Add subtitles in Final Cut Pro

Step by step

1. Upload your video to HappyScribe (start with the free trial) and choose the spoken language. More than 150 languages are supported.
2. Let the AI generate the subtitles, usually in a few minutes, then review text and timing in the online subtitle editor.
3. Export the subtitles as SRT. For broadcast deliveries that need CEA-608, export SCC instead.
4. In Final Cut Pro, open your project in the timeline and choose File > Import > Closed Captions, then select the file.
5. In the Import as Role section, pick a closed caption role and a language subrole. Leave Insertion Time on Relative to Timeline, then click Import.
6. The captions appear in a closed caption lane at the top of the timeline. Edit the text or formatting in the inspector.

Caption formats Final Cut Pro accepts

Final Cut Pro imports SRT (.srt), iTT (.itt) and CEA-608 (.scc) caption files, and HappyScribe exports SRT and SCC. Use SRT for websites and social platforms, SCC for broadcast specs. HappyScribe's Final Cut Pro (.fcpxml) export works differently: it places the subtitles as titles in the timeline, which suits styled on-screen text rather than closed captions.

Generate Captions vs HappyScribe

Final Cut Pro can create captions automatically with Edit > Generate Captions > Closed Captions (Transcribe to Captions in Final Cut Pro 11). Apple notes that it needs a Mac with Apple silicon and works in U.S. English only. For any other language, or to translate captions into 80+ languages, generate them with the HappyScribe subtitle generator and import each language as its own subrole.

Closed captions or burned-in subtitles?

Choose File > Export Closed Captions to create a sidecar file for each language subrole. For SRT, Apple recommends deselecting Include Formatting so the file plays everywhere. Sidecar captions suit YouTube, Vimeo and accessibility, because viewers can turn them off or switch languages. For Instagram, TikTok or players without caption support, burn them in: many Final Cut Pro share destinations include a burn-in option for captions. HappyScribe can also export the video with subtitles already burned in.

Final Cut Pro subtitles: FAQ

How do I add an SRT file to Final Cut Pro?

Choose File > Import > Closed Captions, select the .srt file, pick a caption role and language subrole, then click Import. The captions appear in a lane above your clips.

Can Final Cut Pro generate captions automatically?

Yes, with Generate Captions, but only for U.S. English on a Mac with Apple silicon. For other languages, create the SRT in HappyScribe and import it.

How do I burn subtitles into a Final Cut Pro export?

Pick a share destination with a burn-in option for captions, so they stay permanently visible. Alternatively, download the burned-in video directly from HappyScribe.

Why don't my imported captions line up with the video?

Check the Insertion Time setting. Relative to Timeline adds the project's start time to each caption, while Absolute uses the file's own timecodes. The same steps help in iMovie.