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D-UB GUIDE

How to translate SRT and VTT subtitles

Translate existing caption text while retaining the file's cue structure and timestamps.

Reviewed

Before you start

  • Have a permitted, valid UTF-8 SRT or VTT file up to 4 MB and an account.
  • Use Captions for subtitle files. Use Studio Subtitles to transcribe speech from a video.
  • Paid translation uses the separate translation balance.

Translate the file

  1. Open Captions and click Import, or paste supported caption content into Original. Confirm Format is SRT or VTT.
  2. Choose From and To. Review Subtitle preset instructions before clicking Apply this preset if you want them.
  3. Review terminology and other preferences, then click Translate. Confirm the current quote when ready.
  4. Compare the returned captions with the original. Inspect speakers, names, cue count and translated meaning.
  5. Download the displayed SRT or VTT and test it beside the intended video.

Expected result

The translated subtitle file keeps the source structure and timestamps. Translation does not infer new timing from audio. Longer translated lines may still need editorial review.

Try a small example

Use a caption file you own with two cues and a speaker label. Confirm the same cues and times exist in the download, then inspect the translation.

Troubleshooting

  • Malformed captions: correct cue structure and timestamp syntax before importing.
  • Need a global timing change: use Adjust synchronization and review it in the player.
  • Need animated video captions: use the Studio subtitle rendering workflow; text translation alone does not create a burned-in video.

Questions and answers

Does translating align subtitles with speech?

No. The file keeps existing timing. A manual offset can shift it; this is not automatic audio alignment.