Best Guide to CapCut Text Overlay for Beginners in 2026
- Dec 9, 2025
- 4 min read
CapCut, a well-known video editing application, simplifies this process for novices. If you're looking to add subtitles, titles, or artistic captions, becoming proficient with text overlays in CapCut will enable you to produce captivating videos in 2026.
Best Guide to CapCut Text Overlay for Beginners, This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using text overlays in CapCut, from basic steps to useful tips that will improve your video editing skills.
Best Guide to CapCut Text Overlay for Beginners, How to Add Text Overlay in CapCut
Starting with text overlays in CapCut is straightforward. Follow these steps to add your first text layer:
Open CapCut and create a new project
Import the video clip you want to edit.
Tap on the ‘Text’ option at the bottom menu
This opens the text editing panel.
Select ‘Add Text’
A text box appears on your video preview.
Type your desired text
Use the keyboard to enter titles, captions, or subtitles.
Adjust the position
Drag the text box to place it where it fits best on the screen.
Customize the font, size, and color
CapCut offers a variety of fonts and color options to match your video style.
Set the duration
Drag the edges of the text layer in the timeline to control when the text appears and disappears.
This simple process lets you add clear and attractive text overlays to your videos in minutes.
Customizing Text for Better Impact
Text overlays are more than just words on the screen. Customizing them can make your message stand out and improve viewer engagement. Here are some ways to enhance your text overlays in CapCut:
Choose readable fonts
Avoid overly decorative fonts that are hard to read. Stick to clean, bold fonts for clarity.
Use contrasting colors
Make sure your text color contrasts with the background video. For example, use white text on dark scenes and black text on light scenes.
Add shadows or outlines
These effects improve text visibility, especially on busy backgrounds.
Animate your text
CapCut allows you to add animations like fade-ins, slide-ins, or zoom effects. Use these sparingly to draw attention without distracting viewers.
Align text properly
Centered text works well for titles, while left or right alignment suits subtitles.
Limit text length
Keep text short and to the point. Long sentences can overwhelm viewers and clutter the screen.
Using Multiple Text Layers
Sometimes one text overlay is not enough. You might want to add subtitles, titles, and captions all in the same video. CapCut supports multiple text layers, which you can manage like this:
Add new text layers for different purposes
For example, use one layer for the main title and another for subtitles.
Adjust timing individually
Each text layer can have its own start and end time, allowing precise control.
Layer text creatively
Place one text box at the top and another at the bottom to separate information clearly.
Use different styles for each layer
This helps viewers distinguish between types of text, such as dialogue subtitles versus scene descriptions.
Managing multiple text layers lets you create professional-looking videos with clear, organized information.
Tips for Beginners to Avoid Common Mistakes
When starting with text overlays, beginners often make avoidable errors. Here are some tips to help you create better videos:
Don’t overcrowd the screen
Too much text distracts viewers. Use only necessary words.
Check spelling and grammar
Mistakes reduce your video’s professionalism.
Preview your video on different devices
Text may look different on phones, tablets, or computers. Make sure it’s readable everywhere.
Keep text duration long enough to read
A good rule is about 3 seconds for short phrases and longer for sentences.
Avoid placing text over busy parts of the video
Choose clear areas or add a semi-transparent background behind the text.
Use consistent style throughout the video
This creates a cohesive look and feel.
Advanced Features for Text Overlays in CapCut
Once you are comfortable with basic text overlays, explore these advanced features to enhance your videos further:
Keyframe animation
Animate text movement or size changes over time for dynamic effects.
Text masking
Use video clips or images as a mask to create unique text appearances.
Custom fonts
Import your own fonts to match your brand or style.
Text-to-speech
Combine text overlays with voice narration generated by CapCut.
Layer blending modes
Change how text blends with the video background for creative looks.
Experimenting with these features can help you produce videos that stand out and engage viewers more deeply.
Practical Example: Creating a Travel Vlog Title Sequence
To put these tips into practice, here’s a step-by-step example of adding a text overlay for a travel vlog intro:
Import your travel footage into CapCut.
Add a text overlay with the title “Exploring the Alps 2026.”
Choose a bold, clean font and white color.
Position the text at the center of the screen.
Add a shadow effect to improve visibility against the mountain background.
Animate the text with a fade-in effect lasting 1.5 seconds.
Set the text duration to 5 seconds.
Add a second text layer below with the subtitle “A Journey Through Nature.”
Use a smaller font size and light gray color for the subtitle.
10. Animate the subtitle with a slide-up effect.
This sequence creates a professional and inviting introduction for your travel video.
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