[Fixed] Captions burning into video even when not selected to

[JTW Jr]

When I export a video ( h.264 ) I am selecting to create a sidecar file ( SRT ) on the captions tab , when I export, it does create the SRT file, but it also burns the closed captions into the video. When I select NONE for Caption Export options when exporting, it is still burning the closed captions into the MP4 file.

This is happening on all 23 sequences inside my project file. The only way I can get the captions to not burn in, is to turn off the eyeball on the Subtitle track. Which then requires me to re-render the entire timeline.

This is using Premiere v15.4.1 build 6 . Any thoughts ?

[Jeff Bugbee]

Sounds like you are rendering with your "use previews in export" turned on, and you've already created previews with the timecode burned in. You either need to change that setting on export so you will re-render on export or turn off the captions and re-render your timeline.

[JTW Jr]

Thanks for the reply. When exporting " Use Previews " is not selected.

[Stan Jones]

Can you provide more screenshots? One of the timelines showing the caption track, the Text Panel, and the Program monitor.

Even though you have rendered the sequence with captions off, I would try "deleting" renders and also clearing the media cache.

Stan

[JTW Jr]

Thanks.
I have attached the screenshots. I did clear the media cache and still had the same results. Captions were still burned in, even when none is selected.

I then cleared media cache ( and verified both the Media Cache and Media Cache Files folders were both empty ) and even deleted the Pro Video Previews , restarted premiere , exported with NONE selected. Same thing, captions are still burned in.

[Stan Jones]

JTW, very odd. I don't recall anyone reporting this problem.

First, as unlikely as it is, be certain you are looking at the correct export folder/file.

Second, I would reset the Captions workspace. I don't see how this would be the problem. 

Third, create a new project, import an asset, create a caption track and a couple of captions. Then test export.

Stan

[JTW Jr]

Thanks Stan.

I verfied I am looking at the correct export folder. Yesterday I had exported about 20 times , each time when the video showed the captions , i removed it from the folder. I even verifed by looking at the time/date stamp on the file.

I did try a new sequence, and the same happened. I will try a new project once I have all videos from this project delivered to the stakeholders. 

My other task is to create steps/process for co-workers to use Adobe Premiere for captions. Before some would export MP4 , and use either Camtasia to create the SRT file, or create the captions manually ( painfully ) in Storyline.

Appreciate the help and suggestions.

[Jeff Bugbee]

In your export panel, under Effects, is Timecode Overlay checked?

[JTW Jr]

Negative. I use a transparent video layer with timecode effect , that I turn off for final draft.

[Stan Jones]

Okay. Let us know. Very odd.

Stan

[JTW Jr · Accepted solution]

Had time to start a new small project , using some of the same footage and audio. Captions are exporting as they are supposed to.

The only thing I can think of is I use a master project with all  my folders, sequences, etc already created so I have a common start point, something in the project must be "off". I am going to create a new master project "template" and go forth with that.

[Stan Jones]

Thanks for reporting back. Hope everything keeps working!

Stan

[andrewh1329191]

I am having the same problem. So your resolution was to basically start a new project?

[Stan Jones]

andrew, let's see if JTW replies. I think that was what helped him.

Note that @Jeff Bugbee suggested one option, re "use previews" on export. There may be another variation simply related to needing to clear the media cache. Starting a new project may reset such things.

If you don't get this working, give us more detail about your project, and post a screenshot of the caption panel, timeline, and program monitor.

Stan

[Wylie_702]

The only thing that worked for me was starting a new project. 

[Wylie_702]

Ooops , realized I was logged in under my old account JTW Jr.

[JTW Jr]

Just confirming , yes my only real solution was to create a new master project to use as a starting point.  Sorry didnt realize my old account still had login info cached above.

[Kevin-Monahan]

Hello CaSMITH22,

Sorry! Have you tried what worked for the OP? Create a new project and import the items from the old project into the new one. Let us know what happens.

Thanks,
Kevin

[CaSMITH22]

Thanks for the follow up, Kevin - but the solution shouldn't be to start a new project. Why is it broken in the first place? This has happened with a few projects now, and it is something within Premiere that is broken. 

Typical trajectory:

- I exported a draft without captions, captions are not burned in. 

- Export draft with caption sidecar - select "export sidecar" - NOT burned in  

- Exported draft has captions burned in, even though it was not selected, but now I have an SRT so I....

- Export again with caption track hidden (eyeball off) so I have a clean file that I can use with the SRT

So, the solution should not be "make a new project" - Adobe should come up with the solution please.

[Kevin-Monahan]

Hi CaSMITH22,

OK, sorry about that. I was under the impression that it was just one project and missed the part where you said it was happening to multiple projects. That's no good. Which format are you exporting to? Can we have a bit more info so I can attempt to reproduce the error? I hope I can help.

Thanks,
Kevin 

[CaSMITH22]

Hi Kevin, I ran two tests today - exporting through Premiere's export tab, and through Media Encoder, both using Youtube 1080p HD preset. Both tests, I selected "sidecar," and both tests created a sidecar.... and burned the captions into the mp4. I've attached screen grabs. I also have a two minute video showing both tests, but it's too big of a file to post here. Let me know if you want me to send it another way. 

[Kevin-Monahan]

Hi CaSMITH22,

Can you verify the version you are working with? We cannot reproduce on 22.4.

Thanks,
Kevin

[CaSMITH22]

Hi Kevin - Premiere v22.3.0 build 121

[CaSMITH22 · Accepted solution]

Hi again, I updated to Premiere v22.4 and it seems to have resolved. Thanks for your assistance.

[Kevin-Monahan]

Great!