The basic steps for adding text to a video

Adding text to a video means placing words, titles, or captions on top of your footage. Most video editors let you do this by inserting a text layer, typing your words, positioning them on the screen, and setting when they appear and disappear. The exact steps depend on which editor you use, but the principle is the same across all of them.

You'll need your video file already imported into your editor. Then you create a new text element, type what you want to say, and use the timeline to control when it shows up. Most editors let you change the font, size, color, and how the text enters or exits the frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Text layers sit on top of your video and can be positioned anywhere on the screen using the preview window or coordinate settings.
  • The timeline controls when text appears and disappears — you set an in-point and out-point just like you would for a video clip.
  • Font, size, color, and effects like shadows or outlines are usually found in a properties panel that updates as you select the text.
  • Most editors let you animate text so it slides, fades, or types itself onto the screen rather than appearing all at once.
  • Exporting with text baked in means the words become part of the video file and cannot be edited later without re-exporting.

Where to find the text tool in your editor

In DaVinci Resolve, look for the text tool in the Fusion page or use the text+ effect in the Cut or Edit page. In Adobe Premiere Pro, go to File > New > Title or use the Essential Graphics panel. In Final Cut Pro, click the text icon in the toolbar or go to Insert > Text. In CapCut (the free mobile app), tap the text button at the bottom of the screen.

Once you've opened the text tool, you'll see a text box appear on your timeline or in the preview window. Click inside it and start typing. The text will appear on your video at that point in the timeline.

Positioning and sizing text on screen

After you type, you need to decide where the text sits. In most editors, you can click and drag the text box directly in the preview window to move it around. You can also resize it by dragging the corners. Some editors show a grid or safe area guides to help you keep text away from the edges where it might get cut off on some screens.

If you need precise positioning, look for a properties panel or inspector that shows X and Y coordinates. This is useful when you want text centered exactly or aligned with other elements. Many editors also have alignment tools — buttons that snap text to the left, right, center, or middle of the frame.

Changing how text looks

The appearance of your text — font, size, color, and effects — usually lives in a properties or formatting panel. Select your text layer and you'll see options to pick a typeface, adjust the size in points, and change the color. Most editors show a color picker where you can click to choose any color or enter a hex code.

Beyond the basics, you can add a drop shadow to make text stand out against busy footage, an outline or stroke to make it more readable, or a background box behind the words. Some editors let you adjust the opacity so text is semi-transparent. These effects are usually toggles or sliders in the same properties panel.

Controlling when text appears and disappears

Text timing works the same way as video timing. Your text layer sits on the timeline with an in-point (where it starts) and an out-point (where it ends). Drag the edges of the text layer on the timeline to make it shorter or longer, or right-click and set the duration in a dialog box.

If you want text to appear at the 10-second mark and stay for 3 seconds, position the text layer so it starts at 10 seconds and ends at 13 seconds. You can also add transitions so the text fades in or slides in rather than popping onto the screen instantly. Most editors have a transitions panel where you can drag a fade or slide effect onto the text layer.

Animating text so it moves or types itself

Animation makes text more engaging — it can slide in from the side, fade in gradually, or type itself letter by letter. In DaVinci Resolve, use the Fusion page and keyframe the position or opacity. In Premiere Pro, use the Essential Graphics panel and set keyframes for scale, position, or opacity. In Final Cut Pro, apply a build-in effect from the inspector.

The basic approach is the same: set a starting state (text off-screen or invisible), then set an ending state (text on-screen and visible) at a later point on the timeline. The editor automatically fills in the motion between those two points. You can adjust the speed by changing how far apart the keyframes are.

Exporting video with text included

When you export your video, the text becomes part of the final file. It's no longer a separate layer — it's baked into the image. This means you cannot edit the text later without opening the project file again and re-exporting.

Make sure your text is finalized before you export. Check that it's readable, positioned correctly, and timed to match what's happening in the video. Export at the same resolution and frame rate as your original footage so the quality stays consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any font, or are some fonts better for video?

You can use any font installed on your computer, but sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Roboto are easier to read on screen than serif fonts. Avoid very thin or decorative fonts for body text — they can look blurry or hard to read, especially on smaller screens. Save decorative fonts for titles where they're larger and more visible.

What's the difference between a text layer and a title?

In most editors, they're the same thing — a text layer is what you create when you insert text. Some editors use the word "title" for text that appears at the beginning of a video, but functionally it works the same way. You type, position, time it, and export it as part of the video.

How do I make sure text is readable over my video?

Add a drop shadow or outline so the text stands out against the background. A dark shadow behind light text, or a light outline around dark text, makes words readable even over busy or bright footage. You can also place text over a semi-transparent background box so it's always legible.

Can I edit text after I've exported the video?

No — once you export, the text is baked into the video file. To change it, you need to open your project file in the editor, modify the text, and export again. This is why it's important to proofread and position text carefully before you export.

What happens if my text goes off the edge of the screen?

It will be cut off on playback. Most editors show a safe area guide (a rectangle inside the preview window) to show you where text will be visible on all screens. Keep text inside that area. If text does go off-screen, select it and drag it back into the visible area.