CatScribe Docs

#Translating Subtitles

Subtitle translation is different from book translation. The text must fit timing, reading speed, speaker changes, and formatting tags while still sounding natural.

#Before You Start

Use clean subtitle files when possible:

  • Prefer SRT or VTT files with valid numbering and timestamps.
  • Keep a backup of the original subtitle file.
  • Check whether the file uses speaker labels, HTML-like tags, or positioning notes.
  • Confirm source and target languages before translating.

#Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Import the subtitle file.
  2. Translate a short sample first.
  3. Review timing-sensitive lines in the CAT Editor.
  4. Fix names, repeated phrases, and speaker references.
  5. Check tags and punctuation after editing.
  6. Export and play the subtitle file with the video before publishing.

#What To Watch For

Subtitle lines have less room than book paragraphs. A literal translation may be too long to read on screen.

During review, check:

  • Lines that overflow or read too slowly.
  • Dialogue that sounds unnatural when spoken.
  • Split sentences that depend on the previous or next subtitle.
  • Tags such as italics or positioning markers.
  • Speaker labels and sound descriptions.

#Keeping Subtitle Tags Safe

If a line contains markup, preserve the tag structure unless you are sure it should change.

Example:

<i>I never said that.</i>

Keep the opening and closing tags around the translated text:

<i>Eu nunca disse isso.</i>

If tags are inconsistent after export, compare the affected line with the source subtitle and restore missing opening or closing tags.

#Video Workflow

CatScribe focuses on translating subtitle text. A practical video workflow is:

Create or obtain subtitles -> Translate subtitles -> Review timing and tags -> Export -> Test with video

If the video does not already have subtitles, create a subtitle file first using your preferred transcription tool, then import that file into CatScribe.