When your captions are ready, the last decision is what to export. CapsField can give you the finished video with the captions drawn into the picture, a subtitle file you can upload anywhere, or a plain transcript. This guide explains each option, helps you choose, and shows how to upload a subtitle file to YouTube.
The short version
Press Export and open the What to export menu. Choose Full video (MP4) for Reels, TikTok, Shorts and Facebook. Choose SubRip (.srt) or WebVTT (.vtt) when a platform lets viewers switch captions on and off. Choose Transcript for a document of the words.
The four things you can export
Open the editor and press the green Export button. The What to export menu groups the choices:
| What you choose | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full video (MP4) | Your video with the captions baked into the picture | Reels, TikTok, Shorts, Facebook, WhatsApp, any place that has no caption button |
| SubRip (.srt) | A text file with the caption text and times | YouTube, editors, most players: the common standard |
| WebVTT (.vtt) | The same idea in the format web players use | Websites with an HTML5 video player |
| Transcript (.docx + .txt, zipped) | The words as a Word file and a plain-text file, with and without timings | Show notes, blog posts, editing scripts, accessibility |
Burned-in captions (the MP4) are part of the picture, so they look exactly as you styled them, on every device. Subtitle files are separate, so viewers can switch them on, off or translate them, but the look is decided by the player, not by you. Many creators publish both: a styled MP4 for short-form feeds, and a subtitle file for the long version on YouTube.
How to export a video with captions
- Check the video one last time: read the captions, and switch on Safe zone to be sure nothing sits under an app button. The safe zone guide shows what to look for.
- Press Export.
- Leave What to export on Full video (MP4).
- Choose a Resolution. The window tells you the size of your source video, for example Your source video is 1080×1920, exporting at 1080×1920. Pick 720p for a fast draft or small file, 1080p for most posts, and 4K only if your source is 4K and your plan includes it.
- Press Start export and stay on the page while the progress bar runs.
- When it finishes, download the file and upload it to your platform.
Exports match the preview, so a style that looks right in the editor will look right in the file.
How to export a subtitle file (SRT or VTT)
- Press Export and open What to export.
- Under Subtitles only, choose SubRip (.srt) or WebVTT (.vtt).
- Press Start export. The file is made from your captions straight away.
SRT is the safe default: it is the standard format most players and editors accept. Choose VTT when the file is for your own website’s video player.
A subtitle file carries text and timing only. Fonts, colours and animation from your template are not part of it.
How to upload an SRT file to YouTube
YouTube Help describes the steps for adding a subtitle file to a video you own. In YouTube Studio:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio and choose Subtitles in the left menu.
- Select the video.
- Click Add language and choose the language of the captions.
- Under Subtitles, click Add.
- Choose Upload file, then With timing (a file like the SRT you exported) and click Continue.
- Select the file and click Save.
YouTube accepts many formats. Its help page lists .srt and .sbv among the basic formats, which only need simple timing information, and .vtt among the advanced ones, which can also position captions. SRT is the easiest choice. Our longer guide on subtitles for YouTube covers choosing between burned-in captions and a file.
How to export a transcript
Choose Transcript (.docx + .txt, zipped) in the menu and press Start export. You get a zip file with a Word document and a plain-text file, each in a version with timings and a version without. It is generated from your captions, so correct any wrong words first. Transcripts are useful for show notes, blog posts, and for people who prefer to read rather than watch. They are also a good starting point if you want to write an article from a video, and a handy accessibility extra.
Before you export: a short checklist
- Read the captions once from the first line to the last.
- Check names, numbers and brand words.
- Turn on the safe zone and check the position.
- Make sure the style is readable on bright and on dark footage.
- Pick the right resolution for where the video will be posted.
If you still need to fix words or timing, use the editing guide. If the look needs work, see how to style captions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between burned-in captions and an SRT file?
Burned-in captions are drawn into the video picture, so they always show and look as you styled them. An SRT file is separate text with timings that a player displays, so viewers can switch it on or off, but the player controls the look.
Should I export SRT or VTT?
Use SRT for YouTube and for most editors and players. Use VTT when the file is for a web page’s video player.
Which resolution should I choose?
1080p suits most posts. Choose 720p for a quick draft, and 4K only when your source video is 4K and your plan allows it. You cannot make a video sharper than its source.
Can I export the captions in two languages?
Two captions is shown on the video as a second line. The subtitle and transcript files contain your main captions. See how to show two languages for what each option includes.
Why did my export take a while?
Rendering a video with captions takes longer for longer videos and higher resolutions. Subtitle files and transcripts are made almost at once.
Ready to export your own video?
Open a free CapsField project, caption a clip and try each export option. If a file needs converting or trimming afterwards, the free video tools can help.
