Did you record your files outside of Descript? If so, that can sometimes lead to a/v sync issues in the source file. It may have been encoded with unsupported encoding or may have had issues with corrupted underlying file metadata.

It may be helpful to load the source file in a video player on your computer and see if it's also out of sync. If it is:

1. • Try re-exporting the original file with the same settings
   • Try re-exporting the file with a different file extension or encoding
   • Reach out to the third-party hardware or software provider for assistance in troubleshooting

Sometimes, you'll get a message that the export failed for some reason. Here's how to interpret those error messages and what you can do about them.

Error: Could not get local path for requested asset

This means you're missing a file, maybe because it hasn't finished downloading. Wait for your project to download and try again, or you can replace the file by following this guide.

Error: Cannot create a word with endTime <= startTime

This error may indicate an issue with the Composition's underlying alignment data. To resolve this, try clicking the Help menu > Debug > Force fix corrupted alignment.

Choppy playback could be caused by a low composition frame rate setting. To resolve this, increase your composition's frame rate setting in the Aspect ratio and video settings menu.

The web version of Descript allows you to locally export videos, audio, and GIFs. Web export works best on a Chromium-based browser, such as Google Chrome, Edge, or Opera. You may encounter issues using Safari. Video export will not work if you are using an unsupported browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer.

• "Export failed" error messages:

  • "File format is currently not supported on web.": If your project contains ProRes files or other media formats that do not play back on the web, you won't be able to export the project. Exporting as a GIF does not work on unsupported browsers.
  • "Export failed due to system memory issues.”: Please try closing other programs on your computer or restarting your device to free up memory, then try exporting again. Or consider using the Descript (web link) destination instead to get your file up to 10x faster than exporting.
  • "Export failed due to file system limits in your browser." You may be experiencing issues because your file exceeds what your browser can handle. Please try using our Descript (web link) destination instead and then downloading the file locally.
  • "Export failed due to a network connectivity issue." Check your internet connection and try again." You may be experiencing a network error. Please make sure you have a stable and active internet connection when exporting.

You can try exporting with our Desktop app if you have any problems. Alternatively, you can always select the Descript (web link) destination and then download your content by clicking the download icon.

The QuotaExceeded error appears when the browser hits a limit for a system resource like storage, memory, or network capacity. Limits are set by the operating system and browser. Because each browser and device handles quotas differently, this error can seem inconsistent at times.

Most common case in Descript
The most frequent trigger is a localStorage limit. If your device is low on disk space or the browser cache is very large, the browser can restrict Descript’s data.

Quick fixes

1. Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free local disk space.

2. Close other tabs and windows to free memory.

3. Bookmark the Descript web editor so your browser can grant persistent storage. Learn more: Persistent Storage.

4. Clear your browser cache and refresh the page. Do not clear the cache if you have files pending recovery.

Other things to try

• Update your browser to the latest version.

• Try a normal browsing window if you’re in Incognito or Private mode, or test another supported browser.

• Reset site permissions for descript.com, then fully restart the browser.

• Review general performance tips: Troubleshooting editor performance and playback issues in Descript.

• Check antivirus or network security tools that could be blocking or purging Descript data.

• Look for settings that automatically delete site data when you close the browser, then turn that off for descript.com and restart the browser. Example setting name: Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows. After changing the setting, restart the browser.

Browser-specific pointers

• Chrome / Edge

  • Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > View permissions and data stored across sites.

  • Search for descript.com, then either Clear data to reset or confirm it is not being cleared on close.

  • Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data. Make sure the option that clears cookies or site data on close is turned off for descript.com.

• Safari

  • Settings (or Preferences) > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

  • Find descript.com, remove and reload.

  • If you’re using Private Browsing, switch to a standard window so storage can persist.

If the browser continues to limit storage, try the Descript desktop app instead: Downloading and installing Descript