ADR, or automated dialogue replacement, is a post-production process in which actors re-record dialogue in a studio to replace or supplement the original production audio. In localization and dubbing, it is used when the original on-set recording is noisy, when a line must be changed, or when a localized performance must be recorded to match the timing and emotional intent of the original scene.
ADR appears in dubbing projects, animation localization, and film or game audio post-production. The localization team prepares cue sheets with timecodes and line lengths, the voice talent records against picture in short takes, and an engineer or director reviews each take for sync, tone, and pronunciation before final mixing. It is also used when a translated line must fit an existing mouth flap.
A common mistake is treating ADR as a simple read-aloud of the translated script without checking on-screen mouth movements and line duration. That produces dialogue that continues after the actor's mouth has closed. Another error is ignoring room tone or microphone placement, making the re-recorded lines sound disconnected from the rest of the mix.
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