VTT files are complex files.
How do you work with these files, and what should you do if you run into issues?
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about opening, editing, and troubleshooting VTT files.
Whether you’re editing captions or just reviewing VTT files, you have multiple options at your disposal :
A VTT file is a text file, which means you can open it with any basic text editor. If you’re using Windows, the easiest option is Notepad. On macOS, you can use TextEdit. Both programs let you view and edit the file’s contents without any additional software.
Here’s how to open your VTT file in a text editor:
Once opened, you’ll see the time codes and the subtitles displayed as text. You can edit them directly if needed, such as adjusting the timing or changing the subtitle text.
If you work with subtitles frequently or need more advanced features like syntax highlighting, you might prefer using Notepad++ or Sublime Text. These editors offer better functionality, especially when working with longer files).
If you’re syncing your subtitles with a video, using a media player like VLC is ideal. VLC supports various subtitle formats, including VTT, and it’s easy to load your VTT file alongside the video.
To open a VTT file in VLC:
Your subtitles will now display in sync with the video. You can also customize the appearance of your subtitles in VLC, changing things like font size and color to suit your preferences.
If you don’t want to download any software, you can use online tools to open and edit your VTT file straight from your video. Websites like Checksub or Subtitle Edit allow you to upload VTT files and make quick edits directly in your browser.
In some cases, you may need to convert your VTT file to another format, like SRT, which is supported by more media players. Several online tools, such as Subtitletools, make this process simple. Here’s how:
When working with VTT files, you might encounter some common issues that can affect how subtitles display or sync with your video :
One of the most common problems with VTT files is incorrect formatting. If your file doesn’t follow the required structure, media players won’t display the subtitles correctly. VTT files must include time codes, cues, and proper spacing between lines. For example, each cue must have a start and end time, followed by the subtitle text on a new line, with a blank line between cues.
To avoid errors, open the VTT file in a text editor and manually check for any formatting mistakes. Ensure that time codes are in the correct format (Hours:Minutes
.Milliseconds), and make sure there’s a blank line between each cue. You can also use online validation tools like the W3C WebVTT Validator to check for syntax errors.
Another common issue is when subtitles appear out of sync with the video. This can happen if the time codes in the VTT file are incorrect or if the video file has been edited after the subtitles were created.
To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the time codes in your VTT file. Open the file in a text editor and check the start and end times of each cue. Make sure they match the video’s timeline.
Sometimes, even if the VTT file is formatted correctly, certain media players may not display it as expected. Make sure you’re using a media player that supports VTT files, like VLC Media Player. If you’re using an online video platform, ensure that the platform supports VTT subtitles and that the file is properly linked to the video.
With Checksub, generating and editing VTT files becomes a streamlined process :
Do you want to generate and edit vtt files easily? Try Checksub for free.
