> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.pixwel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Subtitler
> Pixwel's built-in editor for translating, timing, and positioning subtitles — with translation memories, machine translation, and line-by-line source tracking.
The **Subtitler** is where subtitled localizations are produced — a full editor that runs right in Pixwel, so there's no separate tool to install or files to shuttle around. You translate line by line against the original, time and position each subtitle on the frame, and submit when it's ready.
## Opening the Subtitler
The Subtitler opens when you work a **Subtitled** [order](/features/work-requests) — for example by choosing to translate now after placing it, or from the order itself. The screen is split into three parts:
* A **video preview** on the left, with your subtitles rendered live as you edit.
* A list of **lines** (one subtitle per row) on the right.
* A **waveform** along the bottom for timing against the audio.
## Editing a line
Click a line to edit it. Each line shows the **original (OV)** text for reference and a field for your **translation**.
* **Timing** — nudge the in and out times a frame at a time, with overlap protection so lines can't collide.
* **Position** — align subtitles to the **top** or **bottom** of the frame to keep them clear of on-screen graphics.
* **Aspect ratio** — pick the frame shape to match the asset (16:9, square, 4×5, vertical, and cinema ratios); the preview reflows so your timing and positioning are accurate for that format.
* **Formatting** — apply **bold**, *italic*, and underline where needed.
## Translate faster: Memories and Machine
Two toggles fill lines in for you so you start from a draft instead of a blank grid:
* **Translation Memories** — pulls in approved translations from past orders. It only fills a line on an **exact** match, so reused wording comes through automatically while anything new stays in the original for you to translate.
* **Machine Translations** — automatically translates every line as a starting point. Always review it — translation is a judgment call.
These **layer** in a clear order of precedence: **your edits win, then Memories, then Machine, then the original.** Turning on Machine never overwrites a line you've already translated by hand.
Some lines may stay in the original language if nothing filled them. On submit, Pixwel flags any lines left untranslated so you can confirm that was intentional.
## Line colors by source
Because lines can come from several places, the Subtitler **color-codes each line by where its text came from** — a left-edge stripe, with a key at the top of the editor. At a glance you can see what was reused, what was machine-drafted, and what you wrote.
The colors are deliberately chosen to stay distinct for colorblind and grayscale viewing.
## Splitting and merging lines
From a line's menu you can reshape the subtitles:
* **Split** — divide one line into two.
* **Merge Down** — combine a line with the next.
* **Reset to OV** — revert a line to the original and undo a split or merge.
Turn on **Translation Memories** or **Machine Translations** *before* you split or merge — those auto-fills are re-aligned to the new line layout when the structure changes.
## Subtitle formats
You can **import** an existing subtitle file when it matches the line count, and **export** your work to use elsewhere:
* **Import** — `.srt`, `.sub`, or `.ass`
* **Export** — `.srt` or `.ass`
| Format | What it is | Best for |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **SRT** (`.srt`) | SubRip — timed lines of plain text, with no styling or positioning. The most widely supported subtitle format. | Interchange and quick hand-offs. |
| **ASS** (`.ass`) | Advanced SubStation Alpha — carries fonts, styling, and exact on-screen positioning, so subtitles look and sit exactly as set. Pixwel exports ASS using the language's translation font (with a tuned variant for vertical/TikTok). | Finished, styled subtitle deliverables. |
| **SUB** (`.sub`) | An older subtitle format. | Importing legacy files. |
An imported file has to match the current line count so it lines up with the existing timing and structure.
## Submitting, review, and approvals
A progress counter tracks how many lines are done. When you submit, Pixwel renders the result so it can be reviewed as an [offline](/glossary) and approved.
When an order uses a third-party translator with approval required, the roles split cleanly:
* The **translator** finishes their work and clicks **Submit for Approval**.
* The **order owner** (or an admin) then reviews in the Subtitler and clicks **Approve** — or **Approve (with changes)** if they tweaked anything first.
## Automated subtitles
For eligible assets, [automated localization](/features/work-requests/automated-localization) opens the Subtitler **pre-filled** so you only review and adjust before submitting — final subtitled files come back in minutes, labeled `AUTOSUB`.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of ordering and subtitling, see the [Subtitling & translation](/guides/subtitling) guide.