Video Transcription and Captioning in Premiere Pro

This lesson walks through the process of transcribing and captioning video files in Adobe Premiere Pro. For this example, the Transcribing and Captioning folder inside the Premiere Pro Advanced Projects folder is used.

Opening and Preparing the Project

Begin by opening the project file, such as the Interview project. If the file was created in an older version of Premiere Pro, the software will prompt you to convert it.

You can override the older file by deleting the underscored version and saving over it. Keep in mind that once the project is updated, it cannot be reopened in the earlier version. If you are collaborating with someone who is using an older version of Premiere Pro, they will not be able to open the updated file. Adobe recommends that all collaborators use the same version of the software.

After the project opens, save a new version with your name added to the filename. Make sure the file is saved in the Transcribing and Captioning folder and confirm that all media is properly linked.

How Transcription Works in Premiere Pro

In Premiere Pro, transcription is tied to sequences. You generate transcripts from clips placed in a sequence. Although source clips can be transcribed directly, this workflow focuses on transcribing the active sequence.

You can transcribe an edited timeline, a finished video, or even a single clip placed on the timeline. If multiple dialogue tracks exist, Premiere can transcribe them, but only the topmost dialogue track will display in the transcript view.

Accessing the Text Panel

Open the Text panel or switch to the Captions and Graphics workspace for additional caption controls. If you plan to edit your timeline using transcript tools, the Text-Based Editing workspace is also available. For this workflow, focus on captions.

If needed, reset the workspace layout to return everything to its default configuration. Ensure the timeline is active. In the Text panel under the Transcript tab, you may see a notice that the sequence has not yet been transcribed.

Transcribing the Sequence

Click Transcribe. The processing time depends on the length of the video and your computer’s performance. Short videos, such as those under two minutes, typically process quickly.

The transcript aligns directly with the timeline. As you move the playhead, the corresponding text highlights, allowing for precise review.

Reviewing and Correcting the Transcript

Carefully review the transcript for accuracy. Captions are generated from this transcript, so any errors will appear in the final subtitles.

If a word is misinterpreted, such as the letter C instead of the word “see,” double click the text in the transcript and correct it manually. Accuracy depends heavily on audio clarity and clear speech from the speaker.

You can also enable speaker detection. If multiple speakers are present, Premiere automatically labels them as Speaker 1, Speaker 2, and so on.

Editing Speaker Names

To update speaker names, edits must be made in the source transcript rather than the timeline transcript.

Right click the clip in the sequence and choose Reveal in Project to locate the original file in the Project panel. Double click the source clip to load it into the Source Monitor. In the Text panel, switch to the source transcript, click the three dots next to the speaker label, and select Edit Speaker Names. Enter the correct name and save.

Return to the timeline transcript to confirm the updated speaker name appears.

Exporting the Transcript

Transcripts can be exported for sharing or external review. Common export formats include plain text and CSV files. CSV files can be opened in spreadsheet programs such as Excel and are useful when sending transcripts to producers or collaborators for editing.

Creating Captions from the Transcript

To generate subtitles, switch to the Captions tab in the Text panel and select Create Captions from Transcript.

Several preset options are available. The default Subtitle preset works well for most projects. If compliance with broadcast accessibility standards such as CEA 708 is required, choose the appropriate preset.

Subtitles are flexible and commonly used for platforms like Vimeo and YouTube. Character limits per line and the number of lines per caption can be adjusted, though the default settings are typically effective.

Click Create Captions. Premiere adds a new subtitle track to the timeline. Rename the track as needed, such as English.

Formatting Captions

Select all caption clips by dragging across them or by using the Track Select Forward tool while holding Shift to limit selection to the current track.

In the Properties panel, adjust font, size, alignment, tracking, and leading. For example, switching to a clean font such as Open Sans, increasing size for readability, and adjusting line spacing can improve clarity.

Caption positioning is more limited than standard graphics clips. Transitions cannot be applied, and movement controls are restricted.

Adjust fill and stroke settings as needed. Disabling drop shadow and enabling a background box often improves readability. Increase background opacity and padding to ensure text remains visible without obstructing important visual content. Rounded corner options are available for the background box.

Adjusting Specific Captions

If captions overlap important on-screen elements such as titles or logos, select individual caption clips and adjust their position manually. Zone controls determine default alignment, but individual captions can be repositioned when necessary.

Completing the Workflow

Once the transcript has been reviewed and captions formatted, the subtitles are ready for delivery. This workflow allows you to generate, edit, export, and style captions efficiently within Adobe Premiere Pro.

This completes the process for creating subtitles from transcription.