What is an SRT file?
An SRT (SubRip) file is a plain text file that stores subtitles. Each block has a number, a start and end time written as 00:00:01,120 --> 00:00:03,480, and the text that appears on screen. Because it is so simple, SRT works on YouTube, in web players and in almost every video editor.
Also called: SubRip, .srt file
Inside an SRT file
Three captions from an interview. A comma separates the milliseconds and a blank line closes each block. Drop the blank line and the player merges two captions into one.
Why SRT is the default
Almost everything accepts SRT: YouTube, website players, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and most captioning apps. When a client asks for the captions file, they nearly always mean an .srt.
Because it only holds text and timing, SRT carries no font, color or animation. That is what formats like ASS, or captions burned into the video, are for. In return, it is light, easy to fix and hard to break.
How FilmScribe creates your SRT
We transcribe your audio or video with the timing of every word and build the captions from it. You download the SRT with TV, Netflix and YouTube presets and pick your project's frame rate, on every plan, even when you upload audio only.
Fix a word in the transcript and the fix goes into the SRT. On Studio and Agency, the SRT also comes translated into 9 languages, with the same timing as the original.
A complete SRT file to download The full file from a fictional interview, with the anatomy of each block, ready to open in your editor. See the SRT example →Getting an SRT file right
- 01
Save it as UTF-8
Accented letters that turn into odd symbols mean the file was saved in the wrong encoding. Save the .srt as UTF-8 in your text editor and check names like José or Zoë before you send it.
- 02
Check every timing line
Players and upload forms often skip or reject a block when its timing line is off: a period instead of the comma, a missing digit or a broken arrow. Compare any suspicious line with 00:01:02,500 --> 00:01:04,000.
- 03
No overlapping captions
Each caption should end before the next one starts. Overlapping times stack two captions on screen in some players and fail delivery checks. Sort the blocks by start time and trim the end of the earlier one.
- 04
Renumber after you edit
Deleting or merging blocks leaves gaps in the numbering. Most players ignore them, but strict checkers and some editors expect 1, 2, 3 in sequence, so renumber the file before you deliver it.
Related terms
See all terms →Frequently asked questions
How do I open an SRT file?
Any text editor opens an SRT, like Notepad or TextEdit. To watch the captions with the video, keep the .srt in the same folder with the same name as the video file, or import it into YouTube or your editor.
What is the difference between SRT and VTT?
VTT (WebVTT) is similar, but it starts with a WEBVTT line, uses a period instead of a comma before the milliseconds and supports position and styling. SRT is simpler and more widely accepted. You can convert one to the other without losing any timing.
Does an SRT file store caption color and font?
No. Some players read simple tags like italics, but font, color and animation are left out. For styled captions, use ASS or burn the captions into the video.
How do I make an SRT file from a video?
Upload the video or audio to FilmScribe, or paste a YouTube link. We transcribe it with the timing of every word, in 90+ languages, and you download a ready .srt file.
Captions, clips and paper edits. All in one place.
Upload a video or paste a YouTube link. We transcribe every word with its timing, and you take the result to social media or to your editor.
See the result on your own recording before adding a card.