In this video, we present examples of "do's" and "don'ts" for subtitling that serve as guidelines.
Don't:
- Use fonts that are difficult to read or colours that blend in with the background.
- Have the subtitles appear too quickly or too slowly, or linger on the screen after the spoken dialogue has finished.
- Use excessive punctuation, such as exclamation points or ellipses, which can be distracting.
- Omit information about who is speaking, or use inconsistent formatting for different speakers.
- Ignore significant sound effects or background noises that are relevant to the scene.
- Crowd the screen with too many subtitles at once, making them difficult to read.
Do:
- Use clear, easy-to-read fonts and colours that contrast nicely with the background.
- Make sure the subtitles are synchronised with the spoken dialogue and appear at a natural pace.
- Use punctuation, such as commas and periods, to break up longer sentences into readable chunks.
- Indicate who is speaking if there are multiple speakers, and use different colours or fonts for each speaker.
- Use brackets to indicate sound effects or background noises relevant to the scene.
- Edit the subtitles to fit within the time constraints of the video without sacrificing accuracy or clarity.
By following these "do's" and "don't," you can create effective subtitles that enhance the viewing experience for all viewers, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.