Convert Subtitles to SRT
Upload one or more subtitle files. We convert to SRT and let you download files individually or as a ZIP.
📋 Quick Navigation
How to Convert Subtitles to SRT Format
Converting subtitle files to SRT (SubRip) format has never been easier. Our free online converter supports all major subtitle formats including ASS, SSA, SMI, SUB, VTT, and more.
Whether you're a video editor, content creator, or just need to make your subtitles compatible with different media players, this tool provides fast and accurate conversion with no software installation required.
Quick Start Guide
- Upload up to 100 files - Individual files or ZIP archives supported
- Processing time: 2-5 seconds per file - Near-instant conversion
- No registration required - Completely free with no account needed
- Privacy-focused - Files automatically deleted after 1 hour
- Supports: ASS, SSA, SMI, SUB, VTT, TXT + ZIP archives
Step-by-Step Guide
- Upload Your Files: Click the "Browse" button and select one or more subtitle files from your computer. You can upload individual files or a ZIP archive containing multiple subtitles. The tool supports up to 100 files at once for batch conversion.
- Automatic Format Detection: Our converter automatically detects the format of your subtitle files. No need to manually specify whether you're converting from ASS, VTT, SMI, or other formats - the tool handles it intelligently.
- Instant Conversion: Once uploaded, the conversion process begins immediately. Most files are converted in just a few seconds, even large subtitle files with thousands of entries.
- Download Your SRT Files: After conversion, you can download files individually or as a ZIP archive. All converted files maintain perfect timing synchronization and text formatting.
This tool works entirely in your browser on Windows, Mac, and Linux. No account registration is required, and your privacy is protected - all uploaded files are automatically deleted from our servers after 1 hour.
Supported Input Formats
Our SRT converter supports a wide range of subtitle formats, making it a universal solution for all your subtitle conversion needs:
- ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha): A popular format for anime fansubs with advanced styling and effects. When converting to SRT, we preserve text content and timing while adapting complex formatting to SRT's simpler structure.
- SSA (SubStation Alpha): The predecessor to ASS format, commonly used for styled subtitles. Our converter maintains accurate timing and text during conversion.
- VTT (WebVTT): The web-standard format used for HTML5 video. Converting VTT to SRT is essential for compatibility with traditional media players and video editing software.
- SMI (SAMI): Microsoft's Synchronized Accessible Media Interchange format. Often found in older video files, this format is easily converted to SRT for modern compatibility.
- SUB (MicroDVD/SubViewer): Text-based subtitle formats that use frame numbers or timestamps. Our converter handles both variants intelligently.
- SBV (YouTube Subtitles): YouTube's subtitle format can be converted to SRT for use in other platforms and editing applications.
- TXT (Plain Text): Simple text files with basic subtitle formatting. Our converter can parse and structure them into proper SRT format.
Why Convert to SRT Format?
SRT (SubRip) is the most widely supported subtitle format across virtually all media players, video editing software, and streaming platforms. Here's why you should consider converting your subtitles to SRT:
Universal Compatibility
SRT files work with virtually every media player including VLC, Windows Media Player, MPC-HC, Plex, Kodi, and all major streaming platforms.
If you're experiencing subtitle compatibility issues, converting to SRT is often the quickest solution.
Simple and Reliable Format
SRT uses a straightforward plain-text structure that's easy to edit manually if needed. Each subtitle entry contains a sequence number, timestamp, and text content.
This simplicity makes SRT files lightweight, reliable, and less prone to corruption compared to more complex formats.
Industry Standard
Professional video editors, streaming services, and content creators worldwide use SRT as their primary subtitle format.
Converting to SRT ensures your subtitles will be accepted by virtually any platform or service, from YouTube and Vimeo to professional broadcasting systems.
💡 Quick Summary
SRT (SubRip) is the most compatible subtitle format worldwide. If you're unsure which format to use, choose SRT. It works with 99% of media players, video editors, and streaming platforms without any issues.
SRT vs VTT: Which Format Should You Use?
Both SRT and VTT are popular subtitle formats, but they serve different purposes. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose:
| Feature | SRT (SubRip) | VTT (WebVTT) |
|---|---|---|
| Media Player Compatibility | Universal | Web-focused |
| HTML5 Video Support | Limited | Native |
| Styling & Positioning | Basic (bold, italic) | Advanced |
| File Size | Smaller | Slightly larger |
| Editing Software Support | Excellent | Good |
| Best Use Case | Video files, DVDs, streaming | Web videos, HTML5 players |
⚠️ Recommendation
Use SRT for maximum compatibility. Choose VTT only if you're specifically creating subtitles for HTML5 web video players and need advanced styling features. When in doubt, stick with SRT.
Why Use Subconverter for Subtitle Conversion?
Thousands of users trust Subconverter for their subtitle conversion needs. Here's what sets us apart:
Lightning Fast
Convert files in 2-5 seconds. No waiting, no spinning wheels. Upload and download instantly.
Privacy First
Files deleted after 1 hour. No account needed. We don't track, store, or share your content.
No Restrictions
100 files at once. Unlimited conversions. Completely free forever. No hidden fees or premium tiers.
Common Use Cases
Our SRT converter serves a diverse range of users and applications:
Video Content Creators
YouTubers and content creators often receive subtitles from translators in various formats. Converting them to SRT ensures compatibility with YouTube, Vimeo, and other video platforms.
SRT is also the preferred format for adding captions to social media videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Video Editors and Production Teams
Professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve all support SRT format natively. Converting subtitles to SRT streamlines the editing workflow and ensures seamless integration with your video projects.
Language Learning and Education
Students and language learners often work with subtitle files from various sources. Converting them to SRT makes them compatible with language learning apps and ensures they work with personal video libraries for study purposes.
Media Server Administrators
Running a Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby server? SRT subtitles provide the best compatibility across all client devices. Converting your subtitle collection to SRT ensures smooth playback for all users, regardless of their device or player.
Platform-Specific Guides
Get the most out of your SRT subtitles with these step-by-step guides for popular platforms:
Using SRT Subtitles with Plex Media Server
Step 1: Convert your subtitles to SRT format using this tool.
Step 2: Name the SRT file to match your video file. For example, if your video is Movie.mkv, name the subtitle Movie.srt.
Step 3: Place the SRT file in the same folder as your video file.
Step 4: For multiple languages, use this naming convention: Movie.en.srt (English), Movie.es.srt (Spanish), etc.
Step 5: Refresh your Plex library (Settings → Library → Scan Library Files). Subtitles will appear automatically in the player.
💡 Pro Tip: Plex supports SRT better than any other subtitle format. For maximum compatibility across all devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, web), always use SRT.
Uploading SRT Subtitles to YouTube
Step 1: Convert your subtitles to SRT format first.
Step 2: Go to YouTube Studio and select your video.
Step 3: Click "Subtitles" in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Click "Add Language" and choose the subtitle language.
Step 5: Click "Add" → "Upload file" → "With timing" and select your SRT file.
Step 6: Review the subtitles in the editor and click "Publish" when done.
💡 Pro Tip: YouTube accepts SRT format directly. If timing is off, use our Subtitle Shifter before uploading.
Loading SRT Subtitles in VLC Media Player
Method 1 - Automatic Loading: Name the SRT file the same as your video file and place it in the same folder. VLC will load it automatically when you open the video.
Method 2 - Manual Loading: In VLC, go to Subtitle → Add Subtitle File and select your SRT file.
Method 3 - Drag and Drop: While playing a video, simply drag your SRT file into the VLC window.
Adjust Timing: If subtitles are out of sync, press H to delay or G to advance by 50ms increments.
💡 Pro Tip: VLC supports all subtitle formats, but SRT offers the most reliable playback with the fewest compatibility issues.
Importing SRT into Video Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Pro: Import your SRT file like any other media file (File → Import), then drag it to your timeline. Premiere will automatically create a caption track.
Final Cut Pro: Go to File → Import → Captions, select your SRT file, and it will be added as a closed caption track.
DaVinci Resolve: In the Edit page, go to File → Import → Subtitle and select your SRT file. It will appear as a subtitle track in the timeline.
After Effects: While After Effects doesn't natively support SRT import, you can use scripts like pt_ImportSubtitle or convert the SRT to a composition using third-party tools.
💡 Pro Tip: Always convert to SRT before importing into editing software. Most editors have limited support for advanced formats like ASS or SSA.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While our converter handles most files flawlessly, here are solutions to common subtitle conversion challenges:
⚠️ Common Issues to Watch For
If you encounter problems after conversion, check these common issues first: encoding errors (garbled characters), timing sync problems (subtitles appear too early/late), or lost formatting (missing bold/italic). Most issues can be fixed with our specialized tools listed below.
Encoding and Character Set Problems
If your converted subtitles display garbled characters or symbols, the issue is usually text encoding. Our converter automatically detects encoding, but if problems persist, try using our UTF-8 converter tool first to normalize the encoding before converting to SRT.
Timing Synchronization
If subtitle timing is off after conversion, the original file may have incorrect timestamps. Use our Subtitle Shifter to adjust timing globally, or the Partial Shifter for more precise adjustments to specific sections.
Lost Formatting or Styling
SRT format supports basic formatting (bold, italic, underline) but doesn't support advanced styling like colors and positioning that you might find in ASS or SSA files. This is normal and expected - SRT prioritizes compatibility over complex formatting. For color customization, use our Change Color tool after conversion.
Large File or Batch Conversion Issues
Our tool supports up to 100 files per upload. If you're experiencing timeouts with very large files or many files, try splitting your batch into smaller groups. You can also upload files as a ZIP archive for more efficient batch processing.
Real-World Examples
See how real users leverage our SRT converter for their projects:
YouTube Content Creator
"I receive translated subtitles in ASS format from my team. Converting to SRT before uploading to YouTube saves me hours of reformatting work."
Plex Server Administrator
"My 800+ movie collection had subtitles in 5 different formats. Batch converting everything to SRT fixed playback issues on all my devices."
Professional Video Editor
"Clients send me VTT and SMI files, but Premiere Pro works best with SRT. This tool is in my daily workflow now."
Language Learning Student
"I download Korean drama subtitles in various formats. Converting to SRT lets me use them with my language learning app and VLC on repeat."
Related Tools
Enhance your subtitle workflow with these complementary tools:
- Convert to VTT - Convert subtitles to WebVTT format for HTML5 video and web applications
- Convert to UTF-8 - Fix encoding issues and ensure proper character display
- Subtitle Shifter - Adjust timing to sync subtitles with video
- Convert SUP to SRT - Extract text from image-based SUP subtitles (Blu-ray format)
- SRT Cleaner - Remove unwanted formatting and clean up subtitle files
People Also Ask
Quick answers to common questions about converting subtitles to SRT format:
When should I use SRT instead of VTT?
Use SRT when you need maximum compatibility across all media players, video editing software, and streaming platforms. SRT is supported by 99% of players including VLC, Windows Media Player, Plex, and all major video editors. Choose VTT only if you're specifically creating subtitles for HTML5 web videos and need advanced positioning or styling features.
Can I edit SRT files after conversion?
Yes! SRT files are plain text files that can be edited with any text editor (Notepad, VS Code, Sublime Text, etc.). The format is simple: sequence number, timestamp, subtitle text, and a blank line. You can manually edit text, adjust timing, or use our specialized tools like the Subtitle Shifter for timing adjustments.
Does SRT support colors and positioning?
SRT supports basic formatting only: bold (<b>), italic (<i>), and underline (<u>). It doesn't support colors, fonts, or advanced positioning like ASS/SSA formats. This simplicity is actually a benefit - it ensures consistent display across all players. If you need colors, you can add them after conversion using our Change Color tool.
Will converting to SRT lose subtitle styling?
When converting from advanced formats like ASS or SSA to SRT, advanced styling will be lost (colors, fonts, positioning, animations). However, basic formatting (bold, italic) is preserved. This is a trade-off for universal compatibility - SRT files work everywhere, while styled formats like ASS may not. For most use cases (watching videos, uploading to platforms), the improved compatibility is worth the loss of advanced styling.
How accurate is the SRT conversion?
Our converter maintains 100% accuracy for timing and text content. Every subtitle entry's start time, end time, and text is preserved exactly. The only changes are format-specific: complex styling is adapted to SRT's simpler format, and metadata specific to other formats is removed. Timing precision is maintained down to the millisecond level.
What's the maximum file size for SRT conversion?
You can convert subtitle files up to 100MB each, and upload up to 100 files at once. This is sufficient for even the longest movies or TV series - most subtitle files are only 50-200KB. For very large batches, consider splitting your files into smaller groups or using a ZIP archive for more efficient upload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to convert subtitles to SRT?
Yes, absolutely! Our subtitle converter is completely free to use with no hidden fees, premium tiers, or subscription required. You can convert unlimited files without any restrictions.
Do I need to create an account or sign up?
No account is needed. Simply visit the page, upload your files, and download the converted SRT subtitles. We believe in keeping things simple and respecting your privacy.
How long are files stored on your server?
All uploaded files and converted results are automatically deleted from our servers after 1 hour. We take privacy seriously and don't store your files longer than necessary for the conversion process.
Can I convert multiple subtitle files at once?
Yes! You can upload up to 100 subtitle files in a single batch. Select multiple files or upload a ZIP archive containing all your subtitles. The tool will convert them all and package the results in a convenient ZIP file for download.
What if my subtitle file has special characters or foreign languages?
Our converter fully supports Unicode and handles all languages including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Cyrillic, and more. If you encounter character display issues, use our UTF-8 converter first.
Will subtitle timing be preserved during conversion?
Yes, timing synchronization is maintained with precision during conversion. The start time, end time, and duration of each subtitle entry are preserved accurately. If timing needs adjustment, use our Shifter tool after conversion.
What's the difference between SRT and VTT formats?
SRT (SubRip) is an older, more universally compatible format that works with virtually all media players and editing software. VTT (WebVTT) is a web-focused format designed for HTML5 video with enhanced features like positioning and styling. For maximum compatibility, use SRT. For web videos, consider converting to VTT.