WORKED EXAMPLE
Caption a short explanation
One long transcript paragraph covering the entire recording
Short timed caption phrases that follow the speaker and stay inside the safe viewing area
1. Choose the audio the captions should follow
Captions need to match the audio used in the final video. If you cleaned or replaced the narration in Edit audio, add that edited mix to the video project before generating captions.
Confirm that the timeline start and clip speed are final enough for review. Moving or retiming the source later can require updating the caption timing.
2. Generate timed text locally
Choose Captions and generate or update the transcript. Whisper runs in the browser on your device. The first use downloads a speech model, and longer recordings take more processing time.
Wait for final word timing before editing. Names, product terms, accents, and overlapping speakers can be recognized incorrectly, so local processing still needs human review.
3. Review words while following the playhead
Click a transcript word to move the video playhead to its time. Listen around the word and use Undo if you remove a range accidentally.
Keep each caption concise enough to read before it changes. Prefer natural phrase boundaries, and avoid leaving one short word alone when it belongs with the next phrase.
4. Style captions for the actual footage
Use a readable font, adequate size, and strong contrast against the image. A restrained background or shadow can protect light text when footage changes from dark to bright.
Keep captions away from the extreme edges and interface overlays used by social platforms. Preview both the busiest frame and the smallest destination screen you expect viewers to use.
5. Watch the complete export
Review timing at normal speed, especially around cuts and speed changes. Captions should appear with the speech and leave enough time to read without covering the next line.
Export a short test if the full project is long. Check the resulting file rather than relying only on the editor preview.
Make room for your next take.
Put this guide into practice with a short recording. Your scripts and audio stay on your device.
Open R3 Studio