Stillmore

Free Burned-in Subtitle Cleaner

Set the band height on footage you can edit, then choose an edge rebuild, blur or solid cover.

Files stay in this browser. Choose up to 64 MB per job.

Only edit videos you own or have permission to edit. Stillmore does not offer a YouTube video downloader.

Soften an old caption band

The sample adds a fixed “Vehicle preview” label to the bottom of an SUV shot. Compare that band before and after an 18% blur.

Original
Edited output

How to cover captions embedded at the bottom of a video

  1. Choose footage you may edit

    Start with a copy and confirm you have permission to alter it.

  2. Size the bottom band

    Set the percentage of frame height that covers the old lettering.

  3. Choose a treatment

    Try blur, a black cover or edge rebuilding; review a bright scene and a dark scene.

Replace a baked-in subtitle strip

A fixed lower band works best when the old captions stay at the same height. Everything inside that band is treated.

Localize a training clip

Clear the old subtitle area before adding the approved translation from your own SRT.

Prepare an archive excerpt

Use a black strip when a predictable cover matters more than matching the background.

Clean a plain backdrop

Try edge rebuilding over a still wall and inspect the result where a person moves behind the words.

Protect the product shot

Start with a narrow band so lettering is covered without obscuring more of the product than necessary.

Burned-in subtitle cleaner FAQ

What happens to the picture behind an old caption?

The edit affects the entire selected band. The lettering may disappear along with visible detail beneath it. Use the smallest band that covers the captions and check the busiest shot.

What is the difference between Blur and a black cover?

Blur softens the selected strip while keeping some colour and motion. A black cover hides the strip with a solid band.

Can it remove subtitles that jump around the frame?

The treatment stays in a fixed band measured from the bottom. It does not track individual words.

Do I need this for a separate subtitle file?

Usually no. Disable or omit the subtitle track when exporting if the letters are not baked into the picture.

How much of the image does Band height affect?

The percentage is measured from the bottom of the frame and spans its full width. Start with the smallest band that covers the lettering.

Why is my product label blurred as well?

Everything inside the selected band receives the same treatment. Reduce its height if the label sits above the subtitles, or use the original footage when they overlap.

Can I clean one fixed logo instead of an entire caption band?

Use the video watermark remover for a small, fixed rectangle. The subtitle cleaner is suited to text stretching across a strip at the bottom.