Image-Based Subtitles
Closed Caption Creator supports two approaches to exporting subtitles with transparent backgrounds. The first is an image sequence export, which produces individually rendered PNG files suitable for DVD and Blu-Ray authoring. The second is a video-based approach using the Apple MOV Animation or ProRes 4444 presets available in the Video Export window, which produces a full-length video file with an alpha channel that can be composited over footage in any NLE that supports transparency.
Image Sequence Export​
To export an image sequence, go to File > Export and select Image Based Subtitles. The Image Export window will open. Begin by clicking the folder button to choose a Target Folder where the individual image files and the accompanying XML file will be saved. The export path is stored in session storage so it persists across exports within the same session.
Choose a Resolution Preset from the dropdown to set the dimensions of each exported image. The available presets cover standard broadcast and streaming resolutions. You can also set a Script Name, which is used in the naming of the output files, and an Image Prefix to prepend to each image filename. A Language Code field is provided for workflows that require language identification in the filename or XML metadata. The Description Text field can be used to embed a text description in the output package.
The Background options allow you to choose between a fully transparent background and a solid colour fill. When transparent background is enabled, each PNG will contain an alpha channel that preserves the shape of the subtitle text and any outline or shadow. If a solid background is preferred — for example, for a preview or a burnt-in style review — you can disable transparency and choose a background colour using the colour picker.
Once all settings are configured, click Export. Each subtitle event is rendered as a separate PNG image, and a Blu-Ray compatible XML file is generated in the same folder. The XML file references each image by filename and includes the corresponding in and out timecodes, making it compatible with standard Blu-Ray authoring applications.
Video File with Alpha Channel​
For workflows in video editing software that support alpha channel video tracks, the Apple MOV Animation and ProRes 4444 options available in the Video Export window provide a simpler alternative. Rather than importing individual image files, a single video file can be placed directly on the timeline above the source footage. The subtitle graphics render with full transparency, and the editor does not need to perform any additional compositing work. This approach is compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and other professional editing applications.
Troubleshooting​
If exported images appear without transparency (showing a black background instead), verify that the Use Transparent Background option is enabled in the export settings. If the Blu-Ray XML is not recognised by your authoring software, ensure the image prefix and script name fields do not contain special characters that are invalid in file paths. If the export fails partway through, check that the target folder has sufficient free disk space, as large projects with many events can produce hundreds of image files.