As for the encoding tools, there are many popular tools out there like HandBrake and MeGUI, but for the hardcore companies, they go manual with using the CMD interface and x264. An experienced encoder might prefer the latter option because you have more freedom and less resources are used when encoding. Ultimately, it’s up to your personal preference.

Encoding a video is very demanding, so having going to need a beefy computer to encode an HD video. Depending on what filters or how lengthy the episodes are, it will take around 1 to 12 hours to encode. The computer needs to be well-ventilated because the encoder (the tool) will make the computer sweat like an athlete.

Through this process, the companies may end up making two versions of the episode: a “workraw” and the “final” version.

A workraw is a version the translator and editor will use. The video quality is low, meaning the file size is small and easy to download. The final version is the version that will be going to the timer, typesetter and eventually the version the group is going to use.

After the encodes are done, they are passed to the Translator, Timer, and Typesetter. Fansubbing can now begin.

Fansubbers rarely have access to the official scripts, but in most cases the companies have deals with the studios so they come by rather easy. If they are not available, the Translator must rely on their ears and knowing the source material of the anime. Checking official websites for character bios, terminologies, and story helps a lot.

A pair of good headphones are needed to listen to the dialogue and write them down on a text file, or, in some cases, in Google Docs. The Translator may rewatch the episode multiple times just in case they missed something.

Once the initial script is done, the Translator will pass it on to the Timer and Typesetter.

The process is straightforward and it also is one of the longest to finish. Aside from syncing the translation to the spoken dialogue, the Timer must avoid letting the lines “bleed out” to the next scene and make sure the duration of each line is long enough for the viewers to read.

The most popular subtitling tool and the jack-of-all-trades is the freeware Aegisub. The vast number of options may be overwhelming at first, but many soon realize that only a handful are dedicated to script timing.

The Typesetter’s main task is to essentially decorate the subs using the right fonts. They’re also responsible for syncing the sign translations making them look like they’re part of the original signs. They’re also responsible for making those fancy karaoke in the opening and ending themes.

Aegisub is the right tool for this, but if companies/subbers want more complex signs, they need additional support tools like Mocha and Adobe After Effects. They do avoid excessive effects because the resulting sub may be too CPU intensive for anyone to use. The video will stutter and audio will no longer sync.

Oh, and they don’t ever use Comic Sans or they can kiss your fansubbing career goodbye.

The Editor will leave notes in the script pointing out things like missing lines, a potential mistranslation, or clarifications.

There is a high possibility the Editor may have gone too far with their editing or the Translator misheard a line, so it’s up the the Translation Checker or TLC’er to double check the translation.

Did the Editor make the mistake of turning a sentence to a brash one instead of a sincere one? Did the Translator misinterpret a joke? Were the potential errors noted by the Editor correct? The TLC’er will address and potentially correct these issues.

After the script is translated, timed, edited, passed TLC, complete with the necessary typesetting and fonts supplied, it’s time to put them all together into one master script and put them into the final encode. The one in charge of this step is usually the Encoder.

The process of putting the script, fonts to a video encode is called “muxing” and one of the most popular tools for this job is MKVMerg.

Here, the files are placed into their respective spaces, label the video, audio (script tracks), and load the fonts. Hit “start muxing.”

Things aren't done yet!

Once everything is “muxed” to the encode, the QC’er steps in and makes one final check. The QC’er checks the encode for mistimed lines, spelling errors, typesetting bleeding through to the next scene, checks for spotty English, checks that the fonts were also muxed, sees if the tracks were labled, etc.

The QC’er sends a report to everyone involved, fixes any problems, and has the video remuxed. Once the QC’er gives their seal of approval, it will be passed to the Translator for the final go signal.

DONE!

And there you have it! These are the usual steps needed to fansub/sub any anime and yeah, it’s HARD. Contrary to popular belief, fansubbing is not something anyone can do. It requires the full cooperation of many people from different parts of the world or of a company, the process is time-consuming, requires a lot of energy and resources, and is often mentally-draining. If one of the members slacks off, or goes MIA during the process, everything crumbles and it ruins everything. It also lowers group morale.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide in how fansubbers/official companies sub anime out there in the world. As many know, it is illegal in Japan and may not be in one's country, the tricky thing is, when a company in your country becomes part of the licensing and distribution of the anime studio, then it is officially illegal in your country.

An example would be those fansubbing an anime in America which is not legally available their, yet, but once a legal company like Crunchyroll acquires the rights for it, it then becomes illegal. No one needs to violate any laws nor do want anyone to do so. Please be responsible and support anime legally to it's core. This is how we contribute to the community and further the lifespan of anime itself.

Thank you for reading and leave a comment if you have any questions. Maybe we can answer them.