How to use TTAL with Cue Pro

Introduction

TTAL (Timed Text Authoring Lineage) is a JSON-based file format developed by Netflix for exchanging dubbing and foreign versioning scripts across the localisation pipeline. It is the mandatory format for all Netflix dubbing script deliveries and is supported by a growing number of industry tools. A TTAL file carries dialogue events with precise timecodes, character definitions, anchor timing data for Rhythmo Bande synchronisation, detection symbols for lip-motion guidance, shot change positions, On/Off Screen indicators, and language metadata - providing a comprehensive representation of a foreign versioning project at any stage of the workflow.

This chapter covers the complete TTAL round-trip in Cue Pro - from receiving a TTAL file, through import, review, translation, adaptation, recording, and post-recording verification, to final delivery. It is intended as a self-contained workflow guide that can be followed end-to-end. Individual features referenced here - such as anchor editing, detection symbol navigation, and recording setup - are covered in full detail in their respective chapters and are cross-referenced throughout.

Cue Pro supports TTAL workflows in both Rhythmo Bande and Line Based overlay modes. This chapter focuses on the Rhythmo Bande workflow, which is the preferred approach for foreign versioning delivery due to its precise timing synchronisation. Providers working in Line Based mode can follow the same round-trip - Line Based alternatives are noted where relevant throughout the chapter.

What a TTAL File Contains

A TTAL file carries the following data, all of which Cue Pro reads on import and writes on export:

Dialogue events - each event represents a single line of dialogue with an In Point and Out Point timecode
Character definitions - character names and identifiers, used to create Character Tracks on import
Anchor timing data - per-character timing metadata that controls how Rhythmo Bande text scrolls in synchronisation with the video. Anchors link specific character positions in the text to precise timecodes, ensuring each syllable crosses the Sync Marker at the correct moment. In Line Based mode, anchors trigger Secondary Pre Roll Streamers at the start of key words, giving the performer a visual pulse at each sync point.
Detection symbols - lip-motion data (labials, semi-labials, sentence boundaries, and other mouth positions) that assists the adaptation writer in choosing words that correspond to the on-screen character's lip movements
Shot changes - edit points in the video, stored in the shotChanges array
On/Off Screen values - whether the character is visible on screen during the line (On, Off, On → Off, Off → On)
Language metadata - the language of the script, used to set the timeline language on import
Text formatting - bold and italic formatting in dialogue text is preserved

Note: Cue Pro supports scene data via the SCENES track (see the Scenes Track chapter), but the TTAL schema's scenes field is not yet defined in the specification. Scene data is therefore not currently imported from or exported to TTAL files.

Setting Up the Project

Before importing a TTAL file, a project must be created and video must be imported. The video must always be imported before events to ensure that events are placed at the correct positions relative to the timeline frame rate.

Pro Tools Integrated Mode (Recommended)

For TTAL workflows, Pro Tools Integrated Mode is strongly recommended. The Cue Pro project is saved directly within the Pro Tools session via the Cue Pro Connect plug-in, so there is no separate project file to manage - every save in Pro Tools saves the Cue Pro data alongside the audio and session. This keeps the entire workflow - adaptation, recording, and delivery - contained in a single Pro Tools session, which simplifies file management and makes session handoff straightforward.

To set up, open or create a Pro Tools session and ensure the Cue Pro Connect plug-in is instantiated. Import the video into Pro Tools. Cue Pro reads the video and timeline frame rate from the Pro Tools session automatically.

If additional display outputs are needed at any point - for example, during a recording session where multiple screens are required for talent and engineer - the Cue Pro project can be temporarily opened directly from the Cue Pro Connect plug-in into Media Mode to take advantage of its multi-device video output. After the session, save the project back to the plug-in to keep the workflow integrated.

Media Mode

It is also possible to work entirely in Media Mode. This requires creating a separate Cue Pro project, importing media independently, and saving the project as a standalone file. Media Mode offers advantages such as independent multi-screen video output and local media playback, but the project and Pro Tools session are managed separately.

To set up in Media Mode, create a new Cue Pro project and drag the video file to the empty video track in the timeline while holding Command to snap the start point to the embedded timecode. If the file does not have embedded timecode, double-click the file and set the correct start point in the Properties window. This automatically sets the timeline frame rate.

Overlay Mode

Set the overlay mode to Rhythmo Bande in Preferences / Settings → OVERLAYS → ADR Cue → ADR Cue Overlay Mode. For video device configuration, see the Display Setup chapter.

The Rhythmo Bande overlay appearance - including Video Scaling, Scrolling Speed, Line Height, Font, Banner Color, and Sync Marker position - can be customised in the same ADR Cue settings section. These settings affect how the scrolling text is displayed to talent and can be saved and shared between studios using Overlay Presets. For sessions where smoother scrolling text is needed, Cue Pro's Smooth Rendering feature decouples overlay rendering from the video frame rate, rendering at the display's native refresh rate instead. For full details on overlay appearance, presets, and smooth rendering, see the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

Importing a TTAL File

To import the TTAL file, go to File → Import Events.

In the Import Visual Events From File window, set the following:

If no Event Type Column is Present, Import Event as: → ADR Cue
Text Encoding → UTF-8

Click Import Events To Timeline.

The first TTAL file imported is typically the original language script - the source dialogue that will be translated and adapted into one or more target languages. This timeline serves as the reference throughout the workflow.

On import, Cue Pro processes the TTAL file and populates the project:

Character Tracks are created automatically from the TTAL character data. If a Character Track with the same name already exists, imported cues are added to the existing track.
ADR Cues are placed on the corresponding Character Tracks with In and Out Points from the TTAL timecodes.
Anchor points are preserved from the TTAL timing metadata. Rhythmo Bande text will scroll with frame-accurate synchronisation from the moment of import.
Detection symbols are extracted and displayed per character on the corresponding Character Track. Each character's detection symbols can be shown or hidden using the lip icon toggle on the Character Track header.
Shot changes from the TTAL shotChanges array are added to the SHOT CHANGES track. This import is additive - shot changes from the TTAL file are added alongside any existing shot changes on the timeline.
On/Off Screen values are populated on each ADR Cue.
The Language field on the timeline is set automatically if the TTAL file includes language metadata.

Post-Import Checklist

After importing, verify and complete the following:

Label the timeline and set the language. Double-click the timeline tab to open Edit Timeline Settings. Name the timeline with the original language - for example, "English - Original" or "Japanese - Original" - and set the Language field to match. The TTAL file may have set the language automatically on import; if not, set it manually. The timeline name is used throughout the workflow - including DAW Track Naming and TTAL export - so clear naming from the start keeps everything consistent as additional timelines are created for translation and adaptation.
Set Picture Version & Reel/Episode information in the timeline settings.
Set the FFOA (First Frame Of Action). The FFOA is used to set the timeline start point when exporting back to TTAL at the end of the process.
Verify detection symbols are visible - click the lip icon on each Character Track header to enable them.
Verify anchor points are present - zoom into the timeline using the T key and check that anchors appear within the cues. Anchors are essential in both overlay modes (see Anchor timing data above).
Verify shot changes - the SHOT CHANGES track is populated from the TTAL file's shotChanges array. Use Tab to navigate through the shot change positions and verify they align with the picture cuts. If any shot changes are incorrect, they can be edited, added, or removed directly on the SHOT CHANGES track. For full details on working with shot changes - including automatic detection from video content, editing, and CMX3600 EDL import - see the Shot Change Track chapter.

Reviewing the Import

With the TTAL file imported, review the anchor positions and detection symbols before beginning translation and adaptation work.

Enable detection symbols per character by clicking the lip icon on each Character Track header. Detection symbols appear as markers on the timeline, indicating labials, semi-labials, sentence boundaries, and other mouth positions. Hover over a detection symbol to see a tooltip identifying the symbol type.

Navigate between detection symbols using Tab (forward) and Option & Tab (backward). The playhead stops at each detection symbol position. Hold Shift while pressing Tab to extend a timeline selection as the playhead advances.

Inspect anchor positions by zooming into the timeline. Anchors should align with the intended sync points in the video. For full details on editing anchors - including adding, deleting, scrubbing, and character-level placement - see the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

The supplied TTAL file may not always require anchor or detection symbol editing, but refinement is sometimes needed. Cue Pro supports full editing of both.

Several editing features are useful when reviewing and refining imported cues. ADR Cues can be split at the playhead position (press B) when a single imported line needs to become two separate cues, or merged (Option & Command & M) when adjacent lines should be combined into one - merging automatically adds anchors at the join points to preserve timing. For rapid-fire dialogue where a single actor delivers several short lines in succession, a nested ADR Cue (Schachteltake) can group all the text into one cue with anchors controlling the timing of each phrase. In and Out Points can be trimmed by dragging the cue edges or using keyboard trimming shortcuts, and Batch Modify Events (from the Event menu) allows numeric offset adjustments across multiple selected cues at once.

The On/Off Screen value imported from TTAL can be edited if the imported value does not match the picture - set it in the Properties tab, Edit Event window, or the On/Off Scr column in the Event List. The Notes field is available for performance direction or context about the scene, and Eng. Notes for technical recording instructions - both fields support rich text formatting and appear on printed cue sheets. For projects that include on-screen text requiring translation - such as signs, text messages, or location identifiers - the Forced Narrative feature marks cues as forced subtitles that are always displayed to the viewer. For full details on all of these features, see the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

When working through a large number of imported cues, the Go To command (Command & G) allows quick navigation to a specific cue by typing part of the cue number or text. The Event List can be sorted by any column - click a column heading to sort by that field - which is useful for grouping cues by character, cue number, or other criteria. Character Tracks can also be sorted automatically by name, line count, or recording progress via the Sort Character Tracks window in the Track menu. For full details on navigation and sorting, see the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

Translation and Adaptation

The translation and adaptation stage converts the original language script into the target language while fitting the new dialogue to the on-screen lip movements. Translation produces a literal rendering of the original dialogue; adaptation then refines that translation to match the timing, rhythm, and lip-sync of the on-screen performance. These two stages are often handled by different specialists, with the translated script sent out for adaptation and the adapted version imported back into Cue Pro for recording.

Setting Up the Target Language Timeline

Duplicate the original language timeline to create a working copy for the target language. In Pro Tools Integrated Mode, click the + within a square button at the bottom right of the Timelines settings section. In Media Mode, click the same button at the bottom right of the TIMELINES tab pane. Rename the duplicate - in Pro Tools Integrated Mode, click the pencil icon to open Edit Timeline Settings and change the Timeline Name; in Media Mode, double-click the timeline name directly. Name the timeline to reflect its purpose - for example, "French - Translation" - and set the target language in Edit Timeline Settings.

The original language timeline is preserved as a reference. Each timeline maintains its own ADR Cues, text, and anchor timing independently.

Translation

Three translation approaches are available:

Manual translation - work through each event in the Event List and type the translated dialogue directly into the Text field.

Built-in local translation - select the cues to translate and choose Translate Text of Selected Events from the Event menu. Cue Pro translates the Text field and writes the result into the Alt Text field, leaving the original text untouched. When the translation is ready, swap the two fields using Swap Text and Alt Text of Selected Events from the Event menu. Translation runs locally using downloadable language models - no text is sent to any third-party service. Translation models must be downloaded before first use from the RESOURCES tab in Preferences / Settings. For translation model setup and language pair configuration, see the Translation section in the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

External translation round-trip - export the cues to a Word document, send the file to a translator, then re-import the translated text. See the Word format export and import chapters for this workflow.

Sending for Adaptation

Once the translation is complete, the translated script needs to be sent to the adaptation writer. The adapter works through the script - fitting the translated dialogue to the lip movements, timing, and rhythm of the original performance - and returns the adapted text. The method for sending depends on whether the adapter works in Cue Pro or in an external tool.

Adapter working in Cue Pro with Pro Tools - if the adapter has access to Pro Tools, send them the Pro Tools session. They open it and work in Pro Tools Integrated Mode with full access to the video, detection symbols, anchors, and all cue data. When finished, they return the Pro Tools session with the adapted cues.

Adapter working in Cue Pro without Pro Tools - some adapters may prefer to work in Cue Pro alone without Pro Tools. In this case, the adapter works in Media Mode. There are two ways to send the project. The first is to export the translated cues as a TTAL file from the translation timeline (see TTAL File Export in the Delivery section for the export steps) and send it along with the video - the adapter creates a new Cue Pro project in Media Mode, imports the video, and imports the TTAL file. The second is to switch the Cue Pro project to Media Mode temporarily - open the project from the Cue Pro Connect plug-in into Media Mode, save it as a standalone Cue Pro project file, then send that project along with the video.

The adapter works through the adaptation in Cue Pro, using detection symbols and anchors as guides, refining the text and adjusting anchors to match the new word timing. When finished, the adapter returns the work - as a Pro Tools session if working in Pro Tools Integrated Mode, as a Cue Pro project file if working in Media Mode, or as a TTAL file export from either mode.

Adapter working externally - for adapters who work outside Cue Pro, export the translated cues in Word format. Go to File → Export → Batch Export Events, select the translation timeline, and export in Word format. The adapter works through the document and returns the adapted text. For the full Word export and import workflow, see the Word format export and import chapters.

Receiving the Adapted Script

When the adapted script returns, create a timeline for the adapted version and import the adapted cues onto it.

In Pro Tools Integrated Mode, create a new timeline (click the + button at the bottom right of the Timelines settings section, or press Command & Shift & N) and name it - for example, "French - Adapted". Import the adapted file onto this timeline using File → Import Events.

In Media Mode, create a new timeline using the + button at the bottom right of the TIMELINES tab pane (or press Command & Shift & N), name it, and import the adapted file. Alternatively, duplicate the translation timeline, rename it, select all events with Command & A, delete them, then import the adapted file onto the empty timeline.

After importing, review and refine the anchor positions. The adapted text will have different word lengths and rhythms from the translation, so anchors may need adjustment so that each word crosses the Sync Marker at the correct moment. If the adapter worked in Cue Pro and adjusted anchors as part of the adaptation, this may require only light verification. The same editing and refinement tools available during the original import review - splitting, merging, trimming, and batch modification - are equally useful here. For anchor editing techniques, see the Anchors section in the ADR Cue Overlays in Rhythmo Bande Mode chapter.

Working with Multiple Languages

If the project involves multiple target languages, repeat the translation and adaptation workflow for each language - duplicating the original language timeline, translating, sending for adaptation, and importing the adapted script. Each language should have its own set of timelines - for example, "French - Translation" and "French - Adapted", "German - Translation" and "German - Adapted".

The Timelines feature allows all language versions to be managed within a single Cue Pro project. Each timeline has its own ADR Cues, text, anchor timing, and language setting. The remaining steps in this chapter - recording, post-recording verification, and delivery - apply per timeline. For full details on creating, managing, and switching between timelines, see the Timelines chapter.

If separate original language TTAL files are received for different language versions, each can be imported to its own timeline as the starting point for that language's workflow.

When recording multiple languages, consider whether to use a single Pro Tools session for all languages or a separate session for each. A single session keeps all recorded audio in one place and allows quick switching between language timelines within Cue Pro. Separate sessions provide cleaner file management and simpler session handoff - particularly when different languages are recorded at different facilities. If using separate sessions, include the language in the Pro Tools session name - for example, "ProjectName_French" - to keep things clear.

Setting Up for Recording

Before recording, connect Cue Pro to Pro Tools and configure the recording settings. This section provides a brief overview - for the full recording setup procedure, see the ADR Recording with Cue Pro and Pro Tools chapter.

Pro Tools Integrated Mode is the fastest way to get to recording - the DAW connection is live from the moment the project is opened through the Cue Pro Connect plug-in. No additional connection steps are required, and recording can begin directly after configuring the settings below.

Media Mode can also be used for recording and offers advantages such as independent multi-screen video output. In Media Mode, connect to Pro Tools manually by enabling DAW Sync (transport and timeline communication) and DAW Control (track state control and recording matrix) in the DAW tab. The Pro Tools application icon, version number, and session name should be visible in the DAW tab → DAW SELECTION section once connected.

Open the DAW Track Settings window (Shift & D) and configure:

DAW Track Naming - set the filename template for recorded audio. For TTAL workflows, using the Timeline and Cue # placeholders is recommended - this produces filenames that include the language (from the timeline name) and the cue number, making it easy to identify and group recorded files by language even in Finder.
Recording matrix and Track Types - assign Track Types to the Pro Tools tracks that will be used for recording, rehearsal, and review.

If the project contains multiple language timelines, select the timeline for the language being recorded before proceeding.

The recommended approach for TTAL recording is Rhythmo Bande mode. To set this up:

Set the ADR Cue Overlay Mode to Rhythmo Bande in Preferences / Settings → OVERLAYS → ADR Cue.
Set the Event Record Mode by right-clicking (or Control-clicking) the Record button in the Controller Bar and selecting Single w/ open end or Batch.

If working in Line Based mode instead, set the ADR Cue Overlay Mode to Line Based in Preferences / Settings → OVERLAYS → ADR Cue, and choose whichever Event Record Mode best suits the recording approach - for more information on each mode, see the Choosing an Event Record Mode section in the ADR Recording with Cue Pro and Pro Tools chapter.

Set the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll durations using the fields in the Controller Bar, to the left of the Link button. Press P to toggle both Pre-Roll and Post-Roll on or off.

Additional recording settings worth configuring before the session: DAW Cue Expansion adds a recording buffer of a specified number of frames before and after each cue to ensure the recording is not clipped at the boundaries. The Track Types system allows guide dialogue tracks to be muted automatically during review - for example, assigning a folder track containing all guide dialogue a Track Type with an After state of Mute silences the original dialogue when reviewing takes. The Event Selection Playhead Behaviour settings in Preferences / Settings → OVERLAYS → General control whether the playhead moves to the start of the pre-roll, the In Point, or stays in place when a cue is selected. For full details on all recording settings, see the ADR Recording with Cue Pro and Pro Tools chapter.

Recording

Filter the Event List to show one character at a time using the Char Filter on the CHARACTERS header bar. Select the first event.

The recording cycle for each cue follows this sequence:

Rehearse (Command & F1) - plays the cue with pre-roll to familiarise the talent with the line and its timing.
Record (Command & F3) - records the performance on the assigned record track.
Review (Command & F4) - plays back the recorded take.
Advance to the next cue and repeat.

The Done checkbox is automatically enabled after at least one recording pass. Progress counters on each Character Track header update as cues are completed.

In Line Based mode, for cues where the talent benefits from hearing the original line before performing - such as single words or short phrases - the Open Ended checkbox or Single w/ open end Event Record Mode allows recording to continue past the Out Point.

Beyond the basic recording cycle, several features help manage a TTAL recording session efficiently. Character Tracks have Mute and Solo buttons on the track header - Solo isolates a single character's overlays on the video output, which is useful when recording one character at a time. The character filter's Include adjacent lines setting can show a specified number of surrounding lines from other characters alongside the filtered character, giving talent context for what they are reacting to. The #c and #w toggles on the CHARACTERS header bar switch between cue count and word count on each Character Track header, providing an at-a-glance view of recording progress. Individual ADR Cues can be muted (Command & M) to temporarily hide them from the overlay output without deleting them - useful for skipping cues that are not ready for recording.

Memory Location Sync can synchronise ADR Cue positions with Pro Tools Memory Locations, providing engineers with a visual reference in the Pro Tools timeline for navigating between cues. For the most efficient recording control, an Elgato Stream Deck or similar hardware controller allows recording shortcuts to be assigned to dedicated buttons for eyes-free operation - see the Using Elgato Stream Deck with Cue Pro chapter.

To keep the cue selection after each recording pass - which is important for maintaining workflow continuity - use Target Event Mode (set via the Edit Mode toggle in the Controller Bar). In Media Mode, also disable Mirror Pro Tools timeline selection to Cue Pro in Preferences / Settings → ADR REC → OTHER SETTINGS - this prevents Cue Pro from losing the cue selection when Pro Tools' Insertion Follows Playback clears the timeline selection after a pass. In Pro Tools Integrated Mode, Target Event Mode alone is sufficient.

For the full step-by-step recording walkthrough, Event Record Mode options, and all recording settings, see the ADR Recording with Cue Pro and Pro Tools chapter.

Post-Recording: Matching the Script to the Final Performance

After the ADR edit is complete and approved, the script should be updated to reflect what was actually recorded. This ensures that the delivered TTAL file contains the final performed dialogue - not just the pre-recording adaptation.

Work through each event and modify the Text field where the recorded performance differs from the scripted text. This is typically a refinement pass rather than a full rewrite - the talent may have altered word order, added a breath, or adjusted phrasing during recording.

Using Transcription Matching

Transcription Matching can automate much of this verification. With Pro Tools 2025.6 or later, run Match All Events from the Match button in the toolbar. Cue Pro compares each ADR Cue's text against Pro Tools' transcription data and assigns a confidence score. Events with a 100% match are verified automatically. Events with lower scores can be reviewed individually - click Locate to navigate to the corresponding audio in Pro Tools, listen, then Confirm or Clear the match.

For the full Transcription Matching workflow, including requirements, manual matching, and clearing data, see the Transcription Matching chapter.

Delivery

Two delivery paths are available, and both can be used together.

TTAL File Export

To export the final TTAL file, go to File → Export → Batch Export Events.

In the Batch Event Export window:

Under Events to Export, select All Events.
In the Timelines section, select the timeline for the language being delivered. Each TTAL export produces a single-language file, so export each timeline separately when delivering multiple languages.
In the Formats section, select Netflix TTAL (.ttal).

Click Continue, then Export. Choose a filename that includes the language - for example, "ProjectName_French.ttal" - and a destination.

Cue Pro writes the following data to the TTAL file: all ADR Cue events with updated timecodes and text, character assignments, anchor timing data, detection symbols (preserved from the original import), shot changes (including any that were edited, added, or removed since import), On/Off Screen values, language and FFOA metadata, and bold/italic text formatting.

Pro Tools Session Delivery

In Pro Tools Integrated Mode, the Cue Pro project is saved within the Pro Tools session via the Cue Pro Connect plug-in. Delivering the Pro Tools session therefore includes the complete Cue Pro project - all ADR Cue data, character definitions, anchor timing, detection symbols, and recording metadata - alongside the recorded audio.

This provides a self-contained deliverable: the recorded audio, the Pro Tools session, and the Cue Pro project in a single package. A TTAL file can still be exported separately alongside the session delivery if required.