Text in the picture versus a separate track
Burned-in captions are rendered into the video frames. They remain visible wherever that video is played, and viewers cannot switch them off separately. This is useful when typography and word animation are part of the edit.
An SRT is a text file containing numbered cues, start and end timestamps, and caption text. It needs a video player or platform that supports subtitle tracks. The destination controls how that track looks; an SRT does not carry an animated hero word, your chosen font or a moving highlight. VTT is another timed-text format supported by compatible players.
Avoid two captions fighting for the same space
If a video already contains burned-in captions, adding another visible subtitle track can put two versions over the picture. Preview the destination with its caption controls enabled and disabled, then decide which combination your audience needs.
Keep the subtitle file paired with the exact version of the video you reviewed. Trimming or reordering the video afterwards can invalidate the cue timings even though the subtitle text still reads correctly.
What each export keeps
A format comparison for the current Bol Studio workflow; destination support varies.
| Export | What the viewer receives |
|---|---|
| Captioned MP4 | Video frames with the caption styling and animation included. |
| SRT | Timed caption text for a compatible subtitle track; no Bol animation. |
| VTT | Timed text for a compatible player; check destination support. |
A subtitle file is not a video. Keep the original media and verify the imported track in its destination player.
Try it in the editor
- Review words, timing and line breaks in the editor.
- For the styled picture, export a captioned MP4.
- For a subtitle track, open Export and choose SRT or VTT under Other download formats.
- Play the exact video and subtitle combination where it will be published.
