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Working with Caption Tools

While caption files can be created using a text editor, it is easier to use captioning software.  There are many online, standalone applications and captioning features built into authoring environments like Camtasia Studio.

Captioning tools
Captioning with MAGpie 2.5
Captioning with Camtasia Studio

Captioning Tools

While captioning tools have their specific process for creating caption files, they all have the following capabilities:

Online Captioning Tools

Downloadable Tools Captioning Tools

Captioning Services

Captioning and Publishing with MAGpie

MAGpie 2.5 is a good free captioning tool from NCAM  for Windows.  It is a Java-based application and requires the latest version of Java runtime installed on the computer.  It will export the captions synchronized with the media file to major media file formats including .dxfp format for Flash.  At this time, MAGpie 2.5 is not compatible with Apple OS 10+ operating system.

MAGpie requires Quicktime player.  It is important to follow the installation instruction for proper installation of the software.

Steps for Creating the Caption file

  1. Create the Caption Track
  2. Time Stamping Transcript. The Caption Authoring Interface has two sections: 
  3. Export the file to the required file formats.  MAGpie can export the file package for QT - .smil; Real Media .smil; WMP .sami, plain caption file .txt, Flash .dxmp
    Export file formats

Resources for MAGpie

WebAim: Tutorial on MAGpie 2
MAGpie 2.5 Tutorial

Captioning and Publishing with Camtasia Studio

This is a commercial product that offers a trial license. The product offers many options that enhance the captioning process.

Steps for Creating the Caption file

  1. Create a project and import the movie and move it to the audio/video track
  2. Select Captions from the More Options in the Task List bar.  It will place the Caption tab on the Task List bar and open a Captions Pane 
    Video track

  3. Transcript- Limit each snippet to 40-45 characters and use a font size that will limit the display to maximum 3 lines. There are 3 ways to create transcript

Resources:

Creating Captions with Camtasia
Flash CS4 Accessibility
Captioning Quicktime- Webaim
Captioning Windows Media Player- Webaim
Captioning Quicktime -University of Wisconsin