DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software that is perhaps best known for its color-correcting, color grading and visual effects capabilities. There are a number of different video editing software on the market today, but DaVinci Resolve remains an industry favorite. A substantial amount of time, resources and effort go into producing and editing a video. As a result, creators are constantly searching for new ways to grow their audience and boost the reach of their content. One common method for increasing audience engagement is adding captions and subtitles to videos.
Captions convey all audio elements of a video recording. In addition to the spoken text of a video, captions also represent non-speech audio elements like sound effects, laughter, pauses and more. Closed captions are captions viewers can enable and disable at will. In contrast, open captions are permanently included in a video file, and viewers can’t turn them on and off. Due to their comprehensive nature, captions are the best choice for creators who are focused on improving the accessibility of their content. Subtitles, on the other hand, only provide textual representations of spoken dialogue. For this reason, subtitles are good for viewers watching content in a non-native language.
Overview of methods to add captions in DaVinci Resolve
There are a few available methods for adding captions and subtitles in DaVinci Resolve. The first method is to add them manually within the editing software. As you can imagine, adding DaVinci Resolve subtitles manually can be a laborious and time-consuming process. Additionally, if the individual creating these DaVinci Resolve captions lacks adequate transcription training, the final project may contain a significant number of transcription errors.
Some video platforms and media hosting sites use automatic speech recognition technology to automatically generate captions for video content. Unfortunately, DaVinci Resolve automatic subtitles are not currently available within the platform. This is also the case when adding captions in iMovie or generating Final Cut Pro subtitles. Anyone in need of an easier way to caption videos in DaVinci Resolve may want to consider partnering with a professional video captioning service like Verbit.
When users upload a video to Verbit’s platform, our highly advanced artificial intelligence creates the first transcript draft. Verbit’s professionally trained human transcribers then review and make edits before converting the transcript into a caption file with accurate time codes that correspond to the video’s audio track. Users can then download their captions in a variety of file formats like SRT, SCC and WebVTT files. These formats are compatible with major video editing and hosting platforms. Video creators can save additional time and further streamline their workflows by waiting until after editing to caption their content. Rather than adding captions directly within DaVinci Resolve, creators can upload their finished videos to Verbit’s platform. Verbit offers convenient software integrations with sites like YouTube and Vimeo that save creators time during the captioning process.
Captioning content for these platforms can increase average watch time and support audience members of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Smarter transcription, captioning and accessibility - backed by leading AI + human expertise. Adding subtitles or captions in DaVinci Resolve helps you reach a larger audience with your videos, including those with hearing impairments.
Table of contents
- How to add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve
- How to add subtitles manually
- How to create subtitles from audio automatically (Studio exclusive)
- How to generate subtitles for free in DaVinci Resolve
- How to import subtitle and transcription files into DaVinci Resolve
- How to speed up with an AI subtitle generator
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Enhancing workflow with AI tools
How to add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve
There are two main approaches: manual within Resolve, and importing a prepared subtitle file. Manual subtitles require you to create and time each subtitle block directly in the timeline. Importing SRT or VTT files lets you attach pre-timed text data to the video.
How to add subtitles manually
- Navigate to the Edit workspace.
- Add a subtitle track or use the Subtitles effect from the Effects panel.
- Enter your subtitle text for each segment and adjust their duration by dragging the edges in the timeline.
- Use the Inspector to customize font, size, color, and position. You can add new subtitles as needed.
- Note: as of DaVinci Resolve 20, there are no dedicated keyboard shortcuts for editing subtitles, so most edits are mouse-driven.
From the Effects window, select Titles and then scroll to the bottom of the list. Click and drag Subtitle into the subtitle track just above your timeline. Alternatively, right-click above your Timeline and select Add Subtitle Track. Select the Subtitle, then navigate to the Inspector tab. Change the length of the subtitle to sync it with the audio track. In the Inspector window, select Add New to add another subtitle where the first finishes. With your captions included, you can customize them so they’re legible and match your desired style. In the Inspector window, select the Track tab to change font, stroke, and position.
Importing SRT files
Import SRT to timeline: go to File > Import > Subtitle, then drag the subtitle file from the Media Pool onto the timeline above the video track. Customize the appearance in the Inspector panel. Review timing to ensure synchronization.
Exporting subtitles
Right-click the audio/video tracks and click Export subtitle, or go to File > Export > Subtitle. You can burn subtitles into the video or export as SRT or VTT for platforms that support closed captions.
How to create subtitles from audio automatically (Studio exclusive)
DaVinci Resolve Studio offers automatic subtitling from audio. In Resolve, go to Timeline > Create Subtitles from Audio. Choose language and a preset style, then start transcription. After completion, review and edit captions in the Subtitles panel and on the timeline. To export, go to Deliver and select Burn into video or export as SRT/VTT. You can customize the appearance in the Track panel.
How to generate subtitles for free in DaVinci Resolve
If you don’t own Studio, you can use third-party tools such as AutoSubs to generate subtitles. Install AutoSubs, run Resolve, go to Workspace > Scripts > AutoSubs V2, select your audio track and transcription model, then export an SRT file. Import the SRT into Resolve and adjust timing and appearance as needed. This workflow provides a cost-effective alternative to Studio’s auto-captioning.
How to import subtitle and transcription files into DaVinci Resolve
Prepare the file in compatible formats like SRT, VTT, or TXT. In Resolve, open Media Pool, right-click, and choose Import Subtitles. Drag the file onto the timeline, then customize the font, size, and color in the Inspector. Review timing and export with your video if needed.
How to speed up with an AI subtitle generator
AI subtitle generators such as Checksub can accelerate the subtitling process. Upload the video, select language options, and export as SRT or VTT. Import into Resolve, adjust timing and styling, and export the finished video or an embedded subtitle file.
Another option is using Gling.ai or Simon Says integration for automatic transcription and captioning within DaVinci Resolve. These tools offer batch processing, translation to multiple languages, and easy re-use of subtitle styles across projects.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Subtitles not syncing correctly: check timing and adjust start/end times to align with audio.
- Subtitles not displaying: ensure the subtitle track is visible and the file format is compatible.
- Incorrect font or style: use the Inspector Track options to adjust font, size, color, and alignment consistently.
- Subtitle file issues: validate the SRT file with a subtitle editor before import.
- Performance lag: ensure hardware meets Resolve requirements and close unnecessary apps.
Enhance your workflow with AI tools
For a streamlined captioning experience, AI tools such as Checksub, AutoSubs, and Gling.ai can generate accurate subtitles quickly and export in formats compatible with DaVinci Resolve. After generation, import and style subtitles in Resolve, then render with or without hardcoded captions depending on your distribution needs.
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In summary, adding captions in DaVinci Resolve enhances accessibility, engagement, and discoverability. Whether you opt for manual subtitling, SRT/VTT imports, Studio’s auto-captioning, or third-party AI tools, Resolve provides flexible options to fit different workflows and budgets.