Most frequently asked questions editing subtitles files

A subtitle file is a text file that contains the written text that appears on the screen while watching videos or movies. This text, also called subtitles, is intended to provide the viewer with a translation of spoken dialogue, relevant background information or other contextual details.

Editing an SRT (SubRip) file can be done in different ways, depending on your needs and the type of editing you want to perform. Here are some general steps:

Manual editing with a text editor
Open the SRT file with a text editor: Use a text editor such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), Notepad++, or Sublime Text.

Bewerk de tekst:
Each subtitle in an SRT file consists of a number, a timecode and the associated text. Edit the text as desired, but make sure you adjust the timecode appropriately. Save the changes: After editing, save the file. Make sure you save the file as plain text (.txt) and not as formatted text (.doc or .rtf)
Using Specific SRT Editing Software:
There are also specific programs designed for editing SRT files. Some examples are:

Subtitle Edit is a free and open-source program for editing subtitles in various formats, including SRT. Aegisub: An advanced subtitle editing program with many features for adjusting the timing, style and formatting of subtitles.
Online programs:
There are online platforms where you can upload and edit SRT files. Make sure you do not share sensitive information on public platforms.
Subtitle Edit Online: An online version of the above program that supports subtitle editing. Amara: An online platform that enables editing and creating subtitles in various formats.

Tips
Always make a backup of the original SRT file before you start editing. After editing, check that the time synchronization is still correct, as errors can disrupt the timing of subtitles.

There is no strict rule for the maximum length of a subtitle, but there are general guidelines and recommendations. The length of a subtitle is often measured in characters per line and lines per subtitle.

Number of lines per subtitle: Ideally, the number of lines per subtitle should be limited to two, although some subtitle formats allow up to two lines.

Length per line: It is recommended to limit the length of a subtitle line to approximately 35 to 40 characters. Dit bevordert de leesbaarheid, vooral bij snelle weergave van ondertitels.

Reading time: Make sure that the reading time of a subtitle corresponds to the speaking time of the accompanying dialogue. In general, it is recommended to display subtitles on the screen for approximately 1 to 7 seconds, depending on the speed of the narration and its complexity. The goal is to keep the subtitles readable and understandable even when they appear quickly on the screen. Subtitles that are too long can be problematic, especially for viewers who don’t fully understand the language or have difficulty reading at high speed.

You can often disable this in the video file. If not then they are hardcoded into the file. The only thing you can do is place a beam over it so that it bothers you less.

Adjusting subtitles can be done in different ways depending on the medium in which the subtitles are used. Here are some general steps for adjusting subtitles:
For online videos:
On YouTube: To adjust subtitles on YouTube, go to the video, click the gear icon at the bottom of the video window, and select “Subtitles.” On other platforms: Refer to the subtitle settings or options on the specific platform where you are watching the video.
With specific software:
If you have downloaded subtitles and want to edit them, you can use specific subtitle editing software, such as Aegisub, Subtitle Edit, or Subtitle Workshop.
Open the subtitle files with the software and edit the text as desired.
In text editors:
Open the subtitle file with a text editor such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or a code editor such as Visual Studio Code. Edit the text and save the file.
On streaming services:
Some streaming services offer the option to customize subtitles. Go to the streaming service’s settings and look for subtitle options.
For embedded subtitles in videos:
If the subtitles are embedded directly into the video, editing them can be more complex. You may want to use a video editing program such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or a free alternative such as Shotcut.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to save your edited subtitles or apply your changes properly before sharing or saving the video. The process may vary depending on the specific program or service you use.

Subtitling videos offers several benefits and serves several purposes. Here are some reasons why videos are often captioned.

Accessibility: Closed captioning improves the accessibility of video content for the deaf and hard of hearing, allowing them to understand the information without relying on auditory elements.

Multilingualism: Subtitles make it possible to translate videos into different languages, reaching a wider audience that may not understand the original language. Improved Comprehensibility: Subtitles can increase the comprehensibility of spoken words, especially with accents, fast-paced dialogue, or technical jargon. They also provide visual support for what is happening in the video.

SEO Benefits: Captions can improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of videos because search engines can crawl and index the text. This can increase the findability of the video in search results.

Silence or Noise Reduction: In situations where the volume needs to be kept low, such as in public areas or late hours, subtitles can help convey the content of the video without playing the sound.

Educational Purposes: Closed captioning is useful in educational videos, where it can enhance the learning experience by synchronizing written text with spoken words, making it easier for viewers to understand and remember information. Regulatory Compliance: In some cases, it may be mandatory to add subtitles to comply with legal requirements regarding accessibility and anti-discrimination.

Yes, Netflix offers closed captioning as part of its service to serve a broader audience, including people with hearing problems or viewers who do not understand the original language of the content. Here’s how to enable closed captions on Netflix:

On smart TVs and streaming devices:
Launch the Netflix app on your TV or streaming device.
Start playing the video.
Use the remote to access the subtitle options and select the language you want.
Netflix usually offers several subtitle options, including the original language and translations in different languages. It is important to note that the available languages and subtitle options may vary depending on the region and the specific content.

On the computer:
Start the video you want to watch. Move your mouse over the playback screen and click on the “Speakers” icon (Audio & Subtitles). Select “Subtitles” and choose the desired language.

On mobile devices (smartphones and tablets):
Launch the Netflix app and start playing the video.
Tap the screen to display the controls.
Tap the “Speakers” icon (Audio & Subtitles).
Select “Subtitles” and choose the language you want.

Transcription:
A transcribed script is created that captures the spoken text in the video. This transcript can be created manually by a transcriber or generated automatically using speech recognition software.

Timing:
Each part of the transcribed text is timed to correspond with the moment it is spoken in the video. This involves determining the start and end of each subtitle, usually measured in milliseconds.

If the video is in a different language than the original transcript, the transcribed text can be translated into the desired target language.

Ondertitelopmaak:
Het toevoegen van opmaak zoals kleur, lettertypestijl, grootte en positie, afhankelijk van de esthetische vereisten en leesbaarheid.

Review and Editing:
Subtitles are carefully checked for errors, grammatical inaccuracies and correct timing. This can be done manually or using special software.

Embed in Video:
The subtitles are embedded in the video, so that they play together with the visual and auditory elements.

Testing:
After inserting the subtitles, the video is tested to ensure that the timing and formatting are correct.
There are several tools and software available to facilitate this process, and their use may depend on the specific requirements of the content creator. Professional subtitlers, translators, and video production companies often perform this process to ensure that the subtitles are accurate and effective.