How to Open & Edit an SRT File

SRT files (SubRip Subtitle files) is the most common subtitle format, and widely supported by many video players.

But how do you open, edit, and generate an SRT file efficiently?

In this guide, I'll give you the best tools to handle your SRT files.

How to Open & Edit SRT Files with a Free Software

Whether you need to correct timing, fix transcription errors, or add new subtitles, free software tools can help you open and edit SRT files efficiently.

Step 1: Choose a Free SRT Editor

Several free programs allow you to open and modify SRT files. Here are some of the best options:

• Aegisub – A powerful open-source tool that provides detailed subtitle editing, timing adjustments, and style customization.
• Subtitle Edit – One of the most popular free SRT editors, offering an intuitive interface and features like auto-sync and spell-check.
• Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) – If you only need to make minor text changes, a basic text editor can open and edit SRT files.
• VLC Media Player – While primarily a media player, VLC allows you to load and synchronize subtitle files with video playback.

Step 2: Open the SRT File

Follow these steps to open your file:

1. Launch the software you’ve installed.
2. Click “Open” or “Load Subtitle” in the application menu.
3. Select your SRT file from your computer and open it.
4. View the subtitle structure, which includes a sequence number, timestamps, and subtitle text.

Step 3: Edit Subtitle Text and Timing

Once the SRT file is open, you can edit the subtitles:

• Modify the text – Click on a subtitle block and change the text as needed.
• Adjust timestamps – Ensure subtitles match spoken dialogue by changing the start and end times.
• Delete or add new subtitles – Insert new lines where needed to improve readability.
• Use auto-sync – Some programs like Subtitle Edit provide automatic synchronization with video.

Step 4: Save and Export the SRT File

After making edits, save your changes:

1. Click “Save As” or “Export” in the editor.
2. Choose the format .SRT to keep it compatible with most video platforms.
3. Test the subtitle file by loading it in a media player with your video.

How to Open & Edit an SRT File with an Online Tool

If you don’t want to install software, online tools provide an easy way to open and edit SRT files from any device.

Step 1: Choose an Online SRT Editor

Many websites allow you to edit SRT files without downloading additional software. Some popular options include:

• Flixier – A fast online SRT editor that provides real-time text editing, synchronization, and formatting tools.
• FlexClip – Allows you to upload, edit, and generate subtitles automatically while ensuring synchronization.
• Subtitle Edit Online - the online version of the well-know subtitle software.

Step 2: Upload the SRT File

Once you have selected an online tool, follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of the online subtitle editor.
2. Upload your SRT file by dragging and dropping it into the editor or selecting it from your device.
3. Load the file to see the subtitle text and corresponding timestamps.

Step 3: Edit Subtitles Online

Most online tools provide a user-friendly interface with various editing features:

• Modify subtitle text – Click on the subtitle block and make necessary text edits.
• Adjust timestamps – Change the timing manually to ensure accurate synchronization.
• Translate subtitles – Some tools offer an integrated translation feature to create multilingual subtitles instantly.
• Customize appearance – Adjust font style, size, and color if the tool supports visual formatting.

Step 4: Download and Save the Edited File

After editing the subtitles:

1. Click “Save” or “Download” to export the updated SRT file.
2. Choose the subtitle format to ensure compatibility with your video player or editing software.
3. Test the file by playing it with your video to confirm proper synchronization.

How to Open, Edit, and Generate an SRT File with AI

For a more efficient, AI-powered approach, Checksub provides an all-in-one solution for generating, editing, and managing subtitles :

Step 1: Upload your Files

• Log in to your Checksub account. If you don’t have one, creating an account is quick and simple. Upload your video file to the platform. Select the original language of your video to enable accurate transcription.
• Check the "rely on a transcription file" if you want to edit or personalize your exiting SRT file.
• If you want to start from scratch Checksub’s AI will scan your video and generate a SRT file within minutes.

Step 2: Edit and Synchronize Subtitles

• Open the Checksub subtitle editor to review the auto-generated subtitles. Adjust the subtitle text where needed for better clarity. Modify timestamps to ensure the subtitles sync perfectly with the video. Split long lines into shorter, readable subtitle segments.
• Change font, size, color, and placement to match your video style. Add animations or background effects to improve readability. Use pre-designed templates to speed up formatting.

Step ": Export or Burn-in Subtitles

• Choose to export the subtitles as an SRT file for further editing or distribution.
• If you prefer, you can burn the subtitles directly onto the video using Checksub’s rendering tools.

Want to simplify your subtitle workflow ? Try Checksub for free.