How to add subtitles to a video on Mac
Most people watch with the sound off. Here's how to add subtitles that are timed to every word, without typing a single one.
2 min read. Updated .
1. Add your video
- Download videoFn, open it and click Connect next to your AI assistant.
- Ask your assistant to open your video in a new project, or drag it into videoFn.
videoFn transcribes the speech on your Mac as soon as the video is added, with a time for every word.
2. Ask for subtitles
Add subtitles to this video. Two lines at most, near the bottom, and highlight each word as it's spoken.
using the transcript made on your Mac
timing each caption to the spoken words
highlighting the current word
checking the captions are easy to read
3. Fix any words
Read through the captions in the preview. If a name or product is spelled wrong, just say so. If you have a script, paste it in and videoFn uses your words with the timing from the speech.
- “It's spelled Beacon, not Bacon.”
- “Use this script for the captions:” followed by your text.
4. Choose a style and export
Ask for the look you want, then export. The subtitles are part of the finished video, so they show everywhere you share it.
- “Use big bold captions with a dark box behind them.”
- “Put one word on screen at a time, centred.”
- “Make them yellow and move them higher.”
Tips
- Keep captions short. Two lines is easier to read than three.
- Keep them clear of faces and on-screen text.
- For vertical videos, place captions a little above the bottom so app buttons don't cover them.
Questions
- Which languages work?
- Transcription works in many languages. Word timing is most precise in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Hindi.
- Is my video uploaded for transcription?
- No. videoFn transcribes the speech on your Mac.
- Can I add subtitles to a video without speech?
- Yes. Paste the words you want and say when they should appear, or ask for them to follow the music.