparency (how see-through the overlay is), look at the right panel. Click the opacity slider and drag it left to make the overlay more transparent or right to make it more opaque. At 100 percent opacity, the overlay completely covers what's beneath it. At 50 percent, you can see both the overlay and the video below. Experiment with different opacity levels until the overlay looks right over your main footage.

Using blend modes to change how overlays interact with video

Blend modes change how the colors in your overlay mix with the colors in your main video. Click the overlay on the timeline, then look for the Blend Mode dropdown in the right panel — it usually shows "Normal" by default. Click it to see options like Screen, Multiply, Overlay, and Soft Light. Each mode creates a different visual effect.

Screen mode makes the overlay brighter and more transparent-looking. Multiply mode darkens the overlay and makes it blend more naturally. Overlay mode increases contrast. Try different blend modes while watching the canvas to see which one looks best for your project. You can change the blend mode at any time, so experiment freely. Once you find one you like, leave it selected and move on to exporting.

Exporting your finished video

When your timeline looks the way you want it, click the Export button in the top right corner of the screen. A dialog box opens with export settings. Choose your resolution — 1080p is standard for most uses, though 4K is available if your computer can handle it. Select your frame rate, usually 30 fps or 60 fps. Leave the other settings at their defaults unless you have a specific reason to change them.

Click the Export button again at the bottom of the dialog. CapCut asks you where to save the file and what to name it. Choose a folder on your computer, type a filename, and click Save. The export process begins — a progress bar shows you how far along it is. Depending on your video length and your computer's speed, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Once it finishes, your video file is ready to watch or share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a trim if I cut too much from a clip?

Yes. Press Ctrl+Z to undo your last action, or press it multiple times to go back several steps. You can also drag the trim handle back out to restore the footage you removed — the original clip is still there until you export. CapCut doesn't permanently delete anything until you export the final video.

What's the difference between splicing and overlaying?

Splicing means connecting clips end-to-end so they play one after another. Overlaying means placing one clip or image on top of another so they play at the same time. You splice clips by arranging them horizontally on the timeline; you overlay by stacking them vertically on separate tracks.

Why does my overlay look pixelated or blurry?

This usually happens when you scale an overlay too large. If your overlay is a small image or low-resolution video, making it much bigger stretches the pixels and causes blurriness. Keep overlays close to their original size, or use high-resolution source files. You can also try different blend modes — some make slight quality loss less noticeable.

How do I make an overlay fade in or out?

Click the overlay on the timeline, then look for the Opacity option in the right panel. You'll see a small keyframe button next to the opacity slider. Click it at the start of the overlay to set a keyframe, then move the playhead forward and adjust the opacity to a lower number, clicking the keyframe button again. CapCut automatically fades between the two opacity levels.

Can I add multiple overlays at the same time?

Yes. Drag as many clips or images as you want onto the timeline above your main video. Each one creates a new track. You can position, trim, and adjust each overlay independently. Just make sure you click the correct overlay on the timeline before adjusting its properties — the right panel always shows settings for whichever clip is selected.