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How to create "burned-in" subtitles in Sonix

This guide walks you through the process of preparing your transcript to generate a subtitled video.

Taylor Jennings avatar
Written by Taylor Jennings
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Important Notes

  • Burning in subtitles makes them part of the video file, so viewers cannot toggle them on or off.

  • Processing time may vary depending on video length, as larger files take longer to complete.

  • Ensure your transcript is polished for best readability, since edits to subtitles become permanent once burned-in.

  • Pricing varies by plan:

    • Premium & Enterprise Plans - $5 burn-in rate (per recorded hour)

    • Standard Plan - Must have sufficient prepaid credits to process the file. Burn-in uses additional minutes, which are deducted based on the file’s duration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Upload your video file to Sonix and select the spoken language.

  2. Edit and polish the transcript for maximum accuracy and readability.

  3. From the ‘Subtitles’ menu, select ‘Split transcript’, then define character length, duration, and lines per subtitle.

  4. You can also customize the appearance of your subtitles under ‘Customize style’.

  5. Fine-tune subtitle timing manually if needed (accurate to the millisecond).

  6. Choose ‘Burn-in’ to embed the subtitles directly into your video. Sonix will process and prepare the final version.

This video shows the software in action.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

What can I adjust if my subtitles look off sync or awkward?

Check the split settings (character length, duration, and lines) and adjust manual timing if needed before burning in.

Why is burning-in taking so long?

The process involves video rendering on Sonix’s servers. Larger videos take longer to process—just hang tight and let the system finish.

Why does my burned-in file look compressed?

If you are on a Standard Plan, we will use a compressed quality version of your file. Original quality exports are available for Premium and Enterprise customers only.

Can I remove burned-in subtitles after exporting?

No. Once subtitles are burned in, they are permanently part of the video. Always finalize edits before exporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “burn-in” mean?

It means subtitles become embedded in the video itself—they cannot be turned off or removed.

Can I preview subtitles before burning them in?

Yes. Use the subtitle editor and preview tools to ensure correct placement and timing before proceeding.

Are burned-in videos downloadable?

Yes. Once processing is complete, you can download the final subtitled video and share it anywhere.

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For further assistance, please contact Sonix support at [email protected] or through the chatbox located in the bottom right corner of our website.

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