How to Attach Subtitles to a Movie

How to Attach Subtitles to a Movie is something many people need to know, especially when a film doesn’t have subtitles in their language. No matter what language you speak, everyone enjoys watching movies. However, most movies don’t have the budget to provide translation dubs in multiple languages, so subtitles are essential for understanding them. Whether you want to add subtitles to your favorite films or need to manually subtitle a movie by translating it, this guide will show you exactly how.

If you’ve ever wondered how to attach subtitles to a movie, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. Whether you’re adding subtitles to a classic film or translating one yourself, knowing how to attach subtitles to a movie can make all the difference in your viewing experience.

By following this guide, you’ll learn how to attach subtitles to a movie in any language, giving you access to more films in a way that works best for you. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s explore the best methods on how to attach subtitles to a movie.

Quick Steps to Add Subtitles to a Film

Download the movie to your computer and place the file in its own dedicated folder.
Search for and download a subtitle file (.SRT) in your preferred language for the film.
Move the .SRT file into the same folder as the movie file and rename it to match the movie’s file name.
Open the movie using a video player like VLC Media Player, which will automatically sync the subtitles with the video.

These simple steps will allow you to enjoy your film with the subtitles you need!

Adding Subtitles to a Movie

Step 1: Find the Movie and Place It in Its Own Folder

Locate the movie file you want to subtitle on your computer using Finder (Mac) or Windows Explorer. Movie files typically have extensions like .mov, .avi, or .mp4. You don’t need to modify the movie file itself, just place it in a dedicated folder—unless it’s already in one. This folder should contain both the movie and the subtitle file you’ll download, as the video player will link the files together.
Note: Subtitles can’t be added to DVDs without specialized software. This method is for files you’ve already downloaded or purchased.

Step 2: Download the Subtitle File

Search online for subtitles by entering the movie title followed by the language, e.g., “X-Men: First Class Indonesian Subtitles.” Websites like OpenSubtitles or SubSource typically offer these files. Subtitle files are usually in the .SRT format, though some older files may use the .SUB extension.
Make sure to avoid suspicious pop-ups and only download files with the .SRT or .SUB extensions. These subtitle files are small and generally safe from viruses.

Step 3: Rename the Subtitle File to Match the Movie

To ensure the subtitles sync correctly, rename the subtitle file so that it matches the movie file name exactly. For example, if your movie is named BestMovieEver.AVI, rename the subtitle file to BestMovieEver.SRT. This will allow your video player to automatically link the subtitle with the movie.

Step 4: Place the Subtitle File in the Same Folder as the Movie

If you haven’t already created one, make a new folder for the movie. Move the .SRT subtitle file into the same folder as the movie file. When both files are in the same folder and have matching names, most video players will automatically recognize and display the subtitles.

The easiest video player for this is the free VLC Media Player, which supports a wide range of file formats and subtitle syncing.

Creating Your Own Subtitles (Three Ways)

Step 1: Use a Subtitle Creation Website

To efficiently subtitle a movie, websites like Amara and Clideo allow you to watch the movie while typing out the subtitles. These platforms generate an .SRT file that syncs with the video. While Clideo requires a paid subscription, the general process on most subtitling websites is similar:

Choose when the subtitle should start.
Write the subtitle text.
Specify when the subtitle should disappear.
Repeat this for the entire movie and mark “Complete” when finished.
Once done, download the .SRT file and place it in the same folder as your movie.

Step 2: Create Subtitles by Hand Using Notepad

If you prefer to create subtitles manually, you can use a text editor like Windows Notepad or Apple’s TextEdit (both free and pre-installed). Before starting, create a new file and save it as “YourMovie.SRT” (replace “YourMovie” with your actual movie file name).
To write the subtitles, follow these steps:

Set the encoding to “ANSI” for English subtitles or “UTF-8” for non-English subtitles.
Write the following in each line:
1. The subtitle number (1, 2, 3, etc.).
2. The duration of the subtitle in this format: hours:minutes:seconds:milliseconds –> hours:minutes:seconds:milliseconds (e.g., 00:01:20:003 –> 00:01:27:592).
3. The text of the subtitle itself.
4. Leave a blank line before starting the next subtitle.
  Repeat this process for each subtitle, and save the file when you’re done.

Step 3: Create Subtitles in a Video Editor

For a more visual approach, you can create subtitles directly in a video editor like Premier, iMovie, or Windows Movie Maker.
Here’s how:

Open the movie file in the video editor and pull it into the timeline.
Use the “Titles” menu to choose a subtitle style you like.
Write out your subtitle text, then drag it to the relevant spot on the movie timeline.
Repeat for each subtitle.
You can copy and paste the same subtitle style to save time.
However, the drawback to this method is that the subtitles will become part of the movie, and you won’t be able to turn them off. You’ll also need to save the movie as a new file.

Step 4: Be Thoughtful When Creating Translated Subtitles

When translating subtitles, it’s important to be thoughtful about both accuracy and the cultural context of the language. Consider the following:

The goal of the dialogue: Focus on the feeling or message the character is conveying rather than just a literal translation.
Timing: Ensure the subtitles appear and disappear at the right times so viewers have enough time to read them.
Slang and figures of speech: Look up foreign expressions or slang, as they often don’t translate well. Substitute with equivalent expressions in your native language to maintain the meaning and tone.

Adding Subtitles to YouTube Movie Uploads

Add an .SRT File to YouTube for Subtitles

When uploading a movie to YouTube and you want to include subtitles, follow these steps:

Click on the “Captions” option during the upload process.
Select “Add a Caption Track” and choose your .SRT file.
Ensure that “Caption Track” is enabled, not “Transcript Track.”
Once the video is live, click the “CC” button while watching the video to enable captions.

Note: You cannot upload a full movie to YouTube unless it is your original creation or in the public domain. Uploading copyrighted content without permission is a violation of copyright law and could result in your video being removed by YouTube or the copyright holder.

Generating Subtitles for Online Movies

Use Chrome’s Live Caption to Get Auto-Generated Subtitles

If you’re watching a movie on YouTube or another website that doesn’t have subtitles, or if the subtitles are in an unfamiliar language, you can use Google Chrome’s Live Caption feature to get auto-generated subtitles. Here’s how:

Open Google Chrome and go to the site with the movie you want to watch.
Ensure the Live Caption feature is enabled for your preferred language. As you watch, matching or translated subtitles will appear on the screen.

Enabling Live Captions in Chrome

To turn on Live Captions, follow these steps:

Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of Chrome and select Settings.
Go to Accessibility and toggle Live Caption on.
If you want subtitles in a language other than English, click Add languages and select your preferred language using the down arrow.

Important: While there are extensions claiming to add subtitles automatically, be cautious as they may be fake or contain viruses. Chrome’s Live Caption feature is a safe, free, and reliable option for generating subtitles in various languages when watching movies online.

Can you add subtitles to a DVD?

You Can Only Add Subtitles to Movies Saved on Your Computer

If you’re watching a DVD that doesn’t have the subtitles you need, you won’t be able to add them directly without advanced software and equipment. DVDs are protected and cannot be rewritten, meaning your DVD player cannot add new languages or subtitles.

Activating Subtitles on a DVD Player

If you’re watching on a DVD player, try pressing the “Titles” or “Subtitle” button on your remote control to activate subtitles if they are available.

Enabling Subtitles When Playing a DVD on Your Computer

When watching a DVD on your computer, use the DVD menu to toggle the subtitles on or off, as this is the easiest way to enable them.