If you’re using iMovie, you might have questions about how to add subtitles to your videos.
Does iMovie offer automatic subtitle creation? Can you add subtitles manually?
In this article, you’ll know exactly how to use iMovie’s subtitle features on Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
If you’re using iMovie, you might be wondering whether it can generate subtitles automatically.
The answer is no. iMovie doesn’t have an automatic subtitle feature. It doesn’t use speech-to-text technology to transcribe your audio or create subtitles for you.
This means you’ll need to add subtitles manually.
To add subtitles in iMovie, you’ll need to use its title tools. You’ll have to type each subtitle yourself, adjust the timing, and position it within your video. While this approach gives you full control over how your subtitles look and align with your content, it also demands significant manual work.
Another drawback is that iMovie doesn’t let you import subtitle files like SRT or VTT. If you’ve created subtitles in another tool, you won’t be able to integrate them directly into iMovie. This limitation can be frustrating if you’re managing subtitles externally or need a streamlined way to add pre-made subtitles.
If you frequently create videos and need an efficient way to add subtitles, this manual process can become a burden. However, for shorter projects or when customization is your priority, iMovie’s tools might still meet your needs.
To add subtitles in iMovie, the only way is to enter them manually in your project interface. You have to insert the different text blocks using the "Titles" function in iMovie :
Start by opening iMovie on your Mac. Create a new project or open an existing one. Click on “Import Media” and select the video file you want to work on. Once the video is imported, drag it into the timeline.
In iMovie, subtitles are added as titles. Click on the “Titles” tab in the toolbar to see a range of title styles. Choose a style that suits your video. Drag the selected title style to the timeline, placing it above the video clip where you want the subtitle to appear.
Double-click on the title box in the timeline to open the text editor. In the preview window, type the text you want for your subtitle. Keep it concise and easy to read. Use the text formatting options to adjust the font, size, and color.
Once you’ve added the subtitle text, adjust its timing. Drag the edges of the title box in the timeline to make it longer or shorter. This ensures the subtitle stays on screen for the right amount of time. If needed, reposition the text in the preview window to ensure it doesn’t obstruct important parts of your video.
Repeat this process for every subtitle you need to add. This can be time-consuming for longer videos, but it allows you to control every detail of the subtitles.
Professional advice:
Adding subtitles to your video in iMovie on iPhone or iPad follows a similar process to the Mac version but is adapted for touch controls. Here’s how you can do it:
Open the iMovie app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on “Create Project.” Choose the “Movie” option, then import the video you want to edit. Once imported, drag it into the timeline.
Tap on the video clip in the timeline to select it. From the bottom menu, tap on the “T” (Text) icon to bring up the text title options. Browse through the available styles and pick one that suits your video’s tone. Tap on the chosen style to apply it to your clip.
Once you’ve added a text title, tap on it in the preview window to edit. Type the text for your subtitle directly. Keep your text short and clear to ensure it’s easy to read on smaller screens. Adjust the font size, style, and color using the formatting options.
After editing the text, drag the edges of the text bar in the timeline to adjust when the subtitle appears and how long it stays on screen. Make sure the timing matches the dialogue or action in your video. You can also reposition the text in the preview window to ensure it doesn’t block important visuals.
For each additional subtitle, repeat the process. Select the next point in the timeline where you need a subtitle, add a text title, and customize it as before. While this can be tedious for longer videos, it’s a reliable way to ensure each subtitle is placed accurately.
First, a note of clarification: if you have already a subtitle file in SRT or VTT format, you cannot import an SRT or VTT file directly into iMovie. Too bad!
Yet, there are still other ways to get around that:
If you’re looking for a faster and more efficient way to subtitle your videos, Checksub AI auto subtitles can do the job. Here’s how you can use Checksub to streamline the process:
Start by logging into the Checksub platform. Once logged in, upload your video file. Checksub supports various video formats, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. After uploading, select the original language of your video. If you need subtitles in multiple languages, you can add those during this step as well.
Once your video is uploaded, Checksub uses advanced AI speech recognition to transcribe the audio. This process typically takes just a few minutes, depending on the length and complexity of your video. The AI ensures high accuracy, so you’ll spend less time editing the subtitles afterward.
After the transcription is complete, you can review and edit the subtitles using Checksub’s online editor. Adjust the text for accuracy, split sentences where necessary, and ensure the timing aligns perfectly with your video. The editor makes it easy to make changes without needing specialized skills.
Checksub allows you to customize the appearance of your subtitles. You can change the font, size, color, and even add effects to match your video’s style. This ensures your subtitles are both functional and visually appealing.
Once you’re satisfied with the subtitles, export them in your preferred format, such as SRT, VTT, or directly embedded into the video. Checksub simplifies this process, making it easy to download or share your final project.
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