How to Add Text in Final Cut Pro: Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

Final Cut Pro is an Apple-developed professional video-editing application primarily used by filmmakers, video editors, and content creators working with macOS.

It offers advanced tools for cutting, color grading, audio mixing, and effects, but its interface and workflow can be overwhelming for those who aren’t already familiar with high-end editing platforms. That’s also the case for adding text – a fundamental part of video editing, whether for subtitles, annotations, or intro titles.

If you're using Final Cut Pro and want to understand your options for placing words on the screen, you’ve probably found that the process isn't as intuitive as expected. While the software offers professional-grade tools, simplicity isn’t necessarily its strong suit.

Looking to learn how to add text in Final Cut Pro, or want to explore other editing tools that simplify the process? Either way, this guide has you covered.

Final Cut Pro text options range from basic titles to animated overlays. Users can add lower thirds, captions, and kinetic typography, though getting started may involve more steps than it should. Below are key methods for adding text in Final Cut Pro, from subtitles to animation and beyond.

Subtitles serve a practical purpose, especially in content meant for social platforms or international audiences. It’s worth noting that Final Cut Pro does not provide automatic speech-to-text or AI-generated captions. All subtitle text must be entered manually or imported from external files. Here’s how to insert text in Final Cut Pro when your goal is simple subtitling:

1. Download and install Final Cut Pro.
   Download Final Cut Pro
2. Import your video clip to the timeline.
3. To add text in Final Cut Pro, click on Edit, look for Captions, and click on Add Caption.
4. Drag your chosen subtitle format to the timeline above the video clip.
5. Click on the subtitle in the timeline to open the Inspector.
6. Edit the text in the Viewer by double-clicking it, then typing in your dialogue or caption.
7. Adjust the duration and placement by dragging the ends of the subtitle clip.

Animated text can add visual interest, but it usually takes more effort to build out in Final Cut Pro than in simpler editors. To add animated titles:

1. Import your video and position it on the timeline.
2. Open the Titles and Generators sidebar.
3. Choose from animation presets like Pop-Up, Fade, or Slide under the Build In/Out section.
4. Drag your preferred animation title into the timeline.
5. Double-click the text in the Viewer to customize your message.
6. Use the Inspector Panel to change the font, size, tracking, and animation properties.

Lower thirds are commonly used for name tags or location identifiers. Here's how to add them:

1. Click on the Titles sidebar in Final Cut Pro. Under the Build In/Build Out folder, choose Custom, and drag it over your clip. Depending on how many informational elements you’re using, you can do this twice or more.
2. Change the first title to the person’s name and move it to the lower third area of your frame.
3. Update the second title with their role, job, or relevance to the video.
4. Go to the Generators tab, create a white solid, adjust its size, and place it between the name and title.

Adding text in Final Cut Pro is possible in several ways, but the process can be cumbersome without prior experience. Seeking a more approachable option? Movavi Video Editor provides the tools you need without the complexity. Whatever kind of text you want to add, Movavi Video Editor lets you create polished results without slowing you down.