How to Add Subtitles in Premiere: A Step-by-Step Crash Course

In a video, subtitles can enhance your aural content by turning it into a juicy visual asset. They can also make or break your creation by erroneously interfering with the image or conveying your message. 

If you're wondering why is everyone using subtitles, it's because they're essential for accessibility and engagement. 

Getting the message across is essential to Social Media and YouTube content production. Subtitles are more than just text overlays —they enrich the experience; enhance accessibility and engagement and are crucial to your video’s ranking. 

This guide will walk you through adding subtitles in Premiere Pro and show you how Gling can help maximize your work with subtitles and captions, thanks to its sophisticated AI.

Why You Should Add Subtitles

Accessibility

Subtitles make your content accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing and to viewers watching in noisy environments where audio might not be clear.

Ranking  

Subtitles and captions make your video content searchable by search engines, leading to better discoverability.

Engagement  

Subtitles help non-native speakers understand your content better and ensure your message is received even when the video is muted.

Step 1: Preparing Your Subtitle File

Before working in Premiere Pro, you must have your subtitle file ready.

1. Transcription  

You can manually transcribe your video or use AI tools like Adobe’s Speech to Text for a quicker solution.

2. Formatting  

Ensure your subtitles are formatted correctly, typically in .srt or .sub files.  

3. Check Timing and Line Lengths  

Keep the text concise, and ensure the timing is spot on. Double-check your subtitle file for accuracy; even the best AI tools might need a human touch.

Step 2: Importing Subtitles into Adobe Premiere Pro

Once your subtitle file is ready, it’s time to bring it into Premiere Pro:

1. Open Your Project  

Start by opening your project in Adobe Premiere Pro.

2. Import the File  

Go to the “File” menu, select “Import,” and choose your subtitle file (.srt or .sub). The subtitles will appear in your project panel.

3. Sync Subtitles with Video  

Drag the subtitle file onto your timeline, positioning it above your video track. If the timing is slightly off, adjust the subtitle clips directly on the timeline until they match the dialogue perfectly.

Step 3: Adding Subtitles in Premiere Pro

1. Create Captions  

Go to the “New Item” menu in the Project Panel and select “Captions.” Choose between Open Captions (always visible) or Closed Captions (viewers can turn them on or off).

2. Set Your Caption Settings  

Ensure the settings (like frame rate and format) match your video project to avoid sync issues.

3. Enter Subtitles  

Use the Captions panel to type in your text, then adjust the timing and positioning as needed. 

Step 4: Customizing Your Subtitles

Font and Size

Use the Essential Graphics panel to choose a font that is easy to read, even on smaller screens. 

Color and Style  

Pick a color that contrasts well with your video. You can also add effects like shadows or outlines to make the text stand out.

Positioning  

Position your subtitles at the bottom center of the screen, but adjust as necessary to avoid covering important visuals.  

Adding Background Boxes  

Add a background box or shading behind the text for better readability, especially in scenes with a lot of visual action.

Step 5: Exporting Videos with Subtitles

It's time to export your video.

Embed Subtitles  

If you want the subtitles always to be visible, go to the Export settings, select “Burn Captions into Video,” and choose your desired export format.

Separate Subtitle File

If you prefer giving viewers the option to toggle subtitles on or off, you can export the subtitles as a separate file.

Check Compatibility

Ensure your subtitles are compatible with the platform where you’ll upload the video. 

Troubleshooting Common Subtitle Issues

Out-of-Sync Subtitles  

Adjust the timing directly on the timeline by dragging the subtitle clips until they match the audio.

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Formatting Errors

Revisiting the subtitle settings and tweaking the text parameters can fix issues like overlapping text or incorrect line breaks.

Language and Special Characters

If your subtitles include multiple languages or special characters, ensure Premiere supports these to avoid display issues.

Export Problems

If subtitles are missing after export, double-check your export settings and ensure you’ve selected the correct options for embedding or including subtitles.

Gling’s Top Tips for Subtitling

Here are a few tips to ensure your subtitles look great and function perfectly:

• Keep it Concise  
• Short and simple subtitles are easier to read and keep viewers engaged.
• Perfect Timing  
• Ensure your subtitles appear and disappear at the right moments to match the dialogue.
• Avoid Clutter  
• Don’t overcrowd the screen with too many words or distracting visual elements.
• Test Across Devices  
• View your subtitled video on multiple devices to ensure everything looks good, from smartphones to big screens.
• For those looking to streamline their workflow, learning how to add captions can be a game-changer.

Why Gling Is Great for Subtitles

Intuitive Interface

Gling’s user-friendly interface is designed for ease, making it a breeze to navigate and apply jump cuts and zooms, whether you’re a beginner or a super pro.

Precise Cutting Tools

Make accurate jump cuts with no effort. The tool's precision ensures your edits are clean and seamless, keeping your narrative flowing smoothly.  

Flexible Zoom Options

Adjust zoom levels easily to suit your video’s needs. Whether you need a subtle zoom or a dramatic close-up, Gling allows you to make these adjustments easily.

Real-Time Previews

View changes as you make them, allowing for instant adjustments. This feature ensures that your jump cuts and zooms look right before you finalize your edits, saving you time and providing high-quality results.

Seamless Integration

Gling works smoothly with other editing software, integrating into your workflow. This compatibility means you can enhance your editing process without disruptions or hassles.

Educational Resources

Access tutorials and support to master video editing. Benefit from tips and tricks, and leverage its capabilities.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating polished, professional, and inclusive videos using subtitles and Gling. Get started today, and watch your content reach new heights with the power of subtitles.