An SRT file is a plain text file of subtitles. It comes from SubRip, a program that extracted subtitles from DVDs, and it has become the most widely supported subtitle format: video players, editors, TVs, streaming servers and video sites all accept it.
What an SRT file looks like
1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Hello, and welcome.
2
00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:07,250
<i>This line is in italics.</i>Each subtitle has three parts: a number, a start and end time separated by -->, and one or more lines of text, followed by a blank line. Times are hours, minutes, seconds and milliseconds, with a comma before the milliseconds.
How to open and edit SRT files
- Any text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit, opens SRT files; save them as UTF-8.
- Subtitle editors such as Subtitle Edit or Aegisub show the text against the video and make timing easier.
- Video editors such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and CapCut import SRT as a caption track.
Using an SRT file with a video
- VLC and most players: give the SRT the same name as the video (holiday.mp4 and holiday.srt) and keep them in the same folder. It loads automatically; otherwise use the Subtitle menu.
- YouTube: upload it in YouTube Studio under Subtitles.
- Plex and smart TVs: place it next to the video with a matching name.
SRT and other subtitle formats
| Format | Main use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SRT | Players, editors, TVs | The most compatible |
| VTT (WebVTT) | Web and HTML5 video | Adds positioning and styling |
| SUB (MicroDVD) | Older players | Timed by frame numbers |
| ASS/SSA | Anime, karaoke | Rich styling and effects |
Common problems
- Strange characters: the file isn’t UTF-8. Re-save it as UTF-8 in a text editor.
- Subtitles out of sync: they were made for a different version of the video, such as one with a different intro or frame rate.
- Nothing appears: the name doesn’t match the video, or the player needs the file loaded manually.