AI-assisted subtitling in Limecraft allows content producers to generate broadcast-ready subtitles automatically in seconds using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and configurable spotting rules. By converting reviewed transcripts into precisely timed subtitle files, you can significantly reduce manual subtitling time while maintaining editorial control. This article explains how AI-assisted subtitling works in Limecraft and how to use it effectively.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is AI-Assisted Subtitling?

AI-assisted subtitling differs from manual subtitling by automatically generating timing and subtitle segmentation based on ASR output and subtitlng spotting rules. While manual subtitling offers full frame-level control from the start, AI-assisted subtitling significantly accelerates first-pass creation and is typically followed by a human proofreading and quality control step.


Limecraft Subtitle Editor showing AI-generated subtitles using spotting rules in Limecraft



When to Use AI-Assisted Subtitling

AI-assisted subtitling is particularly useful for factual content, interviews, documentaries, and large content volumes where speed and consistency are essential. It is commonly used as a first step before editorial review, localisation, or delivery to broadcasters and platforms.


How AI-Assisted Subtitling Works in Limecraft

AI-assisted subtitling in Limecraft builds on a two-step workflow whereby an AI Agent uses a combination of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and a subtitle creation algorithm using configurable subtitling rules for timing and styling. 


First, spoken audio is converted into a transcript using an AI transcription pipeline. Alternatively, you can use an existing script as input of the process. Once reviewed, this transcript is transformed into subtitles by automatically generating timing, line breaks, and subtitle boxes based on predefined spotting rules and subtitle presets. 


This approach ensures that the resulting subtitles follow broadcast-grade standards for readability, timing, and formatting, while still allowing editors to review, refine, and localise the subtitles before delivery.


How to Create Subtitles Using the AI Agent?

Step 1 - Prepare and Review the Transcript

Before you begin, we advice to create and review the transcript using the AI transcription app as explained here. 

More information and best practices on AI transcription on our blog: Getting started with AI Transcription. 


Step 2 - Generate Subtitles Using Spotting Rules

Once happy with the transcript, open the Subtitle Editor as shown below. 


Picture showing Limecraft Subtitle Editor application. Picture showing Limecraft Subtitle Editor application.


  • Select language
  • Choose the first option to take the text from the existing transcript and generate timing via spotting rules. 
  • Select the appropriate subtitle presets.



When you have made your selection click 'Generate' to start the process of creating subtitles. 


Picture showing a subtitle editor application working on an AI subtitling task on Limecraft Workspace. Depending on the length of the material, automatic subtitling can take a while. You can close the page while waiting and the workflow continues at the background.


Step 3 - Review and Edit the Results

When the subtitles are ready, they are shown on the right side of the screen in the subtitle panel when opening the Subtitle Editor as shown below. Notice that the controls at the bottom of the screen change to the Subtitle Editor controls.


Limecraft screenshot illustrating how you can proofread and refine subtitles in the Subtitle Editor


Translating and Localising AI-generated Subtitles

Further to the creation of same-language subtitles as explained above, it is also possible to translate the subtitles by using the function "Add Another Language" for localisation purposes. Please refer to the article about Translating Subtitles.


Quality Control and Refinement

When the subtitles are ready, the next step is to do a quality control and further refinement of the subtitles. For more info, please refer to the article about Editing Subtitles.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI-assisted subtitling fully automatic in Limecraft?

AI-assisted subtitling in Limecraft automatically generates subtitle timing and segmentation based on a transcript and predefined spotting rules. While the initial subtitle creation is automated, a manual review and quality control step is recommended to ensure editorial accuracy and compliance with broadcast standards.


What is the expected time saving when using AI-assisted subtitling?

The time saving achieved with AI-assisted subtitling depends largely on the quality and clarity of the spoken language. In ideal cases—such as factual content with clear speech and correct grammar—AI-generated subtitles may be usable with little or no manual editing, resulting in up to 100% time saving compared to fully manual subtitling. In less optimal conditions, a review and refinement step is required, but AI-assisted subtitling typically still reduces subtitling time by at least 50%.


Can I edit subtitles generated with AI-assisted subtitling?

Yes. All AI-generated subtitles can be reviewed and edited in the Subtitle Editor. Editors can adjust timing, text, line breaks, and formatting, just like with manually created subtitles.


Do I need a transcript before using AI-assisted subtitling?

AI-assisted subtitling typically starts from a reviewed transcript to ensure the best results. In case a transcript exists, use the alignment function. If no transcript exists, Limecraft will first generate one automatically before creating subtitles in the background.


Are subtitles created by AI Agents compatible with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

Limecraft supports the creation of subtitles that align with accessibility best practices required under the European Accessibility Act (EAA). By applying configurable spotting rules, subtitle presets, and manual quality control, users can produce subtitles that meet readability, timing, and formatting requirements for accessible media delivery.


Does Limecraft AI-assisted subtitling support open and closed captions?

Yes. Limecraft supports both open subtitles (burned into the video image) and closed captions that can be delivered as separate subtitle or caption files, depending on the delivery requirements of broadcasters or platforms.


Which languages are supported for AI-assisted subtitling?

AI-assisted subtitling in Limecraft supports a wide range of languages, depending on the underlying speech-to-text and translation pipelines used. Language availability may vary by use case, and users can contact Limecraft support for detailed information on supported languages and configurations.


Does AI-assisted subtitling support localisation and translation?

Yes. Once subtitles are generated, they can be translated and localised into other languages using Limecraft’s subtitle translation and localisation workflows.