Assuming you are familiar with XML and CSS, start with Introduction to the TTML document structureĪnd Example EBU-TT-D document. Making subtitle files for online-only content: if your software does not support EBU-TT-D you will need to create an XML file yourself. Scanning through the examples will also give you a good understanding of how subtitles are made.Įditing and styling subtitles: read the Presentation section for text, format and timing guidelines. It is recommended that you also familiarise yourself with Timed Text Markup Language and SMPTE timecodes.Īn overview of subtitles: read this introduction and the first few sections of Presentation, Timing, Identifying speakers and EBU-TT and EBU-TT-D Documents in detail. In contrast, to follow the technical instructions in the File format section you will need good working knowledge of XML and CSS. The editorial guidelines in the Presentation section are written in plain English, requiring only general familiarity with subtitles. In addition, if you have an interest in accessibility you will find a lot of useful information here.

anyone involved in controlling subtitle quality and compliance.

developers of software tools for authoring, validating, converting and presenting subtitles.

authors of subtitle (respeakers, stenographers, editors).

This document brings together documents previously published by Ofcom and the BBC and is intended to serve as the basis for all subtitle work across the BBC: prepared and live, online and broadcast, internal and supplied.Īnyone providing or handling subtitles for the BBC:

The Subtitle Guidelines describe best practice for authoring subtitles and provide instructions for making subtitle files for the BBC. For a full description of the delivery requirements, see the File format section.

In general, the BBC accepts EBU-TT part 1 with STL embedded for broadcast, and EBU-TT-D for online only content. There are many formats in circulation for subtitle files. Typically delivered as a separate file, closed subtitles can be switched off by the user and are not 'burnt in' to the image. This document describes 'closed' subtitles only, also known as 'closed captions'.

The majority of these viewers are not hard of hearing. Subtitles are primarily intended to serve viewers with loss of hearing, but they are used by a wide range of people: around 10% of broadcast viewers use subtitles regularly, increasing to 35% for some online content. If you are new to subtitling, please start there. The BBC Academy has produced an online guide to subtitling.

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