Adobe After Effects is a leading tool for video motion graphics and post-production, but it lacks built-in auto-captioning capabilities.
Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, it requires manual captioning, plugins, or external tools to generate and synchronize subtitles effectively.
This guide will show you the best ways to add subtitles to your After Effects projects.
Does Adobe After Effects Have Auto Captions?
Adobe After Effects does not have a built-in auto-captioning feature like some other video editing software. Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which offers an automatic speech-to-text captioning tool, After Effects requires manual input or external plugins to generate subtitles.
To add captions in After Effects, you must create text layers manually or use third-party scripts and plugins to streamline the process.
Methods for Adding Captions in After Effects
Manually Creating Text Layers – Offers full control over subtitles but is time-consuming.
Using Plugins and Scripts – Automates subtitle creation, making the process faster.
Importing Subtitle Files – Allows the use of AI-generated SRT or VTT files for more efficient captioning.
How to Add Subtitles in Adobe After Effects Manually
Manually adding subtitles in After Effects provides full customization and precise control over the text, timing, and style. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a New Text Layer for Subtitles
Open your After Effects project and navigate to the Composition panel.
Select the Text Tool (T) from the toolbar.
Click anywhere on the video preview and type in your first subtitle.
Customize the font, size, color, and position in the Character panel to make it readable.
Step 2: Sync the Subtitles with Audio
Move the playhead to the start of the dialogue you’re subtitling.
Adjust the text layer’s position in the timeline so that it aligns with the spoken words.
Trim or extend the text layer’s in and out points to match the exact timing of the dialogue.
Step 3: Add More Subtitles
Duplicate the text layer by pressing Ctrl + D (Windows) / Cmd + D (Mac).
Modify the text to match the next spoken phrase.
Adjust the timing in the timeline to ensure it appears at the right moment.
Repeat this process for the entire video.
Step 4: Add Animations for Smooth Transitions
Use opacity keyframes to add fade-in and fade-out effects.
Experiment with text animation presets from the Effects & Presets panel.
Step 5: Render the Final Video
Preview the video to ensure proper synchronization.
Make final timing and positioning adjustments.
Export the final video with embedded subtitles.
How to Add Captions Using Plugins in After Effects
Using plugins simplifies the subtitle process, allowing faster workflow, automated synchronization, and pre-designed animations.
Download and install your preferred plugin from the official website or Adobe Exchange.
Step 2: Import Subtitle File
Export an SRT, VTT, or TXT subtitle file from an AI-powered transcription tool like Checksub.
Open After Effects and launch the plugin.
Import the subtitle file into the plugin interface.
The plugin will automatically generate text layers and sync them with the video.
Step 3: Adjust Subtitle Styling
Customize the font, color, size, and position.
Apply animations like fade-ins, slide-ins, or typewriter effects.
Ensure subtitles remain readable against the background.
Step 4: Render the Final Video
Preview the video for synchronization accuracy.
Export the final video with embedded subtitles or as a separate subtitle file.
How to Generate Professional Adobe After Effects Captions
For a streamlined and professional workflow, Checksub offers an AI-powered solution for generating, editing, and integrating subtitles in After Effects.
Step 1: Generate AI-Powered Subtitles
Log in to Checksub. Upload your video file. Select the original language for accurate transcription. Choose additional languages if translations are needed.
Checksub’s AI transcribes the video automatically.
The process takes a few minutes depending on video length.
AI transcription minimizes manual corrections.
Step 2: Edit and Customize Subtitles
Open the Checksub subtitle editor. Adjust subtitle timing for perfect synchronization. Correct any transcription errors manually. Split long sentences into smaller, readable subtitles. All of this with automated synchronizations.
Modify font, size, color, and placement. Add animations, background boxes, or drop shadows. Apply pre-designed templates or customize settings manually.
Step 3: Export the Subtitle File
Export subtitles in SRT, VTT, or TXT format, or export you video with burned-in subtitles or as a separate track.
Open After Effects and load your project. Use AEJuice Subtitles or SF-Subtitles to import the file. Ensure the subtitles sync correctly.
