Writing & StyleStyle guide

Updating Script-Based Captions to Match Final Audio

Updating Script-Based Captions to Match Final Audio records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics and unsupported house-style rules outside the guidance.

Quick answer

When a script is used to start a caption or transcript, edit it so the text accurately matches the final audio content.

Key details

Core IssueWhen a script is used to start a caption or transcript, edit it so the text accurately matches the final audio content.
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Important caveats

Scope Boundary

A production script can still be a useful starting point; this guidance only addresses differences that matter to an accurate text alternative.

Further guidance

Content

Compare the available script with the finished recording and change wording where the delivered audio differs from the written script.

Purpose

The final recording, not an earlier draft, is the accuracy target for captions and transcripts.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Transcribing Audio to Text — W3C WAI (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative · W3C WAI guidance for identifying speakers and representing relevant audio information in transcripts and captions.

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