What is an SRT File?
An SRT file is a plain text file that contains subtitles for a video. SRT stands for SubRip Text, named after the SubRip software that originally created the format by extracting subtitles from DVDs. It is the most widely used subtitle format in the world.
How the SRT format works
An SRT file is just a text file with the .srt extension. You can open it in any text editor. Each subtitle entry has three parts:
- A sequence number (1, 2, 3, etc.) that identifies the subtitle
- A timestamp line showing when the subtitle appears and disappears, in the format
HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm - The subtitle text, which can span one or two lines
Each entry is separated by a blank line. Here is what a real SRT file looks like:
1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000 Say hello to my little friend! 2 00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:08,000 Yeah, Science! 3 00:00:10,200 --> 00:00:13,800 I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse.
The simplicity of SRT is its strength. There is no complicated markup, no binary encoding, nothing proprietary. Any program that reads text can read an SRT file.
Where SRT files are used
SRT is the default subtitle format for most video workflows:
- •Video players: VLC, MX Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Plex, Kodi, and Infuse all support SRT natively
- •Streaming platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook accept SRT uploads for captioning
- •Video editing: Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and CapCut can import and export SRT
- •Subtitle communities: OpenSubtitles and other fan subtitle sites distribute SRT files for movies and TV shows
If you have a video and need subtitles in a different language, the SRT file is what you translate.
SRT vs. other subtitle formats
| Format | Extension | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SRT | .srt | General use. Works everywhere. |
| VTT | .vtt | Web video. Supports styling and positioning. |
| ASS/SSA | .ass / .ssa | Anime fansubs. Advanced styling and effects. |
| SBV | .sbv | YouTube. Similar to SRT with different timestamp format. |
SRT is the safest choice when you need subtitles to work across different players and platforms. If a tool supports subtitles, it almost certainly supports SRT.
How to create an SRT file
You can create an SRT file in three ways:
- Write one by hand in any text editor. Follow the format above: sequence number, timestamp line, subtitle text, blank line. Save with the .srt extension.
- Use subtitle software like Subtitle Edit, Aegisub, or Kapwing. These let you type subtitles while watching the video and automatically set timestamps.
- Generate from audio using speech-to-text tools like Whisper, Descript, or YouTube auto-captions. These create SRT files automatically from your video audio.
Frequently asked questions
What does SRT stand for?
SRT stands for SubRip Text. It was originally created by the SubRip software, which extracted (ripped) subtitles from DVDs.
Can I open an SRT file in a text editor?
Yes. SRT files are plain text files. You can open and edit them in any text editor like Notepad, TextEdit, VS Code, or Sublime Text.
What video players support SRT files?
Nearly all modern video players support SRT, including VLC, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, MX Player, Plex, Kodi, and most smart TV media players.
What is the difference between SRT and VTT?
Both are text-based subtitle formats. VTT (WebVTT) is designed for web browsers and supports styling like colors and positioning. SRT is simpler, more universal, and works with virtually every video player and platform.
Need to translate an SRT file?
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