Smartcat Subtitle Editor: Freelancer Guide

Before you start, check our article on project setup.

Open the subtitle file by clicking on the needed one in the “Files” section of your project, as seen here:

There are both languages in two parallel columns in Subtitle Editor, the source text on the left and the corresponding translation on the right showed in so-called “cues”.

In the Subtitle Editor, we prioritize dividing text into cues with specified durations rather than full sentences. This approach ensures that subtitles are optimized for readability, synchronization, and audience engagement.

Note that the source text is non-editable and serves as a reference for creating accurate translations.

On the far right, you'll find the preview area and the timeline panel. The preview area lets you see how subtitles align with the video, while the timeline panel shows how subtitles are distributed over time, providing a clear visual representation of their placement and duration.

Below the preview area and timeline panel is the Settings section. Use this section to configure limit parameters for all cues. This ensures consistency across the entire subtitle file, enhancing both the overall quality and the accuracy of your translations.

All your work takes place on the right side of the editor. Here you can add, edit and review translations. To make edits in the cue, simply click on its text and apply the necessary changes.

If the subtitles are not aligned with the video, you can easily adjust their start and end times to control their duration. Each cue has a CPS (characters per second) value, which indicates whether the reading speed is too high and whether the subtitles may not match the timing and need to be modified. CPS limit value can be changed in the Settings tab.

If you think a multi-line cue should be split into separate cues, no problem! Simply click the 'Split by lines' button, and it will divide the cue into the exact number of lines you have. Remember, to create multiple lines within a cue, press the 'Enter' button.

Need to merge cues, delete existing ones, or add new ones? It's easy! Just click the 'Dots' button and select the desired option from the dropdown menu.

For a faster experience, simply hover over a border and click the 'Insert cue' button.

When you’re satisfied with a cue translation, mark it as processed. Don’t worry — you can continue editing the cue if you spot areas for improvement, right up until you click the “Mark Processed” file button in the control bar.

Track your progress by clicking on the “Progress” button, which will show how much of the file you have completed working on.

When you believe that the translation of the file is ready click the “Mark Processed” button in the control bar to finish working on the subtitles. Note that you can use this button even if no cues have been marked as processed.

And in such a way you can efficiently translate and edit subtitles, saving time and enhancing productivity.