How to post-edit published subtitles
The term “post-editing” refers to making changes in published subtitles. Below, you'll find tips and technical suggestions useful when post-editing transcripts and translations.
Contents
When to post-edit
Post-editing can be used in a few situations:
- A mentee realizes that their past work could be improved and shares correction suggestions
- You want to improve the quality of subtitles published a long time ago (e.g. subtitles without line breaks published before the current technical rules were in place)
- You realize you made a mistake in your own work and want to improve it
- A viewer suggested a valid change
- You were informed the transcript was edited and existing translations must be adapted (see this article for post-editing timing alignment)
Post-editing tips
Here are some things to keep in mind when doing a post-edit.
Communicate with the volunteer
You always need to respect the volunteer’s right to contest or discuss any edits. Just like when working on a review or approval, you must leave feedback and describe how they can discuss your changes (e.g. by contacting you via Amara).
Focus on newer subtitles
Don’t invest too much time in improving subtitles published a long time ago. A lot of these could use some improvement, but your focus should always be on mentoring currently active volunteers so that they produce good-quality subtitles in the future.
Be careful when post-editing transcripts
Post-editing original transcripts is a special case. If you change the timing of a published transcript or split or merge subtitles, users currently working on translations may lose their place in the talk and create unsynchronized subtitles. Before post-editing a transcript, wait until all translations have been published or are at least awaiting a review.
Even if you don’t edit the timing or split or merge subtitles, if your edits in the original transcript change the meaning of the subtitles in an important way, make sure to message the LCs in all the languages with published translations, and send a message to volunteers who are currently assigned to a translation or a review. You must notify them about any changes in the transcript that must be implemented in the translations as well. If changes in the number of subtitles were absolutely necessary, consider sharing this article on re-aligning subtitles along with your message.
How to make edits in published subtitles
Below, you will find some technical advice on how to perform edits in published subtitles.
Consider using offline software
If you do want to fix subtitles published a long time ago, consider using an offline tool to speed up making corrections by using advanced features like a global spell-check or minute timing improvements. You can learn more by reading this article.
How to post-edit on Amara
- Navigate to the talk's page and choose the task language from the list on the left.
- Click the Edit Subtitles button, and you will be transferred to the subtitle editor.
- Make all the necessary corrections, both in the subtitles and in the title and description.
- Click Publish. Note that saving interim versions is not possible when post-editing subtitles.
Related resources
Articles:
- Language Coordinator resources
- How to align subtitle timing with a new video edit
- How to give good feedback
- Main guide to TED Translators resources
Tutorials: