How to Add Subtitles Tutorial | Premiere Pro 2020

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of adding subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020. Whether you're creating content for accessibility or enhancing viewer engagement, subtitles can significantly improve your videos. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to add, customize, and export subtitles effectively.

Step 1: Prepare Your Video

• Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import your video file.
• Drag your video onto the timeline.
• Ensure the video is properly trimmed and edited before adding subtitles.

Step 2: Create a New Captions Track

• Go to the top menu and select File.
• Navigate to New and choose Captions.
• In the dialog box, select the caption format (e.g., Open Captions or Closed Captions).
• Click OK to create a new captions track in your project panel.

Step 3: Add Subtitles

• Select the newly created captions track.
• In the Captions panel, click the + button to add a new caption.
• A text box will appear on the timeline where you can input your subtitle text.
• Adjust the duration of the subtitle by dragging the edges of the caption box on the timeline.

Step 4: Customize Subtitles

• With the caption selected, go to the Essential Graphics panel.
• Customize the font, size, color, and positioning of your subtitles to match your video style.
• Use the Transform tools to adjust the placement on the screen (e.g., bottom center is common).

Step 5: Review and Edit Subtitles

• Play through your video to ensure subtitles are timed correctly with the dialogue.
• Adjust timing and text as necessary by clicking on the caption and editing the text in the Captions panel.

Step 6: Export Your Video with Subtitles

• Once you are satisfied with your subtitles, go to File and select Export.
• Choose Media to open the export settings.
• In the export settings, ensure that the Captions tab is set to "Burn In" if you want the subtitles hard-coded into the video, or select other options if you want them as a separate file.
• Click Export to save your video with the subtitles included.

Conclusion

Adding subtitles in Premiere Pro 2020 enhances your video content and makes it accessible to a broader audience. By following these steps, you can effectively create and customize subtitles for your projects. Consider reviewing your finished video to ensure everything is in sync and that the subtitles enhance rather than distract from your content. Happy editing!