DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editing tools, offering professional-grade editing, color correction, and VFX capabilities. Adding subtitles to your videos in DaVinci Resolve enhances accessibility, improves engagement, and boosts SEO rankings for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
This guide will show you two methods to add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve:
✅ Automatic subtitles using speech-to-text AI.
✅ Manual subtitles for complete control and accuracy.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to create professional subtitles, export caption files, and improve your content’s reach.
1. Why Adding Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve Is Essential
Adding subtitles isn't just about accessibility—it significantly boosts video performance:
✔ Higher Engagement – Viewers stay longer when subtitles are available.
✔ SEO Boost – Search engines index subtitle text, making videos more discoverable.
✔ Accessibility – Makes content available to non-native speakers and hearing-impaired audiences.
✔ Silent Viewing – 85% of videos on social media are watched without sound.
📌 Pro Tip: Platforms like YouTube and Facebook prioritize videos with captions, leading to higher ranking and visibility.
2. How to Add Automatic Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve Studio (paid version) includes an AI-powered speech-to-text tool that generates automatic subtitles.
Step 1: Open Your Project in DaVinci Resolve
1️⃣ Import your video into DaVinci Resolve.
2️⃣ Drag the clip onto the Timeline in the Edit tab.
Step 2: Generate Automatic Subtitles
1️⃣ Go to the Fairlight page (bottom menu).
2️⃣ Select Timeline > Create Subtitles from Audio.
3️⃣ Choose the Language and click Generate Subtitles.
4️⃣ DaVinci Resolve will automatically create a subtitle track.
📌 Pro Tip: If the subtitles don’t match perfectly, adjust timing in the Subtitle track editor.
Step 3: Edit the Auto-Generated Subtitles
1️⃣ Open the Inspector Panel (top right).
2️⃣ Select a subtitle clip and edit the text, font, position, and size.
3️⃣ Adjust subtitle length to improve readability.
📌 Pro Tip: Use two-line subtitles for easier reading and keep text under 42 characters per line.
Step 4: Export Video with Embedded or Separate Subtitles
1️⃣ Go to the Deliver page.
2️⃣ Under Subtitle Settings, choose:
✔ Burn into Video (for hardcoded subtitles).
✔ Export as SRT File (for YouTube and social media captions).
3️⃣ Click Render to export your video.
📌 Pro Tip: Hardcoded subtitles cannot be turned off, while SRT files allow platforms to display captions dynamically.
3. How to Add Manual Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve
For precise control over subtitles, manual entry is the best method. This ensures perfect timing, correct translations, and no AI errors.
Step 1: Create a Subtitle Track
1️⃣ Go to the Edit tab.
2️⃣ Click on Timeline > Add Subtitle Track.
3️⃣ A new subtitle track appears above your video.
📌 Pro Tip: Use subtitle styles to customize font, color, and positioning for branding consistency.
Step 2: Manually Enter Subtitles
1️⃣ Go to the Media Pool and click Effects Library > Titles > Subtitles.
2️⃣ Drag a Subtitle Clip onto the subtitle track.
3️⃣ In the Inspector panel, enter your text.
4️⃣ Adjust timing and duration by dragging the subtitle in the timeline.
📌 Pro Tip: Use Shortcut: Shift + Arrow Keys to fine-tune subtitle timing quickly.
Step 3: Customize Subtitle Appearance
1️⃣ Select the subtitle clip and go to the Inspector panel.
2️⃣ Adjust Font, Size, Position, and Background Color.
3️⃣ Use Shadow and Outline effects to improve readability.
📌 Pro Tip: White text with a black outline ensures subtitles are visible on any background.
Step 4: Export Manual Subtitles
1️⃣ Go to Deliver page > Subtitle Settings.
2️⃣ Choose Burn Into Video or Export SRT File.
3️⃣ Render your video.
📌 Pro Tip: For YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, always upload an SRT file for better accessibility and SEO benefits.
4. Best Practices for Subtitling in DaVinci Resolve
✔ Keep subtitles short – Use 1-2 lines per subtitle (42 characters max per line).
✔ Time subtitles accurately – Match speech without overlapping text.
✔ Use readable fonts – Arial, Open Sans, or Helvetica work best.
✔ Ensure contrast – Light text on dark backgrounds for visibility.
✔ Use captions for sound effects – [Music], [Laughter], [Explosion], etc., for accessibility.
📌 Pro Tip: Well-formatted subtitles increase video engagement by up to 80% on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
5. Why Subtitles Are Important for Video Marketing
Subtitles significantly boost video performance across all platforms:
🎥 YouTube – Videos with captions rank higher in search results.
📱 Instagram & TikTok – 85% of users watch videos on mute.
📈 SEO Benefits – Search engines index subtitle text, improving discoverability.
🌍 Global Reach – Subtitles allow non-native speakers to engage with content.
📌 Pro Tip: Adding multilingual subtitles increases international reach and attracts a global audience.
6. Conclusion: Master Subtitling in DaVinci Resolve
Adding subtitles in DaVinci Resolve is a crucial skill for video editors, content creators, and marketers. Whether using automatic speech-to-text AI or manually inputting subtitles, DaVinci Resolve provides powerful tools for professional results.
Want to master DaVinci Resolve faster? Join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp and learn pro-level video editing, color grading, and subtitling techniques to create cinematic and high-impact content.
FAQ Adding Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve
How do I add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
To add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve, go to the Edit tab, click Timeline > Add Subtitle Track, then drag subtitle clips into the timeline. Use the Inspector panel to manually enter text and adjust timing. Alternatively, DaVinci Resolve Studio allows you to generate automatic subtitles using AI-based speech-to-text tools.
Can DaVinci Resolve generate automatic subtitles?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve Studio (paid version) includes AI-powered speech-to-text features that can automatically generate subtitles. To enable this, go to the Fairlight page, click Timeline > Create Subtitles from Audio, and select your language. Once generated, you can edit the text and timing for accuracy.
How do I manually add subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
To manually add subtitles, go to the Edit tab, select Effects Library > Titles > Subtitles, and drag a subtitle clip onto the subtitle track. Use the Inspector panel to enter text, adjust font, position, and subtitle duration.
What is the difference between automatic and manual subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
Automatic subtitles use AI speech recognition to generate text automatically, saving time but requiring manual corrections. Manual subtitles give full control over accuracy, timing, and formatting, making them ideal for precise subtitle placement and translations.
Can I export subtitles as an SRT file in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can export subtitles as an SRT file by going to the Deliver page, selecting Subtitle Settings, and choosing Export Subtitle File (SRT). This allows platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo to display closed captions dynamically.
How do I burn subtitles into a video in DaVinci Resolve?
To hardcode subtitles into a video, go to the Deliver page, under Subtitle Settings, select Burn Into Video, then render the project. This ensures that subtitles are always visible, but viewers cannot turn them off.
Why are my subtitles not appearing in DaVinci Resolve?
If your subtitles are not showing, ensure that you have enabled subtitle tracks by right-clicking the timeline and selecting Enable Subtitle Track. Also, check that subtitles are properly placed within the timeline and not set to hidden or off-screen.
How do I adjust subtitle timing in DaVinci Resolve?
To adjust subtitle timing, select the subtitle in the timeline, then drag the edges to extend or shorten its duration. Use the Inspector panel to fine-tune the subtitle’s start and end time.
How do I customize subtitle fonts and styles in DaVinci Resolve?
To customize subtitle appearance, select a subtitle clip, go to the Inspector panel, and adjust font, size, color, position, and background opacity. Using a black outline or shadow improves readability on light backgrounds.
What are the best subtitle formats for YouTube and social media?
For YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, exporting an SRT file allows dynamic captions. For Instagram Reels and TikTok, use burned-in subtitles since these platforms do not support external caption files.
Can I add multi-language subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can add multiple subtitle tracks for different languages. Go to Timeline > Add Subtitle Track, create a new track for each language, then export separate SRT files or burn them into different versions of the video.
How do I remove black background behind subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
To remove or adjust the background opacity of subtitles, select the subtitle clip, open the Inspector panel, and modify the background transparency settings.
How do I automatically sync subtitles to audio in DaVinci Resolve?
For automatic synchronization, use DaVinci Resolve Studio’s AI-generated subtitles by selecting Timeline > Create Subtitles from Audio. If syncing manually, align subtitle clips with the waveform in the timeline.
How long should each subtitle stay on screen?
Each subtitle should be displayed for at least 2 seconds but no longer than 6 seconds, depending on sentence length. Ideally, keep subtitles under 42 characters per line for readability.
Can I animate subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can animate subtitles using Fusion or keyframes in the Inspector panel. Adjust position, opacity, and scaling over time to create smooth subtitle transitions.
Why should I use subtitles in my videos?
Subtitles increase video engagement, SEO rankings, and accessibility. Viewers retain more information, and videos with captions perform better on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok because they allow silent viewing.
How do I add subtitles for TikTok and Instagram videos in DaVinci Resolve?
For TikTok and Instagram, set your Timeline Resolution to 1080x1920 (vertical), place subtitles in a safe viewing area, and use burned-in captions since these platforms don’t support external SRT files.
Where can I learn DaVinci Resolve for professional video editing?
For in-depth training on DaVinci Resolve, including subtitling, color grading, and advanced editing, the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp offers hands-on lessons and expert coaching.
What’s the best subtitle font for professional videos?
Recommended subtitle fonts include Arial, Open Sans, Helvetica, and Roboto, as they ensure clarity and readability. Always use a black outline or shadow for better contrast.
Does adding subtitles improve video SEO?
Yes, subtitles improve SEO because search engines index subtitle text, making videos rank higher in search results. YouTube videos with captions receive more engagement and views compared to those without.
Can I use AI tools to translate subtitles in DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve does not currently have built-in AI translation, but you can export SRT files and use online tools like Google Translate to create multi-language captions before re-importing them.
