For the amateur and professional subtitlers of today, there is no shortage of subtitling software to choose from. From free to paid, cloud-based to downloadable, there is something for every type of subtitler. This article will serve as a summary of many of the options available, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Free Software
For those who subtitle as a hobby (for example, as fansubbers), or in an unpaid capacity, free subtitling programs may be the best option. However, these often rely on donations to run, and so may cease updating if funding runs out. Here are some of the free options available at the moment.
Open Subtitle Editor
Open Subtitle Editor allows you to edit existing subtitles, as well as to create new ones. However, the software is still in the development stage, and so may not have all the features necessary for all subtitling projects. In addition, the website is underdeveloped, with the “Bugs & Features Requests” section currently not working. Despite these issues, this software could be a good first step for someone looking to learn about subtitling.
Jubler Subtitle Editor
Jubler Subtitle Editor is an open-source downloadable software which can be used for editing or converting existing subtitles and creating new ones. Useful features include spell checking, styles editing and subtitle previews. However, some features only work in conjunction with external applications, so this may not be the best package for those looking for an all-in-one software.
Subtitle Edit
Subtitle Edit is an open-source downloadable software which can be used to edit existing subtitles or to create new ones in over 30 languages. The software is run by software developer Nikolaj Lynge Olsson, and is updated regularly, with the latest update on December 23rd 2023. Useful features include audio-to-text, spell checking, and a help section on the website.
Subtitle Workshop
Subtitle Workshop is a downloadable application which allows for editing and creating subtitles. Its most innovative feature is its customisable interface, which will appeal to more experienced subtitlers. However, the latest update was in 2013, so for those looking for the most up-to-date software, Subtitle Workshop may not be ideal.
Aegisub
Aegisub is an open-source downloadable software for editing and creating subtitles. The website features a useful collection of user manuals for each download version, as well as a bug tracker with a forum component, ideal for troubleshooting. These features make Aegisub a good fit for a beginner subtitler. However, the latest version was released in 2014, so as with Subtitle Workshop, it may not be the best fit for someone looking for an up-to-date programme.
Subtitle Horse
Subtitle Horse is a browser-based subtitling software, and has a free and paid version (however, information is only available about the paid version upon request from Subtitle Horse). The free version allows for adding subtitles and captions to a video, and the website features a useful user guide. Additionally, Subtitle Horse offers a free mobile application, Subtitle PONY, for creating subtitles and captions on mobile devices (excluding iPhones).
In addition to freeware, some paid subtitling software programmes offer a free trial, during which customers can test out the features and decide if the software is suitable for their needs. These are good options for those looking to move from freeware to paid software. Below are some of the paid software choices available at the moment.
Paid Software
SubtitleNEXT
SubtitleNEXT’s website advertises the software as suitable for freelancers and companies alike. Features include a live subtitling option, spell check, and non-Latin based scripts such as Chinese and Japanese. There are several packages available, depending on what features you want. The cheapest on the market is the Monthly Rental Plan for €86.10, and the most expensive is the upgrade package from the most basic to the most advanced plan, costing €3,198.
EZTitles
EZTitles is a professional subtitling software, which also allows for closed caption creation. Subtitles created using EZTitles comply with regulations set by major streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and Hulu; EZTitles is also an official subtitling partner of Netflix. The software can work with any language, no matter the script, allows for both horizontal and vertical subtitle orientation, and automatically detects shot changes. EZTitles offers a free trial, and the cheapest paid option, the Essentials Lifetime Plan, costs €1,720. The Ultimate Lifetime Plan, which includes all features, costs €2,380.
OOONA Tools
OOONA Tools offers a cloud-based subtitling platform, available as a free trial for four weeks, in its standard format for $812 (approx. €741.23) per year, and in its professional format for $2,048 (approx. €1,869.52) per year. Due to being cloud-based, subtitlers who use OOONA Tools can work from any computer or laptop, and subtitling projects are not lost if the computer or laptop is damaged. Features include the detection of shot changes, a team communication messaging application, and the burning of subtitles onto a video file. However, due to the subscription-based nature of OOONA Tools, and thus the need to renew every year (or six months, depending on the subscription type), this software can be very expensive, so is most likely useful for professionals as opposed to amateurs.
WinCaps
WinCaps offers three packages: WinCaps Q4 Standard for general subtitling, WinCaps Q4 Pro for intralingual subtitling, and WinCaps Q-Live for live subtitling. WinCaps Q4 Standard is promoted as a software for professionals, and is priced at €289.65 per year, with a seven day free trial available. The user interface is available in English, French, German and Dutch, and the software features automatic speech detection, useful for spotting. However, some features, such as the spell checker, are only available via external applications such as MS Office Proofing Tools.
Spot Software
Spot Software was developed by subtitling professionals in the Netherlands, and is promoted as an affordable software for professionals. It offers a fifteen day free trial, and a license for one year costs €250. It benefits from regular updates, the latest on December 19th 2023. As it was created by subtitlers with subtitlers in mind, and thus possesses a user-friendly interface, it may be a good choice for those new to professional subtitling, or those looking to upgrade from freeware.
The above is not an exhaustive list; there are many more free and paid subtitling softwares available. When choosing a software, it is important to consider your budget, the requirements of your project (for example, certain streaming services may prefer a particular software package), and the subtitling-specific features available as part of the software.
WORKS CITED
Aegisub, https://aegisub.org/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
Collins Online Dictionary, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/fansub. Accessed 6 January 2024.
EZTitles, https://www.eztitles.com/eztitles-subtitling-software. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“EZTitles.” Netflix Partner Help Centre, https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/215612857-EZTitles. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Home.” Subtitle Horse, https://subtitle-horse.com/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Home.” SubtitleNEXT, https://subtitlenext.com/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Home.” Open Subtitle Editor, https://opensubtitleed.sourceforge.net/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Home.” Spot Software, https://www.spotsoftware.nl/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Home.” Subtitle Workshop, https://subworkshop.sourceforge.net/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
OOONA Tools, https://ooona.net/ooona-tools/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Screenshots.” Jubler Subtitle Editor, https://www.jubler.org/screenshots.html. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Screenshots.” Open Subtitle Editor, https://opensubtitleed.sourceforge.net/sshots.html. Accessed 6 January 2024.
Subtitle Edit, https://www.nikse.dk/subtitleedit. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“Welcome.” Jubler Subtitle Editor, https://www.jubler.org/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
“WinCaps.” BroadStream Solutions, https://broadstream.com/products/wincaps/. Accessed 6 January 2024.
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