Word by Word Captions in DaVinci Resolve
Word by word captions in DaVinci Resolve: export your short, upload to Sycamore, and get animated captions that match each spoken word.
Create an account to generate and export your captions.
Export from Resolve, import to Sycamore
In Resolve you already have the edit ready for a Short or Reel. Render the timeline as an MP4, MOV or WebM. Then drop that file into Sycamore. The service transcribes the audio and gives you a word‑level timeline automatically.
Common caption pitfalls in Resolve
Leaving a subtitle block that contains an entire sentence.
Sycamore splits the transcript into individual words, so each word animates as it is spoken.
Trying to time each word manually in Resolve’s subtitle track.
Skip the manual timing; let Sycamore handle the word timing and then edit any mis‑heard words directly.
Placing captions at the bottom where Instagram’s UI covers them.
Put captions at the top, center or bottom so you control the safe area before export.
Create word‑by‑word captions in four steps
Render the clip
Export your Short or Reel from Resolve as MP4, MOV or WebM. Keep the resolution you plan to post.
Upload to Sycamore
Drop the video file on the Sycamore page. The service transcribes and builds a word‑level timeline.
Edit any errors
Click a word in the transcript to correct it. The timing stays, so you don’t lose sync.
Export with captions
Choose the word‑pop template, set the position, and export an MP4 with captions burned in.
Word‑pop style for short formats
Highlight Words
Word Pop
Staircase
Manual subtitle work vs Sycamore
Here’s how the two approaches differ for a typical Reel.
Timing effort
- Manual in Resolve
- Place each word on a separate subtitle line and adjust in the timeline
- Sycamore
- Upload, let Sycamore time words, edit only mistakes
Visual consistency
- Manual in Resolve
- Match style across dozens of clips manually
- Sycamore
- Pick a template and apply it instantly
Export step
- Manual in Resolve
- Render with subtitle track, then burn in with a third‑party tool
- Sycamore
- Export directly from Sycamore with captions baked in
| Manual in Resolve | Sycamore | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing effort | Place each word on a separate subtitle line and adjust in the timeline | Upload, let Sycamore time words, edit only mistakes |
| Visual consistency | Match style across dozens of clips manually | Pick a template and apply it instantly |
| Export step | Render with subtitle track, then burn in with a third‑party tool | Export directly from Sycamore with captions baked in |
Calculate Reel length quickly
The Reel Length Calculator lets you see how many seconds your script will occupy at a typical speaking pace, so you can trim before you render.
Final check before export
- Captions appear where UI elements won’t cover them
- All mis‑heard words are fixed
- Word‑pop animation is on for each spoken word
- Video resolution matches the platform’s requirement
- Exported file includes burned‑in captions
Frequently
Asked Questions
How do I get word‑by‑word captions for a DaVinci Resolve short?
Render the short as MP4, upload it to Sycamore, choose the word‑pop template, fix any mis‑heard words, and export the captioned video.
Do I need to create subtitle tracks in Resolve first?
No. Sycamore creates the word‑level timing from the audio, so you can skip subtitle tracks entirely.
Can I keep the original audio while adding captions?
Yes. The exported MP4 keeps your original sound and adds the animated captions on top.
What positions are available for the captions?
You can place captions at the top, center or bottom of the frame before exporting.
Is there a limit on video length for the free plan?
The free plan lets you caption up to ten minutes of video one time, no credit card required.