How to Add Subtitles & Closed Captions in DVD Studio Pro

How to Add Closed Captions and Subtitles to DVDs with DVD Studio ProDVD Studio Pro allows users to create DVD masters. Authoring a DVD with closed captions is straightforward using DVD Studio Pro.

Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Note that HDMI cannot transmit closed caption data. You will need to play the DVD from a player with an analog connection to the TV.

If playing the DVD on a computer, make sure you are using a media player that has the capacity to turn captions on and off.

The VLC player is a good free software that supports closed captions.

How to Add Captions & Subtitles in DVD Studio Pro

How to Add Closed Captions & Subtitles in DVD Studio Pro. Download the free how-to guide.

Step 1: Submit Your Video File for Captioning

Log into your 3Play Media account.

Click on Upload Media on the top navigation. Click Choose Files.

Select your video and follow the onscreen prompts to specify turnaround time. You’ll receive an email when your captions are ready.

 

For additional details, read the support article on uploading videos for captioning.

Upload Media, and Choose files are highlighted

Step 2: Check Your Project's Frame Rate in DVD Studio Pro

Open DVD Studio Pro.

In the Assets tab, select your video file. Look at the Video Asset section on the right-hand side of your screen.

Make a note of your video’s frame rate.

 

Check Your Project's Frame Rate in DVD Studio Pro. Assets and Video Asset selected. File selected. Frame rate: 29.97 Non-Drop

Step 3: Download Your Captions in SCC Format

Go to the My Files page in your 3Play Media account and check the box next to your video.

Click Download.

Under the SMPTE format options, and select the SCC format.

Under the Frame Rate Settings, select the frame rate that matches the frame rate of your video.

Save the .scc file to your computer.

SMPTE Caption Formats. SCC selected. Frame Rate Settings selected, and 29.97 Non-Drop Frame is selected in drop down menu

Step 4: Add Captions to Your Video Track in DVD Studio Pro

Return to your project in DVD Studio Pro.

In the Outline tab, select your track (Track 1).

In the inspector, click the Other tab. You will see a place to select a file under the Closed Caption (Line 21) header.

Click Choose and select your .scc caption file.

Note: Once you import your caption file, the Field 1 (Top) Recorded setting will automatically activate. This is the correct setting.

 

Your closed caption track is now associated with Track 1 of your video. Note that you should repeat these steps if you have multiple video tracks in your project.

Screenshot in DVD Studio Pro. Outline, Track 1, Other, Choose, are selected. Arrow points to Field 1 under Closed Caption

Step 5: Burn Your DVD with Closed Captions

Complete any final steps for authoring your DVD.

When you’re finished, select File > Advanced Burn > Build and create a new folder for your completed DVD master. Click Choose.

 

Your DVD now has closed captions!

Screenshot of DVD Studio Pro with File menu selected. Advanced burn and build are selected

How to Add Subtitles to DVDs in DVD Studio Pro

Subtitles are different from closed captions. Follow these instructions to add a subtitle track to your DVD.

Your subtitle tracks should be in SCC format with the same frame rate as your video. Order translated subtitles in multiple languages from your 3Play Media account.

In DVD Studio Pro, click Import under the Assets tab.

Drag the subtitle file from the assets window into the S1 track field below your video and audio tracks.

 

Repeat this step for multiple subtitle tracks by dragging the additional files into the track fields S2, S3, and so on.

Save your project and burn your DVD.

Screenshot in Desire2Learn. Track window is showing with S1, S2, S3, and S4 highlighted

Watch the video tutorial below to follow along with the above instructions.

 

How to Add Captions & Subtitles in DVD Studio Pro

How to Add Closed Captions & Subtitles in DVD Studio Pro. Download the free how-to guide.