SubRip subtitles
How the SRT File Format Works
An SRT file is a UTF-8 text document made of repeating caption blocks. Each block normally contains a sequence number, a time range, one or more text lines, and a blank line. Its simplicity explains its broad support, but a missing arrow or malformed timestamp can stop an importer.
A valid SRT cue
17
00:01:24,500 --> 00:01:27,200
Choose the subtitle track you need.Read the four parts of an SRT cue
The first line orders the cue. The second line uses hours, minutes, seconds, and comma-separated milliseconds for the start and end. The remaining lines are the visible caption. A blank line separates one cue from the next.
Sequence numbers should increase consistently. Players may tolerate gaps, but clean numbering makes editing and debugging easier. The end time must be later than the start time, and overlapping cues can produce unpredictable display.
- ✓ Timestamp pattern: HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm
- ✓ Use the literal two hyphens and greater-than arrow
- ✓ Save text as UTF-8
- ✓ Keep a blank line between cues
Choose SRT for compatibility
SRT is a practical default for desktop video editors, common media players, and many video platforms. It carries text and timing but has limited standardized styling, so visual appearance is usually controlled by the player or editor.
Use WebVTT instead when a browser-native workflow requires cue positioning or other web features. Use TXT only when playback timing is not needed.
- ✓ Best general interchange format
- ✓ Easy to inspect in a text editor
- ✓ Not designed for rich visual styling
- ✓ Always preview after import
Continue this subtitle workflow
Frequently asked questions
What encoding should an SRT file use?
UTF-8 is the safest choice for names, punctuation, and multilingual text.
Why will my SRT file not import?
Check the timestamp punctuation, arrow, cue order, blank lines, file extension, and whether the editor accepts SRT.
Reviewed and maintained by the SubtitleDownloader.com team.