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:
- 1A sequence number. 1, 2, 3 — identifies the subtitle order.
- 2A timestamp line. When the subtitle appears and disappears.
- 3The subtitle text. One or two lines of dialogue.
Entries are separated by a blank line. Here's a real SRT file:
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. 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:
VLC, MX Player, QuickTime, Plex, Kodi, Infuse — all support SRT natively.
YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook accept SRT uploads for captioning.
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and CapCut import and export SRT.
OpenSubtitles and fan subtitle sites distribute SRT files for movies and TV.
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, different timestamp format. |
SRT is the safest choice when you need subtitles to work across players and platforms. If a tool supports subtitles, it almost certainly supports SRT.
How to create an SRT file
Write by hand
In any text editor. Follow the format above, save with the .srt extension.
Use subtitle software
Subtitle Edit, Aegisub, or Kapwing — type while watching, timestamps auto-set.
Generate from audio
Whisper, Descript, or YouTube auto-captions create SRT 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 files, 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 (colors, positioning). SRT is simpler, more universal, and works with virtually every video player and platform.
Need to translate an SRT file?
Translate SRT subtitles to 90+ languages for free. No signup required.