Open-source software Shotcut provides some built-in subtitle features, but they can feel confusing.
Does it support .srt files? Can you create subtitles inside the timeline?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every option Shotcut gives you.
Yes — Shotcut now has a built-in way to handle subtitles.
As of recent updates, Shotcut supports importing and displaying subtitle files directly on the timeline. You can also add subtitles manually using text clips and filters. This gives you solid control over how your subtitles appear and when they show up.
But here’s the catch: Shotcut doesn’t create subtitles automatically.
There’s no speech-to-text tool. No AI transcription. If you want subtitles, you either type them yourself or import them from a file like .srt.
So while the subtitle support is there, the process is still manual.
If you want to build subtitles from scratch, Shotcut gives you full manual control.
You won’t get automatic transcription or syncing. But you can add clean, custom subtitles using built-in tools — all from inside the timeline.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
Shotcut doesn’t use a dedicated subtitle editor. Instead, it treats each subtitle as a text element on a video track.
To create one:
You can repeat this process for every subtitle line you need.
Now drag your new text clip onto a video track above your main footage.
This is your subtitle layer.
Move the clip to where the dialogue starts. Then trim or stretch it to match how long the line is spoken.
Use the zoom tool to fine-tune the timing. Preview your video as you go to make sure each subtitle shows up at the right moment.
To make your subtitles readable, you’ll want to style them properly.
Click on the text clip in the timeline, then go to the Filters panel. Click the + icon to add a new filter.
Use these filters to adjust how your subtitle looks:
You can save these settings and apply them to each subtitle clip to keep the style consistent.
You’ll need to create a new text clip for every new sentence in your video.
Yes, it’s repetitive — especially for longer videos. But the control you get is precise.
Already have your subtitles written? Good news — Shotcut lets you import subtitle files directly into your project.
Here’s how it works.
Shotcut supports several popular subtitle formats, including:
.srt (SubRip Subtitle).vtt (WebVTT).ass / .ssa (Advanced SubStation Alpha)These files contain the subtitle text and timing, so Shotcut can place them right in your timeline.
If your subtitles are in another format, you can easily convert them using free tools like Subtitle Edit or Aegisub.
Before you import your subtitle file, move the playhead to where you want the subtitles to appear — usually the start of your video.
This ensures the subtitle track aligns correctly from the beginning.
Now go to the Open Other menu at the top.
.srt (or other supported format)Shotcut will add your subtitle file to the playlist. From there, drag it onto a new track in the timeline, just like a video or audio clip.
Your subtitles are now part of your project.
Once the subtitles are in the timeline, play through your video to check if they’re synced correctly.
If something’s off, you can:
Shotcut gives you basic timing control — enough to adjust the alignment without editing the subtitle file itself.
Creating subtitles manually can take hours.
That’s why using Checksub is a smart move. It automates the whole process — and gives you clean, accurate subtitles you can easily bring into Shotcut.
Go to checksub.com and sign in. If you’re new, creating an account is quick — and free to test.
Click “Upload Video” and select your file. MP4, MKV, MOV — Checksub handles all the major formats.
Once uploaded, choose the language spoken in your video. You can also select additional languages if you want translations later on.
Checksub’s AI kicks in automatically.
In just a few minutes, it will:
No need to do anything manually — the heavy lifting is done for you.
Once your transcription is ready, you can jump into Checksub’s subtitle editor.
This lets you:
You can also style your subtitles — choose font, size, color, and position. This helps match your video’s tone and keeps everything visually consistent.
When you're done editing, click “Export” and choose your subtitle format.
To use with Shotcut, export as .srt. This format works perfectly with Shotcut’s built-in subtitle import.
Then head back to Shotcut:
.srt file and import itThat’s it — your subtitles are now in Shotcut, fully synced and ready to go.
You want to generate subtitles automatically in Shotcut ? Try for free now.
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