Post-editing

What Is Post-Editing? Correcting Machine Captions and Subtitles

Post-editing means a human reviewing and correcting output produced by a machine, usually machine translation or automatic transcription. In video, it's how auto-captions and machine-translated subtitles become accurate. This page explains how it works.

Definition Video use Checklist

What Post-Editing Means

Post-editing is the human correction of machine-generated text, such as machine translation or automatic speech recognition, to reach a required quality level.

It's different from "post-production editing", which means video editing after a shoot.

Where It's Used in Video

Machine outputPost-editing task
Auto-captionsFix words, names, punctuation, timing
TranscriptsCorrect speakers and terminology
Machine-translated subtitlesFix meaning, tone, and reading speed
AI dubbing scriptsAdapt for lip sync and culture

Light vs Full Post-Editing

L

Light

Understandable and accurate; style not polished.

F

Full

Publication quality, natural style.

Caption Post-Editing Checklist

  • Names and brand terms spelled correctly
  • Numbers and units accurate
  • Line length and reading speed comfortable
  • Timing synced to speech
  • Sound cues for accessibility where needed
  • Regional language nuances respected

Our earlier film editor guide covers picture editing. For post vocabulary, see post-production terms, and for YouTube writing, YouTube writing habits.

Professional Subtitling

A subtitling and captioning studio in India post-edits machine output. A multilingual localisation agency in India handles Indian languages. A linguist review team checks meaning. In Karnataka, a Bengaluru Kannada subtitling desk can help, and global brands may hire one of the most accurate localisation teams in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is post-editing?

Human correction of machine-generated text such as machine translation or automatic captions.

Is post-editing the same as video editing?

No, it refers to correcting machine-generated text, not editing footage.

What is light vs full post-editing?

Light makes text accurate and understandable; full makes it publication quality.

Why post-edit auto-captions?

Machines miss names, terms, punctuation, and context.

Machines Draft, People Finish

Post-editing makes machine captions and subtitles accurate. Check names, timing, and meaning. For subtitles in Indian languages, request a subtitling quote.

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