Creating subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it's totally manageable once you get the hang of it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to add subtitles to your videos like a pro. Whether you're aiming for accessibility, reaching a broader audience, or just adding some extra flair to your content, subtitles are a game-changer. Let's dive in and make your videos even more engaging!

Why Use Subtitles?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly cover why subtitles are so important. First off, they make your videos accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is a huge deal because it opens up your content to a much wider audience. Secondly, not everyone watches videos with the sound on. Think about it: people commuting on the train, browsing at work, or just scrolling through social media. Subtitles allow them to understand your message without needing audio. Lastly, subtitles can help with comprehension, especially if you’re dealing with complex topics or different accents. They reinforce your message and ensure everyone’s on the same page. Trust me, adding subtitles is one of the best things you can do to improve your video content. So, let's get started and see how you can easily implement them in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020!

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020

Okay, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty of adding subtitles. I'm going to break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end of this, you'll be adding subtitles like a seasoned pro!

Step 1: Import Your Video

First things first, fire up Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 and import the video you want to add subtitles to. Go to File > Import and select your video file. Drag and drop it onto your timeline. Make sure your video and audio tracks are set up correctly. This is your foundation, so double-check everything before moving on.

Step 2: Create a New Captions Track

Next, you'll need to create a captions track. This is where your subtitles will live. Go to File > New > Captions. A window will pop up asking for the caption settings. Here are some settings that you might want to adjust:

• Format: Choose the format that is right for your project. Open Captions are generally a safe bet.
• Style: You can choose a style to begin with if you have created one or want to use a default.
• Stream: Leave this at the default unless you have specific requirements.

Click OK, and you'll see a new captions track appear in your timeline above your video tracks. This is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Add Your Subtitle Text

Now, the fun part: adding your subtitle text. Move your playhead to the point in your video where you want the first subtitle to appear. Then, in the captions track, click the "+ Add Caption" button (it looks like a little plus sign). A new subtitle box will appear. Type in your text. Make sure it's concise and easy to read.

Step 4: Adjust the Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to subtitles. You want them to appear on screen long enough for viewers to read them, but not so long that they become distracting. Adjust the start and end points of your subtitle box by dragging the edges in the timeline. Play it back to make sure it syncs perfectly with the audio. Pro tip: listen to the dialogue and watch the video to get the timing just right.

Step 5: Customize the Appearance

Make your subtitles look good! In the Essential Graphics panel, you can customize the font, size, color, and position of your subtitles. Here are a few tips:

• Font: Choose a clear, readable font like Arial or Helvetica.
• Size: Make sure the text is large enough to read easily, but not so large that it covers the screen.
• Color: Use a color that contrasts well with the background. White or yellow text with a black outline usually works well.
• Position: Place the subtitles at the bottom of the screen, where they won't obscure important visuals.

Play around with different settings until you find a look that you like. Consistency is key, so stick with the same style throughout your video.

Step 6: Repeat for All Dialogue

Keep adding and adjusting subtitles for all the dialogue in your video. This can be a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. Accuracy is super important, so double-check everything as you go. It is a good idea to go back after a first pass, because you are likely to notice a few things to fix.

Step 7: Export Your Video

Once you're happy with your subtitles, it's time to export your video. Go to File > Export > Media. Choose your export settings. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Format: H.264 is a good choice for most online platforms.
• Preset: Match Source - High Bitrate is a good starting point.
• Captions: In the Captions tab, make sure "Create sidecar file" is selected if you want to export your subtitles as a separate file (like a .srt file). Or, choose "Burn Captions Into Video" to embed the subtitles directly into the video.

Click Export, and you're done! Your video with subtitles is ready to share with the world.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the basics, let's dive into some advanced tips and tricks to take your subtitling game to the next level.

Using Speech-to-Text

Premiere Pro has a built-in speech-to-text feature that can automatically generate subtitles for you. This can save you a ton of time, but it's not always perfect. To use it, go to Window > Text and click the "Transcribe Sequence" button. Premiere Pro will analyze your audio and create a transcript. You can then turn the transcript into captions. Review and edit the transcript to fix any errors. The more clear your audio is, the better results you will have.

Creating and Using Styles

To keep your subtitles consistent, create and use styles. In the Essential Graphics panel, you can save your subtitle settings as a style. Then, you can apply that style to all your subtitles with just one click. This is a huge time-saver if you're working on a long project.

Importing Subtitle Files

If you have a separate subtitle file (like a .srt file), you can import it into Premiere Pro. Go to File > Import and select your subtitle file. Premiere Pro will automatically create a captions track and add the subtitles to your timeline. This is useful if you're working with a professional transcription service.

Adjusting Subtitle Duration

Sometimes, you need to adjust the duration of multiple subtitles at once. To do this, select all the subtitles you want to adjust, then drag the edge of one of them. All the selected subtitles will be adjusted proportionally. This is a great way to fine-tune the timing of your subtitles.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn the keyboard shortcuts for adding and adjusting subtitles. This will speed up your workflow and make you more efficient. Here are a few useful shortcuts:

• Add Caption: Alt + Shift + C (or Option + Shift + C on Mac)
• Select Next Caption: Shift + Down Arrow
• Select Previous Caption: Shift + Up Arrow

Customizing your keyboard shortcuts can also make a big difference, create new ones that work with your personal workflow.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best tools and techniques, you might run into some issues when adding subtitles. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them.

Subtitles Not Displaying

If your subtitles aren't displaying, make sure the captions track is enabled in your timeline. Also, check your export settings to make sure you're exporting the subtitles correctly.

Subtitles Out of Sync

If your subtitles are out of sync, adjust the timing of the subtitle boxes in the timeline. You can also use the speech-to-text feature to automatically sync the subtitles with the audio.

Subtitle Text Too Small

If your subtitle text is too small, increase the font size in the Essential Graphics panel. Also, make sure you're using a clear, readable font.

Subtitle Text Hard to Read

If your subtitle text is hard to read, change the color and add a background or outline. White or yellow text with a black outline usually works well.

Premiere Pro Crashing

If Premiere Pro is crashing, make sure you have the latest version installed. Also, try clearing your media cache and disabling any third-party plugins.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Adding subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 is totally achievable. By following these steps and using these tips, you'll be creating professional-looking subtitles in no time. Remember, subtitles are not just about accessibility; they're about making your content more engaging and reaching a wider audience. So go ahead, give it a try, and take your videos to the next level!