If you've already created your subtitle file with HappyScribe, DaVinci Resolve makes it simple to import it directly into your project and edit everything right inside your timeline.
DaVinci Resolve supports multiple subtitle and caption file formats, including SRT, VTT, XML, and TTML. Export your file from HappyScribe as SRT, then follow one of the two methods below to bring it into your project.
Method 1: Import subtitles using the Media Pool
This method works like importing any regular video clip.
Step 1: Open the Media Pool
Launch your project and go to the Edit page. Open the Media Pool if it's not already visible.
Step 2: Locate your subtitle file
Browse to the folder containing your subtitle or caption file. Compatible files will appear as a blank clip icon with a subtitle badge in the lower-left corner.
Step 3: Add the file to the Media Pool
Import the subtitle file using any of the following:
Drag and drop it into the Media Pool
Right-click, then select Import
Go to File > Import Media
Once imported, the file appears as a subtitle clip in the Media Pool.
💡 Tip: Subtitle files can be relinked later, just like video clips.
Method 2: Use the Import Subtitle option
This is the dedicated import option built specifically for captions.
Step 1: Open the Media Pool
Go to the Edit page and open the Media Pool.
Step 2: Right-click in the Media Pool
Right-click on any bin in the Bin list, or on an empty background area inside the Media Pool, and choose Import Subtitle.
Step 3: Select your subtitle file
Find the file you want to import and click Open. The subtitle file will appear in the Media Pool as a subtitle clip, ready for editing.
Add imported subtitles to the timeline
After importing, the subtitles need to be placed into a subtitle track.
Option 1: Insert using timecode
If your subtitle file was created for the same edit and has matching timecode, right-click the subtitle clip in the Media Pool and select Insert Selected Subtitles to Timeline Using Timecode. DaVinci Resolve will automatically create subtitle clips and place them in a subtitle track that matches the timestamps in your timeline.
Option 2: Manual placement
If your subtitle file does not match the timeline timecode, you have two options:
Drag the subtitle file into the gray space above your video tracks. DaVinci Resolve will automatically create a new subtitle track and place the captions inside it.
Drag the subtitle file directly into an existing subtitle track. DaVinci Resolve will split the file into individual subtitle clips with their original timing.
💡 Workflow tip: If your captions were created for that specific final edit, always use Insert Selected Subtitles to Timeline Using Timecode. It saves time and keeps everything in sync.
After importing: things worth checking
Once your subtitle file is in the timeline, you can make any adjustments to get it looking and performing exactly the way you need.
Position your captions. Move subtitles left or right in the timeline and review playback to check for sync.
Rename subtitle tracks. If you're working with multiple languages, naming your tracks clearly is important as track names are often used during export and delivery.
Apply custom styling. Click the subtitle track header, go to Inspector, and select the Track panel. From there you can adjust font style, size, and color, subtitle background color, and subtitle position and shadow. Any changes here apply to all captions on that track.
If you run into any issues, our Support team is happy to help at support@happyscribe.com.