Convert Subtitles

Understanding Subtitle Formats

Subtitles are essential for making video content accessible to broader audiences, whether for language learners, viewers with hearing impairments, or anyone watching in a noisy environment. Several subtitle formats exist, each with different features and levels of platform support.

SRT (SubRip Text) is the most widely used subtitle format. It stores numbered cue blocks, each containing a start and end timestamp in the format 00:00:00,000 (using a comma as the millisecond separator) followed by the subtitle text. SRT files are plain text, easy to edit manually, and supported by virtually every video player and streaming platform. Their simplicity makes them ideal for basic subtitling needs.

WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) was developed specifically for the web. VTT files begin with a WEBVTT header and use dots rather than commas as the millisecond separator in timestamps. Beyond plain text, WebVTT supports positioning, alignment, and basic styling through CSS-like cue settings — making it the standard choice for HTML5 video players and modern web applications. Browsers natively support VTT through the <track> element.

Other formats serve more specialised purposes. ASS/SSA (Advanced SubStation Alpha) offers rich typographic control including fonts, colours, positioning, and animation effects — commonly used in anime fansubbing. SBV (SubViewer) is a simpler format associated with YouTube's legacy subtitle system. SUB (MicroDVD) uses frame-based timing rather than timestamps, tying subtitle display to specific video frame numbers.

Converting between formats is a common task when preparing subtitles for different platforms. A video destined for the web typically needs VTT, whilst desktop media players often prefer SRT. This tool handles the conversion entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device. Simply drop in your subtitle file, pick the output format, and download the result. The converter preserves all timing and text content, adjusting only the format-specific syntax like timestamp separators and headers.