As you are working, you might see the following messages about your subtitles:

  • Subtitles can't be blank warning message
  • Reading Rate, Line Length or Duration warning messages (indicated by an exclamation mark on the far right side of the cell)
  • Timing error in subtitle warning message (on Amara teams with managed workflows)


The purpose of these messages is to help you create readable and enjoyable subtitles. You can review subtitling guidelines (the maximum character number per line, subtitle duration, or reading speed) by clicking the Subtitling Guidelines >> link in the Keyboard controls panel in the Amara Editor. 




Subtitles can't be blank Warning Message

This warning message usually appears in the Review section in the Progress Panel on the top right section of the Editor window, as shown on the screenshot below:


Translate or Review section in the Progress Panel on the top right section of the Editor window with the clickable link showing the words Subtitles can't be blank

This warning message means that at least one subtitle lacks text or timing. Subtitles that have empty or untimed cells cannot be marked as completed.


If you find empty subtitle cells, or subtitles that lack timing, fill them with text or follow the instructions in this article to delete them.


In particular, check the subtitles at the end - this is where such problems often occur.


Note: Many users opt to wait to address blank subtitle cells until they are finished editing the subtitles and are ready to sync. It can be easier to focus on creating subtitles, and then delete empty subtitle cells when you are ready to sync.




Reading Rate, Line Length, or Duration Warning Messages


If you see exclamation marks in subtitle cells, these alert you to the following potential issues.



Reading Rate/Line Length


Follow the recommendations to reduce text or split the subtitle.



Exclamation marks to the right of the subtitle cell. The warning messages and recommentations say Reading rate shouldn't exceed 21 characters/sec; lengthen duration, reduce text or split the subtitle. Line length shouldn't exceed 42 characters; add a line break if necessary.



Duration


Subtitle cells that are too short will only display briefly and can be hard for viewers to read. Adjust the subtitle cell on the Timeline to increase the length of time the subtitle appears on the screen.


Exclamation marks to the right of the subtitle cell. The warning messages and recommentations say Briefly displayed subtitles are hard to read; the duration should be more than 0.7 seconds.





You can toggle between hiding and displaying the Reading Rate/Line Length and Duration warnings by clicking on the Clock icon and choosing Hide Warnings, however, please keep in mind that the purpose of these messages is to help you create readable and enjoyable subtitles.



Timing error in subtitle Warning Message


On Amara teams with managed workflows, the Timing error in subtitle warning message usually appears in the Review section in the Progress Panel on the top right section of the Editor window, as shown in the screenshot below:


The Review section in the Progress Panel on the top right section of the Editor window showing the clickable link that says Timing error in subtitle. 


The Timing error in subtitle message is a clickable link; when you click on it, it takes you to the first subtitle cell that has a timing issue, for example:



First subtitle cell that has a timing issue



Sync the cell to correct the timing issue, or delete the cell.






The Complete button, Approve button, and/or the rest of the progression panel is not visible.


Typically, this happens if your Web browser is significantly zoomed in or out compared to the default value.


Solution: start zooming in (CTRL [or CMD] + Plus) or out (CTRL [or CMD] + Minus)  your browser to restore the progression panel. In many browsers, CTRL+0 keys restore the actual size (100%) in a single click.

 




If you have any questions or suggestions, please share your feedback!

To submit a quick ticket, click No in the Did you find it helpful link below.

Thank you for your contributions to support an inclusive and accessible media ecosystem!