Text overlay is built into most video editors, but the steps change depending on which program you use

Adding text to a video means placing words on top of your footage — either floating over the action or sitting in a static position. Most video editors handle this the same way: you create a text layer, type your words, position it on the timeline, and adjust when it appears and disappears. The specific buttons and menus differ between programs, but the concept stays the same whether you are using DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or iMovie.

The easiest route depends on what you already have installed. If you own a Mac, iMovie is free and handles basic text in under a minute. If you are on Windows, the built-in Photos app can add straightforward captions. For more control — custom fonts, animations, precise timing — a dedicated editor like CapCut (free on phone and desktop) or DaVinci Resolve (free version available) gives you what you need without paying.

Key Takeaways

  • Text layers sit above your video on the timeline and can be positioned, resized, and timed independently of the footage itself.
  • Most editors require you to create a text layer, type your content, then drag it to the exact frame where you want it to start and end.
  • Font choice, size, color, and background affect readability — white text on a dark background or a semi-transparent box behind the text works for most videos.
  • Animations like fade-in and fade-out make text feel intentional rather than abrupt, and most editors include these as built-in effects.
  • The steps are similar across programs, but the menu names and button locations differ — learning one editor makes the next one faster to pick up.

Adding text in iMovie (Mac and iPad)

Open your project and position the playhead where you want the text to begin. Click the text button in the toolbar — it looks like a capital T. iMovie shows you preset text styles; pick one or choose "None" to start blank. The text appears on your timeline as a separate layer above your video.

Double-click the text box on the canvas to type your words. Adjust the size and position by dragging the corners and edges. In the inspector panel on the right, you can change the font, color, and duration. Set the duration by dragging the edges of the text layer on the timeline — the text will fade in at the start and fade out at the end automatically.

Adding text in CapCut (phone and desktop)

Tap or click the text button (usually labeled "Text" in the bottom toolbar). Choose a text style or start with a blank one. Type your words directly into the text box that appears on the canvas. The text automatically lands on the timeline at your current playhead position.

Resize and reposition the text by dragging it on the canvas. In the editing panel below, you can change the font, size, color, and add effects like shadows or outlines. Adjust the duration by dragging the text layer's edges on the timeline. CapCut includes built-in animations — tap "Effects" to add fade-in, slide, or pop animations that trigger when the text appears.

Adding text in DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Switch to the Edit page and click the Fusion page tab at the bottom. Right-click in the empty space above your video track and select "Fusion Composition." This creates a text layer. In the Fusion panel on the left, click the text tool icon (a capital T). Click on the canvas where you want the text to appear and type your words.

The text appears in the Fusion window. Adjust size, font, and color in the Inspector panel on the right. Return to the Edit page — your text now sits as a layer above your video. Drag the text layer's edges on the timeline to control when it starts and stops. For simpler text without Fusion, use the Titles feature instead: right-click above your video track, select "Add Title," and follow the same positioning steps.

Positioning and timing your text

Text timing matters more than you might think. If your text appears and disappears too fast, viewers cannot read it. A good rule: leave text on screen long enough for someone to read it aloud at a normal pace. For a short phrase like "Subscribe Now," two to three seconds is enough. For a full sentence, aim for four to five seconds.

Position text where it does not block important action. If someone is speaking, place text at the bottom or top of the frame. If you are showing a product, put text to the side. Most editors let you drag the text box anywhere on the canvas — use the preview to see how it looks before you finalize.

Making text readable against any background

Text that blends into the background becomes invisible. The safest approach is a semi-transparent box behind the text — most editors call this a "background" or "fill" option. Set it to black or dark gray with 50 to 70 percent opacity, then use white or light text on top. This works over any footage.

If you prefer text without a box, use a contrasting color: white text for dark scenes, dark text for bright scenes. Some editors offer an outline or stroke effect — a thin dark line around white text makes it readable even over light backgrounds. Test your text in the preview before you export to catch readability problems early.

Adding animations and effects to text

Static text works, but animated text feels more polished. Most editors include fade-in and fade-out effects built into the text layer itself — no extra steps needed. CapCut and iMovie explore these automatically. In DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere, right-click the text layer and look for "Effects" or "Transitions" to add fade, slide, or scale animations.

Keep animations subtle. A fade-in and fade-out at the start and end of the text is usually enough. Spinning text or bouncing effects can distract from your message. If you are making a casual video, animations add personality. If you are making something professional or instructional, stick with straightforward fades.

Exporting your video with text

Once your text is positioned and timed, export your video the way you normally would. The text is now part of the video file — it cannot be edited or removed after export without re-opening the project. Make sure to save your project file separately so you can make changes later if needed.

Check the export settings: most editors default to a resolution and frame rate that match your original footage, which is correct. If you are uploading to YouTube or social media, the platform will handle compression — you do not need to adjust quality settings yourself. Export, wait for the file to finish processing, and your video with text is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the text after I export the video?

No — once exported, the text is baked into the video file. To change it, you must open your project file in the editor, edit the text, and export again. Always save your project file alongside the exported video so you can make changes later.

What font size should I use?

It depends on your video resolution and how close viewers will be. For 1080p video on a phone or computer screen, 40 to 60 point text is readable. For 4K, go larger — 60 to 80 point. Test in the preview at full screen to see if you can read it comfortably from arm's length away.

How do I add text that moves across the screen?

Most editors call this a "motion" or "animation" effect. Create your text, then in the effects or animation panel, choose an option like "slide left to right" or "pan." The text will move across the screen during the time it is visible. Adjust the speed in the effect settings.

Can I add subtitles or captions automatically?

Some editors like CapCut and Adobe Premiere include speech-to-text features that generate captions from your audio automatically. The accuracy varies depending on audio quality and accents. You can edit the generated captions by hand afterward, which is faster than typing them manually.

What if my text looks blurry in the exported video?

Check your export resolution — it should match your project resolution (usually 1080p or 4K). If the resolution is correct, the text size might be too small for the resolution. Increase the font size and re-export. Blurry text usually means the export settings are lower than your project settings.