- SubtitleCreator is a free subtitle editor that lets you add subtitles to your DVD. It can convert ASCII-based SRT or SUB text files to the binary SUP format and enables you to change the color of the existing subtitles. It comes with an inbuilt DVD Authoring Wizard function, which allows you to add new captions to a previously copied DVD.
- Alternatives to Subtitle Edit for Windows, Linux, Mac, Web, BSD and more. Filter by license to discover only free or Open Source alternatives. This list contains a total of 25+ apps similar to Subtitle Edit. List updated: 4:45:00 PM.
Parasite, honoring the Best Picture, Directing, Original Screenplay, International Feature Film in the 2020 Oscars, is a dark thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho.
Subtitle Edit is a free program for editing, converting, making subtitles for any footage. This is a rare subtitler program that has a conversion ability. It has more features as follows: Built-in Google translation tool for translating subtitles.
The story talks about social inequality between the wealthy and those who serve them in Korea.
Gonna watch this Oscar-winning flick at Friday night but don't know Korean? No worries.
Thanks to decades of development on digital entertainment, subtitles are easily accessible to us. And you can enjoy the film without effort.
But do you know how to add subtitles to videos as a content provider, freelancer, marketer, etc.?
Why Add Subtitles to Videos
Apart from watching Oscar-winning film effortlessly, you have these reasons to subtitle your video.
- Subtitling makes your content accessible to those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
- Subtitling opens up your content to international populations, ESL (English as a Second Language) students, new readers, etc.
- Subtitling allows your audiences to watch your video with the sound off, which is a workaround when one is in a noisy or crowded place.
How to Add Subtitles to a Video Permanently
To add subtitles to a video permanently, you need to use hard burn subtitles as the output format instead of using soft subtitles.
Hard Burn Subtitles VS. Soft Subtitles
Hard Burn Subtitles: Video and subtitles are merged in a single track, so subtitles are displayed on the video permanently and cannot be turned on or off.
Soft Subtitles: Subtitles can be turned on and off as a standalone track.
But the problem is soft subtitles are not available without a compatible media player, especially in online video-sharing platforms.
If you are looking for a subtitle editor to add subtitles to video, we've carefully picked 3 applications for your reference in this part.
#Adding Subtitles to Videos Using VideoProc.
VideoProc - owns a wide range of practical features in subtitles and is easy to master.
More so, it has bonus features that can help you cut, split, crop videos, extract subtitles from MKV and many more.
VideoProc - The Best Way to Add Subtitles to a Video.
- Ease of use. Add subtitles to MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI in a few clicks.
- Customization. Enable you to adjust the hard subtitles' position, font type, font color, and font size displayed on the video.
- Intelligence. The built-in subtitle downloader allows you to download subtitles of any programming and add to the video.
- Speed. Supported by Level-3 hardware acceleration technology, VideoProc speeds up the subtitle encoding and decoding process to the fullest extent possible.
Step 1. Prepare at least a video and a subtitle file
VideoProc supports a wide range of video coding formats and three types of subtitle file – ASS, SSA, and SRT.
Step 2. Launch VideoProc and Load a video file
After downloading VideoProc on either Windows or macOS, Launch it on your computer.
And then click Video at the main screen > To import video files, you can click +Video or +Video Folder at the top ribbon or drag and drop the video file into the window directly.
Choose an output format according to your needs in the lower area.
Step 3. Add subtitles to video
Click Subtitle on the editing toolbar and a subtitle editing panel pops up > Select Add Subtitle File and choose a subtitle file you prepared.
To hardcode subtitles to a video, place a checkmark in the box of Burn-In > Adjsut subtitle positions, select a good-looking font, font color, and font size >Click Done at the bottom right corner.
Step 4. Export the video
After subtitling the video, select an output directory and Click RUN to get the conversion started.
#Adding Subtitles to Videos in HandBrake.
HandBrake is a free and open-source tool that can add subtitles to a video permanently.
However, there are some things I dislike, such as you cannot adjust the subtitle font, position, color; cannot preview the output video; conversions can be very slow, etc.
Anyway, it's a free application worth trying. Let's check the how-to guide in the following.
Step 1. Download and install the HandBrake to your computer
Step 2. Launch HandBrake and select the options at the sidebar to import a folder or an individual video file, or drag and drop a file into the window to import.
Step 3. Select an output format from Presets in the upper area > Click Import SRT to import the subtitle file you've prepared.
Put a checkmark in the box of Burn In > Click on Browse button to set an output directory > Start Encode.
#Adding Subtitles to Videos in VLC.
Step 1. Free download and install VLC media player on your machine.
Step 2. Open VLC > click Media in the upper left corner of the toolbar.
Select Convert/Save from the dropdown list (or simply use the shortcut: Ctrl+R).
And there comes a dialogue box for adding subtitles.
Step 3. Click on the +Add button to import your video file.
Check the box of Use a subtitle file and click Browse to add the subtitle file you will hardcode.
And then select on Convert/Save for the next step.
Step 4. Click on the wrench icon in the Profile entry to modify subtitle mode.
Click Subtitles tab > check the box of Subtitles > and choose a DVB subtitle in the codec entry.
Check the box of Overlay subtitles on the video > Save.
Step 5. Set directory up and click Start to get the conversion started.
How Do I Fix Delayed Subtitles in VLC?
If you happen to VLC subtitle delay during playback, you can:
Press G key to speed up subtitles by 50 ms.
Press H key to delay subtitles by 50 ms.
Or you can turn to Track Synchronization by clicking Tools at the upper ribbon.
And input an accurate delay value in the field of Subtitle track synchronization.
Note: The troubleshooting of VLC subtitle delay mentioned above only works with soft subtitle/external subtitle.
How to Add Subtitles to Video in iMovie
Considering the fact that you are unable to upload subtitle files to a video via iMovie, yet you still get a chance to caption your video using iMovie (for macOS) Titles feature.
Step 1. Launch iMovie and build a new project using Movie template
Step 2. Import your source video and drop it to the timeline.
Step 3. Navigate to the Titles tab above the browser. Choose a title and drag it to the timeline, above the frame where you want the subtitles to display.
Step 4. Change the duration, font, font size, font color and, others in the Title settings above the viewer.
Step 5. Share the finished video to social networks or save it to your computer.
How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos
YouTube allows all content providers to have their videos captioned, which is a good way to make content more accessible, improve traffic, and rankings.
YouTube does support automatic captions that are generated by algorithms on the basis of the video's audio.
However, auto-generated subtitles are not always accurate as you expected.
This follows a complete guide of how to put subtitles to a video in 3 different ways on YouTube Studio.
#Upload a Subtitle File for YouTube Videos.
Step 1. Sign in your YouTube Studio. On your YouTube Studio, click Subtitles under the sidebar on the left.
Choose the video you will add subtitles to > click ADD on the far right of the entry.
Step 2. Now, you will go for Upload file and there are two options to upload a subtitle file.
If your subtitle file has timecode, select With timing (and go to Step 3).
If your subtitle file only has texts of the speech without timecode, opt for Without timing (and go to Step 4).
Note: You should upload a YouTube supported subtitle file format, such as .srt, .sbv/.sub, .mpsub, .lrc, .cap, .smi, .ttml, etc.
Step 3. If your subtitle file uploaded has both text and timecode, YouTube will organize your subtitle file according to the timecode you set.
Furthermore, you can adjust the subtitle positions and durations on the timeline to ensure that subtitles synchronize with their corresponding spoken sound.
It is recommended to make a subtitle file (with timecode) like this:
1
00:00:01,680 --> 00:00:02,615
[Music]
2
00:00:03,615 --> 00:00:04,804
Hi guys welcome back to my channel
3
00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:06,804
I hope you guys are having a great day
Step 4. If you upload a subtitle file without timecodes, subtitles will be placed in a box.
Check your subtitles for spelling errors in the box. Let's say everything's OK, click on ASSIGN TIMINGS.
Subtitles and video will be synchronized automatically over time.
Note: Your subtitles must be in a language supported by YouTube speech recognition technology and in the same language of your video.
It is recommended to make a subtitle file (without timecode) like this:
[Music]
Hi guys welcome back to my channel.
I hope you guys are having a great day.
#Type and Auto-sync Subtitles in YouTube.
The second mode to add subtitles: Auto-sync.
It's Similar to the way that we add a subtitle file without timing to a video as before.
However, here you have to type all the things that are spoken in the box.
You don't have to care about formatting if you don't have a transcript file.
Once you have already inputted everything, click on ASSIGN TIMINGS. Subtitles and videos will sync automatically in a while.
#Create Subtitles for your YouTube Videos (Recommended).
The third mode of captioning: Type manually.
It's Similar to the way that we add a subtitle file with timecode to a video. Move the play head to the place where you will add subtitle and click +CAPTION on the top-left corner.
Type what's spoken in the video to the field. And subtitles will be added to the timing you set.
Note that subtitles timing could not be accurate as you expected.
While you can hover the cursor over the subtitle in the timeline and adjust subtitles timing on your own.
Once captioning is done, click PUBLISH.
How to Add Subtitles to Facebook Videos
Let's say your Facebook video has no subtitles displayed, your content could lose a lot of engagement and impression because people won't be able to hear what you are saying with the sound off.
To make your video get more accessible, you can catch up with the way of captioning your Facebook video in this section.
Step 1. Log in your Facebook and upload your video to Facebook by clicking Photo/Video at the very beginning.
Step 2. Click Subtitles & Captions (CC) at the right side in the pop-up window.
Step 3. Choose a language of your video and click Auto-Generate, Write or Upload.
It's suggested that go for Auto-Generate. Facebook will automatically add subtitles to video very quickly.
Step 4. Once the auto-captions is added, you can modify the detail and timing of the caption. Then click Save Draft to confirm changes.
Step 5. At last, choose your default language and click Publish. Subtitles will be uploaded to Facebook in a while.
How to Add Subtitles to Video Online
Browser-based subtitle makers have their fans either. The significant edge that online subtitle adder has is convenience.
You don't need to download extra apps to your computer. And they are accessible anywhere as long as there is strong internet.
This part has gathered two useful and free subtitle makers that can help you add subtitles to video easily. They are Clideo and Kapwing.
#Adding Subtitles to Videos Online with Clideo.
Step 1. Navigate to the Clideo via a browser like Chrome, Edge, Foxfire, etc.
Step 2. Upload your video from your hard drive, a cloud, or paste a link if it's already on social media platforms.
Step 3. If you already have a subtitle file for the video, you can upload it to Clideo and modify subtitle timings.
Also you can make it from scratch. When there is necessary, you can modify the font position, font, font size, etc. in the Styles tab.
Step 4. Once editing is done. Select a proper format and click Create in the lower right corner.
After a while, you are free to download the captioned video.
#Adding Subtitles to Videos Online with Kawping.
Step 1. Go to the browser-based subtitle editor Kapwing.
Step 2. Upload a video file or paste a link to import video.
Step 3. In subtitle editing panel, you are allowed to create subtitles from scratch, upload a subtitle file, or enable auto-generator.
Plus, you can use the tools in the sidebar to polish the subtitle styles.
Step 4. Click Create to hard-code the subtitles to video or download an SRT file and upload it to social platforms.
How to Add Subtitles to Plex
Plex is a media serving application allowing you to stream your personal content from your computer to any device and access Plex's content of video on demand.
Whether you are affected by hearing loss or just simply need subtitles to watch a match in a noisy place, Plex makes it easy to download and add subtitles to all of your media.
#Auto Download Subtitles in Plex.
Step 1. Launch and log in Plex Media Server through a web browser.
Step 2. Click on the Settings icon in the upper right corner and select Languages in the sidebar.
Step 3. In the Languages menu, place a checkmark in the box of Automatically select audio and subtitle tracks.
Select your preferred audio track, subtitle mode, subtitle language. It's recommended to pick Always enabled mode.
Step 4. Navigate to the Agents menu and click on Movies>Plex Movie.
Check the box of OpenSubtitles.org and drag it to the top of the list.
Click on the gear at the far right of this entry for preferred subtitles downloads.
Repeat this process as previously described in the Show category to enable subtitles for Plex's TV shows.
Step 5. If auto download subtitles aren't turned on, you will have to trigger a refresh of your library for activating the OpenSubtitles agent on all your media.
Step 6. Enable a subtitle track before watching.
Best Subtitle Editor
#Adding Local Subtitle Files in Plex.
Let say OpenSubtitles.org does not come with a proper subtitle file you need in Plex, you could check out other subtitle download sites and download your needed subtitle files.
Note that you should download the subtitle files that are compatible with Plex media player, including SRT (.srt), SMI (.smi), SSA or ASS (.ssa or .ass), WebVTT (.vtt).
Step 1. To enable local subtitles in plex, you have to check the box of Local Media Assests (Movie/TV) and top it to the in the list within the Agents menu as mentioned above.
Step 2. Put the downloaded subtitle file together with the associated video in the same directory.
Step 3. Refresh your media library and Plex will automatically link the subtitle file to the related video.
Do Remember to Name the Subtitle files in This Way:
Movie_Title (Release Date).[Language_Code].[file extension]
e.g. Weathering with You (2019).eng.srt
Show_Name SxxEyy.[Language_Code].[file extension]
e.g. Chernobyl - S01E01.eng.srt
Add Subtitles to Video FAQs
1. Subtitles vs. Closed Captions
Get confused about subtitles and closed captions? Subtitles translate or transcribe the dialogue or narrative of foreign movies, television programs, animations, etc. for local population and are usually displayed at the lower of the screen.
Adding captions to video is to put the audio portion of a program as the form of text on the screen.
That said, all the audio information of a video may be presented, covering dialogue, audio effect, relevant musical cues like background music, applause, cheering, and much more.
So, how to choose which one to use? Generally, subtitles are preferred to foreign movies or television programs that require translation of dialogue or narration. While closed captioning is usually used for online streaming. You can turn it on or off anytime, or even rip subtitles from a video using some tools. Anyway, they are substitutional for each other most of the time.
2. How Can I Put Subtitles on My iPhone Videos?
A lot of people choose to use their iPhones to shoot movies, because it is really convenient and the movie quality is pretty great. If you want to post videos online, you can use iMovie for iOS to add subtitles to your iPhone videos.
Step 1. Launch iMovie for iOS on your iPhone.
Step 2. Create a project and import your clips.
Step 3. Select the clip you want to add subtitles to.
Step 4. Tap the text icon in the lower menu.
Step 5. Choose a text effect and type your speech.
Step 6. Save the edited video and export to the Photos app.
Anyway, text otpions in iMovie for iOS are very limited. If you want to make a good-looking subtitle style, you should go for other video editing apps or even desktop application like VideoProc.
Wrap-up
Adding subtitles to videos has not been a hot potato as long as you choose a right subtitle maker and have some knowledge. If you plan to add hard burn (embedded) subtitles to video, you can opt for VideoProc, HandBrake, VLC, and iMovie. For closed caption, you can make it on YouTube, Facebook, or other free online subtitle adders like Clideo, Kawping, etc. Less noted but equally significant, Plex's subtitle feature allows you to auto download and add local subtitle files for your media.
12 Best Subtitle Editors for Mac and Windows [Free Download]
Everyone knows how essential subtitles are while watching a movie or even a YouTube video, especially when you are not familiar with the language being used by the performers.
Subtitles are the transcripted texts that are written at the bottom of videos (in our preferred language) to make it convenient for us to understand what are people in the video are talking about. It can be added on Movie, Video, GIF or meme.
But this only helps if the subtitles are visible to us displayed in the perfect colors, fonts, and styles.
This is why subtitle editors are used to creating flawless subtitle videos to make sure that the audience clearly understands every single word.
Moreover, using subtitle editors makes the text look more appealing to the viewers and ultimately results in keeping the audience more engaged in the video.
Let us have a look at the 12 best subtitle editors that are both recommended for Mac as well as Windows users.
You may also like: 15 Best Subtitle Editors for Mac/Windows/Linux/Online
Below are the 12 best subtitle editors on Mac and Windows. Check it out.
Part 1: Best Subtitle Editor for Mac
1. Aegisub
Aegisub is a convenient editor featured with modern technologies to edit your files in the best way.
Features:
- It does not require any charges to be paid.
- This Editor allows you to create and modify your subtitles.
- You can also style your subtitles using this Editor.
Image credit: Aegisub
2. Jubler Subtitle Εditor
Features Jubler subtitle editor is a perfect tool that is used to edit text-based subtitles. It can create new subtitles as well as recreate previous ones. One may either preview the subtitles in realtime or in design time.
Features
- It supports various formats, including Substation Alpha, Advanced Substation, SubRip, and many others.
- Specific styles are supported per subtitle or character.
- It graphically displays the subtitles that you can quickly move and resize.
Subtitles Editor
Image credit: Jubler Subtitle Εditor
3. Open Subtitle Editor
Open Subtitle Editor is an editor featured with multiple editing services. Every day new features are added to the list for better efficiency of the tool.
Features
- It is facilitated with translation features.
- You can either add or remove a subtitle using this tool.
- It allows you to create new subtitles for any type of video file.
Image credit: Open Subtitle Editor
4. Video Pad Video Editor
Video Pad Video Editor is exclusively beneficial for those who want to create professional videos. It has many features that enable you to create videos in very less time.
Features
- Using this Editor, you can easily create videos for YouTube, DBVD, HD, etc.
- This tool supports a wide range of well-known formats.
- It has more than 50 visual and transition effects that result in better editing of your videos.
Image credit: Video Pad Video Editor
5. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro has gained the trust of many users throughout the globe because it is considered to produce the fastest results. Moreover, it is known as the best subtitle editor for Mac.
Features
- It is speedy to use and ends in fast editing results.
- Metal usage enhances its performance and graphics.
- This Editor shows the best results when used on the fastest Mac that is a new Mac pro.
Image credit: Final Cut Pro X
6. Sub Magic
Free Subtitle Editor
SubMagic has various functions that help in better editing of subtitle files. It can convert your subtitle files into any of your chosen formats. Moreover, it also points out the errors present in your file.
Features
- It allows you to easily correct and edits any subtitles.
- You can opt for separately editing the text lines present in a subtitle.
- It allows you to synchronize the subtitles with movies.
Image credit: Sub Magic
7. Subtitle Edit Pro
Subtitle Edit Pro is the most complete and easy to use Editor that allows users to create and edit the subtitles and also time code.
Features
- It is supported by commonly used formats, including MP4, M4V, MOV, MKV, etc. and also audio formats.
- You can easily merge or split any two subtitles.
- You can jump by clicking on the time code and move time code forward or backward using arrow keys.
Image credit: Subtitle Edit Pro
Part 2: Best Subtitle Editor for Windows
8. Adobe Premiere Pro
You can easily edit and review PDF files using Adobe Premiere Pro Editor. Moreover, it also allows you to sign and send your documents.
Features
- This Editor provides you with the most creative services to edit your files exactly as per your imaginations.
- It also contains cutting-edge photography tools for easy editing and storing your files.
- You can also share your files using this Editor.
Image credit: Adobe
9. Subtitle Workshop
Subtitle Workshop is considered as the best subtitle editor for Windows. It is featured with modern technology to lower down the editing time and give fast outputs.
Features
- This Editor supports all the necessary subtitle formats.
- You can easily create, edit, and convert your files using this Editor, which has advanced features and excellent stability.
- You can find services related to both audio and video files on this Editor.
Image credit: Subtitle Workshop
10. Power Director
This Editor is most suitable for YouTubers, Instagrammers, bloggers, and other social media users.
Subtitle Edit For Mac
The reason is that it provides you with the best services to edit your videos.
Features
- You can add customized shape objects to your videos.
- It provides unique motion graphics along with animated titles.
- You can choose to show titles in specific parts of your videos.
Image credit: Power Director
11. Video Studio Pro
Video Studio Pro is an award-winning video editing software that allows its users to produce creative movies using its advanced tools.
Features
- You can easily turn an image into animation by following just simple steps.
- This software is cost-effective and saves you money.
- You can easily edit your videos using this Editor.
Image credit: Video Studio Pro
Best Subtitle Editor Mac
12. VEGAS Pro 17
Vegas Pro 17 is an easy to use Editor and allows the users to edit their videos using smart and creative tools.
Features
Best Free Subtitle Editor For Mac
- A video stabilization feature supports this Editor.
- You can use the smart split edit feature to choose what you want to keep in the video and whatnot.
- It is also supported by an automatic slideshow creator to create perfect slideshows.
Image credit: VEGAS
Conclusion
The 12 best subtitle editors for Mac and windows mentioned above have all been discussed briefly to let you know the basic features of theses editors. Go through the details of these editors and opt for the one that suits you the best.