How to Open a This Project is Created by a Newer Version of CapCut Without Updating

byWired With Kira -June 21, 2025

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CapCut Project Made in a Newer Version

Hey guys, welcome back!

If you're reading this, you probably ran into a frustrating problem:

“This project was created by a newer version of CapCut. Update now.”

I get how disheartening this can be, especially after hours of editing work, only to be locked out because of a version mismatch. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to recover your CapCut project without updating the app.

⚠️ The Problem

When you downgrade CapCut or reinstall an older version, projects created in newer versions may stop working. CapCut throws an error asking for an upgrade, even if you don’t want (or can’t afford) the Pro version.

But don’t worry — I found a simple step-by-step fix that will let you open your project again.

✅ Step-by-Step Fix

1. Open CapCut and Create a New Project

Open CapCut (version 3.3.0 or whichever version you’re using).
Create a new project with any name — just remember it for later.
Once created, close CapCut.

2. Open the CapCut App Data Folder

Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
Go to:
CapCut > User Data > Projects > com.lveditor.draft

3. Find the Draft File

Find the folder with the name of the new project you just created.
Right-click on the file called draft_content and select Open with > Notepad.

4. Copy Version Values

Press Ctrl + F and search for: app_version
Copy the version value. (e.g., "3.3.0")
Do the same for new_version
Save both somewhere — you'll need them soon.

5. Edit the Old (Broken) Project

Now go back to your old project folder that’s not opening.
Open its draft_content file in Notepad.
Find every instance of new_version and replace it with the one you copied.
Do the same for app_version.
Make sure you replace all occurrences in the file.

6. Save and Reopen

Press Ctrl + S to save the file.
Now go back to CapCut and try opening your project.

Boom! 🎉 It should work now.

📽️ Still Confused?

If any step feels too fast or confusing, don’t worry! Just watch the tutorial video.

💬 Need Help?

Drop your questions in the comments section of the video or blog — I respond to every genuine query!

🙏 Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for reading. I hope this saved your hours of hard work and helped you get your project back.

Until next time,
Take care and keep creating! 🎬✨