How to Add Captions in Adobe Premiere Pro
Two methods covered: using CaptionX for automatic captions in 57+ languages, and Premiere Pro's built-in caption tools for when you need the native workflow.
Method 1 — Recommended
Automatic captions with CaptionX
Best for multilingual captions, styled output, and fast turnaround. Supports 57+ languages that Premiere Pro's native tool doesn't cover.
- 1
Install CaptionX
Create a free CaptionX account at caption-x.com. Download the extension from your dashboard and install it using the ZXP Installer. Takes about two minutes.
The ZXP Installer is a free tool from aescripts.com. You only need to install it once. - 2
Open CaptionX in Premiere Pro
Open your Premiere Pro project. In the menu bar, go to Extensions → CaptionX to open the panel. It docks like any other Premiere panel.
If you don't see the Extensions menu, make sure Premiere Pro is version 24 or later. - 3
Choose your language and audio track
In the CaptionX panel, select the language you want captions in from the dropdown — 57+ languages are supported. Then select the audio track in your sequence you want to transcribe, and pick a caption length (short, medium, or long lines).
For multilingual videos, run CaptionX separately for each language section. - 4
Generate, review, and export
Click Generate. CaptionX transcribes your audio and places styled captions directly on your Premiere Pro timeline. Review for accuracy, correct any errors, then export: either as a sidecar SRT file or burned into the render from the Export dialog.
Use the Essential Graphics panel to adjust caption style — font, size, colour, and position.
Method 2
Premiere Pro's built-in caption tools
Best for English and major languages when you need to stay entirely within Premiere Pro's native workflow.
- 1Open your sequence in Premiere Pro.
- 2Go to Window → Captions and Transcription to open the panel.
- 3Click Transcribe Sequence. Select your language and audio track.
- 4Wait for transcription to finish, then click Create Captions.
- 5Review and correct the generated captions in the Captions panel.
- 6Style captions using the Essential Graphics panel.
- 7Export: File → Export → Media → Captions tab → enable captions output.
Frequently asked questions
Does Adobe Premiere Pro have automatic captions?
Yes — Premiere Pro has a built-in Speech to Text feature that generates captions automatically. However, it supports a limited set of languages and doesn't produce styled subtitle output. For broader language support and styled captions, most editors use a plugin like CaptionX.
How do I add an SRT file to Premiere Pro?
Go to File → Import and select your SRT file. Premiere Pro will import it as a captions track that you can drag onto your timeline. You can then style the captions using the Essential Graphics panel or the Captions workspace.
How do I export captions from Premiere Pro?
In the Export dialog, open the Captions tab and enable captions output. You can export as a sidecar SRT file alongside the video, or burn captions directly into the video as part of the render.
What languages does Premiere Pro support for auto captions?
Premiere Pro's native Speech to Text supports English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and a small number of other major languages. CaptionX extends Premiere Pro's language support to 57+ languages including Arabic, Hindi, Swahili, Tagalog, Urdu, Hebrew, Vietnamese, and more.
Can I style captions in Premiere Pro?
Yes. Once captions are on the timeline, open the Essential Graphics panel and select a caption clip to adjust font, size, colour, background, and position. You can also create a caption style and apply it across all clips at once.
What is the difference between captions and subtitles in Premiere Pro?
In Premiere Pro, captions are designed for accessibility — they include speaker labels and sound descriptions, and are typically exported as SRT or CEA-608. Subtitles are translation-only text without accessibility metadata. For most YouTube and social media workflows, the distinction doesn't matter much — CaptionX generates subtitle-style caption tracks.
Need captions in a specific language?
CaptionX supports 57+ languages. Each language has its own page covering workflow details, script handling, and Premiere Pro-specific tips.