Video & Audio Translation

Codex Editor provides powerful features for translating video subtitles and managing audio recordings. Whether you're dubbing content, translating subtitles, or creating audio Bibles, Codex handles the complex timing and synchronization automatically.

Overview

What You Can Do

• Translate Video Subtitles - Import VTT/SRT files, translate, and export
• Cell-by-Cell Audio Playback - Listen to recordings aligned with your translation
• Record Audio - Create audio recordings for each cell (verse/segment)
• Timestamp Management - Automatic synchronization with media files
• Dubbing Workflows - Complete workflow from import to export

Subtitle Translation

Supported Subtitle Formats

• WebVTT (.vtt) - Modern web standard format
• SubRip (.srt) - Classic subtitle format

Both formats preserve timing information automatically.

Step 1: Import Subtitle Files

1. Open Navigation → Add Files
2. Select "Source Files"
3. Choose "Subtitles (VTT/SRT)" importer
4. Upload your subtitle file

What Codex Creates:

MyVideo.source    # Original subtitles (read-only)
MyVideo.codex     # Your translation workspace

Each subtitle becomes a cell with:

• Original text
• Start timestamp
• End timestamp
• Unique cell ID

Step 2: Translate Subtitles

1. Open the .codex file (your translation workspace)
2. Each cell represents one subtitle segment
3. Source text appears on the left (if available)
4. Type your translation on the right
5. Timing information is preserved automatically

Step 3: Export Translated Subtitles

1. Open Project Settings (sidebar menu)
2. Scroll to Export Project
3. Choose "Rebuild Export" or "VTT/SRT" option
4. Select your translated .codex file
5. Download the exported subtitle file

Your exported file will have:

• Same timing as the original
• Your translated text
• Original subtitle format (VTT or SRT)
• Filename: MyVideo_YYYY-MM-DD_translated.vtt

Subtitle Import Examples

Example 1: Simple 1-to-1 Mapping

Original English subtitle:

00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:12.000
Hello, world!

After import, becomes a cell:

• Cell ID: MyVideo 1:1
• Start: 10.0 seconds
• End: 12.0 seconds
• Content: "Hello, world!"

Example 2: Complex Mappings

The subtitle importer handles:

• 1:1 mapping - One source subtitle → one cell
• 1:many mapping - One source split across multiple target subtitles
• many:1 mapping - Multiple sources combined into one target
• many:many mapping - Complex overlapping subtitles

The system uses timestamp overlap detection to automatically align translations during Target Import.

Working with Video Files

While Codex doesn't play video directly in the editor, you can:

1. Keep your video player open alongside Codex
2. Use timestamps to navigate (each cell shows start/end time)
3. Reference source subtitles visible on the left panel
4. Export and test periodically in your video player

Audio Translation

Cell-by-Cell Audio Playback

Codex supports playing audio recordings that correspond to individual cells (verses or segments). This is perfect for:

• Audio Bible translation checking
• Voice-over recording workflows
• Dubbing projects
• Oral translation projects

Audio File Organization

Audio files are organized automatically by Codex when you import them. The system uses a specific naming convention to match audio files with cells (verses/segments).

Naming Convention:

{BOOK}_{CCC}_{VVV}.{ext}

Where:

• {BOOK} = Document abbreviation (e.g., GEN, MAT, JUD)
• {CCC} = Chapter number, zero-padded or not (e.g., 001, 1, 010)
• {VVV} = Verse number, zero-padded or not (e.g., 001, 25, 150)
• {ext} = Audio format (.wav, .mp3, .m4a, .ogg)

Example Filenames:

• GEN_001_001.wav → Genesis 1:1
• MAT_005_003.mp3 → Matthew 5:3
• JUD_001_025.wav → Jude 1:25

Supported Audio Formats

• .wav - Recommended for best quality
• .mp3 - Good compression, widely supported
• .m4a - Apple format, good quality
• .ogg - Open source format

Adding Audio Files

Audio files are imported through Codex's navigation menu:

1. Open Navigation → Add Files
2. Select the appropriate importer for audio files
3. Choose your audio files (single or multiple)
4. Codex automatically organizes them based on the filename

Before importing, ensure your files follow the naming convention:

For cell MAT 5:3, the file should be named:

• MAT_005_003.wav or
• MAT_5_3.wav or
• MAT_005_003.mp3 (etc.)

Bulk Import:

You can import multiple audio files at once. Select all files that follow the naming convention, and Codex will automatically organize them by book and match them to the appropriate cells.

Using Audio Playback

Once audio files are imported:

1. Open your translation notebook (.codex file)
2. Audio play buttons appear automatically for cells with audio
3. Click the play button to hear the audio for that cell
4. Audio stops automatically when finished or when another plays

Features:

• Only one audio plays at a time
• Playback controls appear inline with the cell
• Cells without audio won't show a play button

Recording Audio

Recording Workflow

While Codex doesn't have built-in recording (yet), you can use external tools:

Recommended Setup:

1. Recording Software: Audacity (free), Adobe Audition, or similar
2. Microphone: USB microphone or headset
3. Naming Tools: Use batch renaming tools to follow the convention

Basic Workflow:

1. Record audio for each verse/segment using external software
2. Export each recording separately
3. Name files according to the convention (e.g., MAT_005_003.wav)
4. Import files through Navigation → Add Files
5. Audio buttons appear automatically for cells with matching recordings

Batch Recording Tips:

• Record multiple verses in one session
• Use markers or silence detection to split recordings
• Export with sequential numbering
• Use batch renaming tools or scripts to rename files consistently
• Import all files at once through Codex's navigation menu

Audio Quality Guidelines

For best results:

• Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16-bit minimum
• Format: WAV for archival, MP3 for distribution
• Mono vs Stereo: Mono is fine for voice, saves space
• Background Noise: Record in a quiet environment

Advanced Workflows

Dubbing Video Content

Complete workflow for video dubbing:

1. Import subtitles (VTT/SRT) through Navigation → Add Files
2. Translate the subtitle text in the .codex file
3. Record audio matching the subtitle timings using external software
4. Name audio files matching cell IDs (e.g., DocumentaryName_001_001.wav)
5. Import audio through Navigation → Add Files
6. Review translation and audio with playback in Codex
7. Export subtitles for final video through Project Settings
8. Mix audio with video in editing software

Multi-Take Recording

For projects needing multiple takes:

Recommended Strategy:

1. Keep multiple takes organized in your recording workspace (outside Codex)
2. Use naming suffixes to track versions:

   GEN_001_001_take1.wav
   GEN_001_001_take2.wav
   GEN_001_001_final.wav

3. When ready, rename the best take to match the convention exactly:

   GEN_001_001.wav

4. Import only the final versions into Codex

Alternative Approach:

• Import initial recordings into Codex for review
• Re-import with the same filename to replace a recording
• Keep backup copies of all takes outside your Codex project

Oral Translation Projects

For communities creating oral translations:

1. Use simple recording equipment (smartphone apps work!)
2. Record verse-by-verse or segment-by-segment
3. Transfer files to computer
4. Batch rename to follow the naming convention
5. Import into Codex through Navigation → Add Files
6. Review with playback alongside your translation
7. Export your translation when complete

Subtitle Translation Examples

Example Project: Translating a Documentary

File: Documentary_Episode1.vtt

Step-by-Step:

1. Import:

   • Navigation → Add Files → Subtitles
   • Upload Documentary_Episode1.vtt
   • Creates Documentary_Episode1.source and Documentary_Episode1.codex

2. Translate:

   • Open Documentary_Episode1.codex
   • See 247 subtitle cells
   • Each cell shows timestamp range
   • Translate cell by cell

3. Export:

   • Project Settings → Export
   • Select Rebuild Export
   • Choose Documentary_Episode1.codex
   • Download Documentary_Episode1_2025-01-15_translated.vtt

4. Test:

   • Open video in VLC
   • Load exported subtitle file
   • Verify timing and translations

Example Project: Audio Bible Recording

Book: Jude

Workflow:

1. Record 25 verses (Jude has 1 chapter with 25 verses) using external software
2. Name files according to the convention:

   JUD_001_001.wav  (Jude 1:1)
   JUD_001_002.wav  (Jude 1:2)
   ...
   JUD_001_025.wav  (Jude 1:25)

3. Import all files through Navigation → Add Files
4. Open Jude translation (.codex file) in Codex
5. Audio buttons appear automatically for each verse
6. Review recordings while checking translation

Troubleshooting

Audio Buttons Not Appearing

Problem: Audio files imported but no play buttons show

Solutions:

• Verify file naming exactly matches cell ID format
• Ensure file extension is supported (.wav, .mp3, .m4a, .ogg)
• Check that the cell IDs in your notebook match the audio filenames
• Try re-importing the audio files
• Reload the editor window

Subtitle Timing Issues

Problem: Exported subtitles don't sync with video

Solutions:

• Verify original subtitle file had correct timing
• Check you didn't accidentally modify timestamp cells
• Re-import original if timestamps were corrupted
• Use subtitle editing software for timing adjustments

Audio Won't Play

Problem: Play button appears but no sound

Solutions:

• Check system volume and browser permissions
• Verify audio file isn't corrupted (open in media player)
• Try a different audio format (WAV is most reliable)
• Check file size (very large files may fail to load)

Complex Subtitle Mappings

Problem: Multiple subtitles need to map to one translation

Solutions:

• Use child cells for multiple variations
• Merge cells if appropriate
• Accept that some mappings may need manual adjustment
• Review alignment preview during Target Import

Best Practices

For Subtitle Translation

1. Keep translations concise - Match source length when possible
2. Respect timing constraints - Viewers need time to read
3. Use natural language - Spoken style, not written
4. Test frequently - Export and watch with video
5. Consider reading speed - Different languages have different speeds

For Audio Projects

1. Consistent naming - Follow the convention exactly
2. Good recording environment - Minimize background noise
3. Test playback - Verify audio plays in Codex
4. Backup originals - Keep master recordings safe
5. Document your workflow - Note any special conventions

For Professional Projects

1. Version control - Use Git or regular backups
2. Quality checks - Multiple reviewers for audio/subtitles
3. Style guides - Document translation conventions
4. Delivery formats - Know client requirements before exporting
5. Archive everything - Keep all source files and takes

Technical Details

Cell ID to Filename Conversion

The system converts cell IDs to filenames automatically:

Cell ID: JUD 1:25

• Book: JUD
• Chapter: 1 → 001 (padded)
• Verse: 25 → 025 (padded)
• Result: JUD_001_025.wav

Supported Timestamp Formats

For subtitle files:

WebVTT:

00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:12.500
Subtitle text here

SubRip (SRT):

1
00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,500
Subtitle text here

Both formats are automatically detected and parsed.

File Size Considerations

• WAV files: Large but high quality (10MB per minute typical)
• MP3 files: Smaller, good quality (1MB per minute at 128kbps)
• Project size: Plan storage for complete projects
• Cloud sync: Large audio files may slow synchronization

Next Steps

After setting up your video/audio project:

• Configure export options
• Share with team members
• Use AI assistance for subtitle translation
• Learn about batch translation for faster subtitle work

FAQ

Need help with media translation? Join our Discord community where users share workflows and tips for video and audio projects.