How to Create Subtitles in DaVinci Resolve (Import SRT, Fix Timing, Export)

To create subtitles in DaVinci Resolve, you usually import an SRT into a subtitle track, check frame rate and timecode so it stays in sync, then adjust timing and export in the format you need (SRT, VTT, or embedded captions). Resolve makes this workflow fast once you understand subtitle tracks, how captions differ from subtitles, and which export settings match your delivery platform.

This guide walks you through the full process: importing an SRT, fixing timing issues, formatting for readability, and exporting clean files that stay synced.

• Primary keyword: create subtitles in DaVinci Resolve

Key takeaways

• Use a dedicated subtitle track (not regular text titles) so you can export SRT/VTT or embed captions.
• Match your timeline frame rate to the source video before you import an SRT to prevent drift.
• Fix sync problems by checking start timecode, frame rate, and whether the SRT was made for the same cut.
• Keep captions easy to read: short lines, good breaks, and stay inside title safe areas.
• Export based on where the video will live: SRT/VTT for web platforms, embedded captions when the deliverable requires it.

Subtitle tracks in DaVinci Resolve (and why they matter)

In DaVinci Resolve, subtitles live on a subtitle track in the Edit page timeline. This is different from adding text with a Title, because subtitle tracks store timed caption items you can export as caption files.

Use a subtitle track when you need any of the following: an SRT/VTT file, embedded captions, or consistent timing edits across many caption entries.

Where to work on subtitles in Resolve

• Edit page: best for importing SRT, arranging subtitle items, and trimming timing.
• Inspector: adjust style (font, size, position) for subtitle items or the whole track.
• Deliver page: export subtitle files or embed captions into a video export.

Captions vs. subtitles: what’s the difference in Resolve?

People often say “subtitles” to mean any on-screen text, but captions and subtitles serve different goals. Knowing the difference helps you choose formats and settings that export correctly.

Typical differences (practical, not theoretical)

• Subtitles usually represent spoken dialog for viewers who can hear the audio but need language support.
• Captions usually include dialog plus important non-speech audio (like [door slams] or [music]) for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

How this affects export formats

• SRT: common for online platforms and review workflows.
• VTT (WebVTT): common for web players and HTML5 workflows.
• Embedded captions: useful when you need the captions to travel with the video file in a single deliverable.

If you are unsure which you need, ask whoever will publish the video whether they want a sidecar file (SRT/VTT) or captions in the video export.

Before you import an SRT: frame rate and timecode checks

Most sync problems start before you ever touch the subtitle file. Resolve aligns your subtitles to the timeline, so your timeline settings and the SRT’s timing assumptions must match.

1) Confirm the timeline frame rate before you start

Set your timeline frame rate to match the source video before importing subtitles. Changing frame rate later can shift how timing feels, especially near cuts.

• Open Project Settings and confirm the timeline frame rate matches the footage (for example, 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97).
• If you have mixed-frame-rate footage, decide on a master delivery frame rate first, then build captions against that timeline.

2) Check the timeline start timecode

Some subtitle files are authored assuming the program starts at 00:00:00:00, while some broadcast workflows start at an hour (like 01:00:00:00). If your subtitles import offset, start timecode is a common reason.

• Verify your timeline start timecode in project/timeline settings.
• If the SRT is offset by a constant amount, you can usually fix it by shifting all subtitle items together after import.

3) Make sure the SRT matches the same video cut

If the editor changed the cut after the transcript was captioned, captions may drift around edits. Even a small trim early in the timeline can throw everything off later.

• Confirm the SRT was created from the final exported reference video (or at least the same edit version).
• If the cut changed, you may need to re-time sections around the edits, or request a new caption file against the latest cut.

Step-by-step: import an SRT into DaVinci Resolve

This workflow assumes you already have your edit locked (or close) and you have an SRT caption file ready.

Step 1: Add a subtitle track

• Go to the Edit page.
• In the timeline track area, add a Subtitle Track (not a video track).

Step 2: Import the SRT

• Import the SRT into your project (for example, into the Media Pool), or use the subtitle import option if shown in your version of Resolve.
• Place the imported subtitles onto the subtitle track, aligned to the timeline start.

If Resolve asks how to interpret the file or track, choose the subtitle/caption option that matches your intent (subtitles for translation-style, captions for SDH-style).

Step 3: Check alignment at three points

Don’t just spot-check the beginning. Check at the start, middle, and end to catch drift early.

• Start: Does the first subtitle appear on the first spoken line?
• Middle: Do captions still land on the right words after several cuts?
• End: If the last subtitle is late or early, you likely have a frame rate mismatch or an edit mismatch.

Adjust timing in Resolve (without creating new sync problems)

Once the SRT is on the subtitle track, you can adjust each subtitle item like any timed clip. The goal is to keep subtitles readable while still matching speech.

Quick ways to fix timing

• Trim edges: drag the in/out of a subtitle item to start earlier or end later.
• Slip the whole item: move the subtitle item left/right to align with speech without changing duration.
• Shift a group: select multiple subtitle items and move them together if a section is offset.

If everything is off by the same amount

A consistent offset usually means a start-time mismatch or a missing leader at the beginning of the reference video. Select all subtitle items and shift them by the exact amount.

• Zoom into the timeline for precise nudges.
• Use the waveform and visible mouth movements as your timing cues.

If sync drifts more over time

Drift usually points to a frame rate mismatch or a caption file created against a different video export. Fix the root cause when possible instead of manually chasing drift line by line.

• Confirm the timeline frame rate matches the reference used to create the SRT.
• Confirm the SRT was created for the same cut (same runtimes and edits).
• If you must fix manually, correct timing at major edit points first, then refine each segment.

Best practices: line length, breaks, and safe areas

Good subtitles feel invisible because they are easy to read. If viewers struggle to read them, they will miss the video.

Line length and layout

• Keep captions to 1–2 lines whenever possible.
• Avoid very long lines; break lines at natural pauses.
• Don’t split names, numbers, or short phrases across lines if you can avoid it.
• Keep punctuation with the words it belongs to.

Timing and readability

• Give captions enough screen time to read, especially for fast talkers.
• Avoid flashing very short captions unless the speech is truly that fast.
• Try to avoid captions that linger long after the speech ends.

Safe areas (so subtitles don’t get cut off)

Different screens crop differently, and some platforms add UI controls that cover the bottom of the frame. Use title safe guides and keep subtitles inside safe margins.

• Enable safe area guides in the viewer when available.
• Keep subtitles above player controls and away from the extreme edges.
• Watch for lower-thirds, name keys, or burned-in graphics that collide with captions.

Export subtitles from DaVinci Resolve: SRT, VTT, and embedded captions

Choose export settings based on where the video will be used. Many platforms prefer sidecar files like SRT or VTT, while some deliveries require captions embedded in the video file.

Option 1: Export an SRT

• Use SRT when you need a widely accepted subtitle file for review, social platforms, or video hosting tools.
• After export, open the SRT in a text editor to confirm it saved correctly and that timecodes look reasonable.

Option 2: Export a VTT (WebVTT)

• Use VTT when you need subtitles for web players or workflows that expect WebVTT.
• Keep naming consistent (video filename matches subtitle filename) if your platform uses auto-detection.

Option 3: Embed captions in a video export

Embedded captions travel with the exported video, which can simplify handoffs. This is also useful when you must deliver a single file.

• Confirm whether you need embedded captions (toggleable) or burned-in subtitles (always visible).
• Review the exported file in a different player than Resolve to confirm captions show up as expected.

Last check before you deliver

• Watch the first minute, a mid section, and the last minute with captions on.
• Check that punctuation and speaker changes look consistent.
• Verify language, encoding, and special characters display correctly (especially for names and accents).

Tips to avoid subtitle sync issues (the problems people hit most)

Subtitle problems usually come from mismatch, not from bad editing. Use this checklist when something looks “almost right” but never perfect.

Common causes and fixes

• Frame rate mismatch: confirm the timeline frame rate and the reference used to create the SRT match.
• Wrong cut/version: captions must match the exact edit; re-export a reference and re-caption if needed.
• Start timecode offset: shift all subtitle items by the same amount.
• Mixed deliverables: if you export at a different frame rate than your timeline, re-check sync on the final export.
• Text styling hides words: check safe areas and UI overlays, especially on mobile.

When to request a new caption file instead of fixing it manually

• The edit changed a lot after captioning.
• Drift grows steadily across the timeline.
• The captions need SDH-style sound cues, speaker labels, or strict style rules you must follow.

Common questions

• Can I edit the text of an imported SRT inside DaVinci Resolve?
  Yes, you can adjust the subtitle text by selecting a subtitle item and editing its text fields in the subtitle controls/inspector, depending on your Resolve version.
• Why are my subtitles offset after import?
  A constant offset often comes from timeline start timecode differences or a reference export with extra leader at the start.
• Why do my subtitles drift out of sync near the end?
  Drift usually points to a frame rate mismatch or an SRT made for a different cut of the video.
• Should I export SRT or VTT?
  Use SRT for broad compatibility; use VTT when your web player or platform specifically asks for WebVTT.
• What’s the difference between embedded captions and burned-in subtitles?
  Embedded captions can be toggled on/off in supported players, while burned-in subtitles are permanently part of the video image.
• How do I keep subtitles from being cut off on phones?
  Keep text inside title safe areas, avoid extreme bottom placement, and check exports on a mobile screen or mobile player UI.

Getting accurate subtitle files that work well in Resolve

Resolve works best when your captions arrive in a clean, standard format like SRT or VTT and match your final edit. If you’re ordering captions from a provider, it helps to request the exact deliverable you plan to import and export.

• Request SRT if you want the most common Resolve-friendly subtitle file.
• Request VTT if you’re publishing to a web workflow that prefers WebVTT.
• Ask for captions that match your reference video frame rate and the final cut.

If you want a simpler path from audio to editable captions, GoTranscript can help with transcripts and caption files you can bring into Resolve, then fine-tune timing and export in the format your platform needs. You can also explore GoTranscript’s subtitling services and closed caption services, or use professional transcription services when you need a clean text base for captions.

When you’re ready to move from rough audio to polished deliverables, GoTranscript offers professional transcription services that can support your Resolve subtitle workflow with the right file formats for import and export.