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If the recipient needs to edit or switch languages, agree on an external subtitle format. If everyone must see the same bilingual design, consider burned-in video. Decide on original audio, translated speech and editable project delivery before production begins.
Start with the playback destination
Video platforms, learning systems, venue players and editing suites support different subtitle features. Ask whether viewers must switch languages, see a translucent background, retain source captions or edit the text later.
Send a short sample and its subtitle file for testing in the actual destination. A file opening in a browser does not establish venue-device compatibility. Font availability, rendering and encoding can all affect the result.
Understand what each file preserves
SRT primarily carries text and timing. WebVTT is commonly used for web captions. ASS can describe more elaborate styling, but rendering still varies. An external subtitle file cannot be assumed to reproduce the editor's appearance everywhere.
Burned-in subtitles become part of the picture, making the design more consistent but removing the viewer's ability to turn them off or replace them. Keep an unburned source and editable subtitles for later language editions and corrections.
Check timing and audio after edits
Subtitle timing should match the delivered cut, not accidentally retain absolute positions from the source. Inspect the first cue, every join and the final cue. If segments were reordered, listen to ensure that the translated speech follows the correct picture.
Specify whether you are delivering original audio, a translated voice track or a mix. Use language, aspect ratio and revision in filenames so that an old translation is not paired with a new edit.
A portable project is not automatically a source package
Check how the source video is handed over, whether audio caches are included, whether client versions match and whether media must be relinked. Private paths, sign-in credentials and internal operation records are not delivery materials.
Attach a manifest stating purpose, language, duration, aspect ratio, subtitle format, audio contents, reviewer and unresolved issues. Document checkable acceptance results rather than claiming universal compatibility.
A practical comparison
| Deliverable | Useful for | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| SRT / WebVTT | Editable timing and language editions | Player support and encoding |
| ASS | Rich caption styling | Fonts and rendering |
| Burned-in MP4 | A fixed bilingual picture | Captions cannot simply be disabled |
| WAV / project | Audio reuse and further editing | Source, caches and versions |
Before you sign off
- Recipient approves a sample in the destination player.
- Timing and speech match the delivered edit.
- Files state language, aspect ratio, revision and purpose.
- The manifest lists unresolved review items.
Frequently asked questions
Does SRT preserve a translucent background and exact font?
No. SRT mainly stores text and timing; appearance is controlled by the player. Fixed presentation usually needs burned-in video or an agreed styling environment.
Does correcting one caption require new recognition for the whole video?
Review the affected text, translation and audio first and process only what is needed. A layout change alone is not a reason to repeat recognition.
Scope and related product information
Scope: current Wali desktop clients for Windows and macOS. Video subtitle production requires administrator enablement and configured recognition, dedicated translation and speech resources. Availability depends on the account and version. A mobile browser is not the local video export workspace.
Examples in this guide illustrate a review method, not a customer case or a performance result. Product availability changes with version and account configuration.
Video subtitle production and translated dubbing | Wali desktop →Current clients and installation guidance →