About Caption Engine

Caption Engine is a CEP extension panel for Adobe After Effects that imports SRT, WebVTT (VTT), and TTML caption files directly into the application. Instead of populating the timeline with many text layers, it builds a reusable subtitle rig controlled by a single text layer and layer markers, allowing all captions to be edited and styled from one place. The import process cleans source files by stripping formatting tags, removing bracketed SFX text, and normalizing whitespace. Timing is frame‑accurate with snap‑to‑frame, minimum duration enforcement, and automatic trimming of overlapping cues. Styling options include safe margins, position offsets, box settings, padding, corner radius, and opacity. Users can split cues into individual layers for complex compositing, and an import log reports statistics and warnings for any skipped cues or timing issues. The panel lists compatibility with After Effects version 18.4 and later and is currently version 1.0.4, updated June 24 2026.

Features

• Imports SRT, WebVTT (VTT), and TTML caption files directly into After Effects
• Generates a reusable subtitle rig driven by a single text layer and layer markers
• Re-import revised files to update timing and text while styling and rig stay in place
• Cleans source files by stripping formatting tags, removing bracketed SFX text, and normalizing whitespace
• Frame-accurate timing with snap-to-frame, minimum durations, and auto-trim for overlapping cues
• Styling controls for safe margins, position offsets, box, padding, corner radius, and opacity
• Split cues to individual layers, plus an import log with stats and warnings

Best for

Motion designers who need to import SRT, WebVTT, or TTML subtitles into After Effects and prefer a single‑rig workflow for styling and timing adjustments.