SRT files: how to create them manually or automatically

The SRT (Subrip) file is the most famous subtitle format.

But how can you create SRT files without having a hard time ?

Here we tell you everything you need to know about them, and how to generate them efficiently.

Why use an SRT file?

The SRT file is very popular among subtitling professionals. While there are many subtitle formats out there (SSA, VTT, SBV or even TXT), this format has become the reference for many software and video platforms (VLC, Premiere Pro, YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo…). Why? Because it is very simple to code, and it is extremely versatile!

Obviously, if you want to do subtitles, there are many reasons to use this format :

• You are sure you can use it in all the video platforms that exist
• You can easily adjust transcription or time code issues by yourself, since the format is easy-to-use.
• Being a universal format, you can convert it to any other format, and easily retrieve the transcript from it.

You're hooked? We give you all the keys to use it.

How to Code an SRT File

Creating an SRT file is simple and straightforward. You just have to open a text editor and add these elements :

1. Subtitle Index:

A number indicating the sequence of the subtitle.

Example :

1

2. Timecodes:

The start and end times of the subtitle in the format HH:MM:SS,ms --> HH:MM:SS,ms.

Example

‍00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:15,000‍

3. Subtitle Text:

The text that will appear on the screen. You can use multiple lines, but it’s best to limit it to two lines for readability​.

Here's an example to copy/paste

1
00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:15,000
Welcome to our video blog.

2
00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:20,000
This is an example of SRT subtitles.


Some key formatting guidelines to remember :

1. Timecodes: Ensure the timecodes are accurate to maintain proper synchronization with the audio. The format is hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds --> hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds.
2. Subtitle Text: Keep the text concise and clear. It’s recommended to limit each subtitle to a maximum of 32 characters per line and no more than two lines per subtitle​.
3. Saving the File : Once you’ve added all your subtitles, save the file with a .srt extension. Ensure the file encoding is set to UTF-8 to support various characters and languages. On Notepad, you can do this by selecting File > Save As, choosing All Files from the dropdown menu, and typing .srt at the end of the filename. For TextEdit, choose Format > Make Plain Text before saving​​.
4. Editing and Reviewing : After saving your SRT file, review it by opening it in a media player that supports subtitles, like VLC or MPC-HC. This allows you to check for any synchronization issues or text errors and make necessary adjustments. Simply reopen the file in your text editor, make your changes, and save it again​ ​.

How to automatically generate an SRT file?

Creating SRT files manually can be time-consuming, especially for long videos or those with complex dialogues. Using an automated SRT generator can save you significant time and ensure high accuracy.

Here's how you can do it using Checksub with the free trial :

1. Upload Your Video

‍

Begin by logging into the Checksub platform. Once logged in, upload your video file.

After uploading your video, select the original language of your content. If you need subtitles in multiple languages, you can choose additional languages for translation.

2. Generate the Subtitles

‍Checksub will then automatically transcribe the audio from your video using advanced speech recognition technology. This process typically takes only a few minutes, depending on the length and complexity of your video. The platform’s AI ensures high accuracy, reducing the amount of manual correction needed later​.

Once the transcription is complete, you can review and edit the generated subtitles. Checksub’s online editor allows you to adjust the timing and text easily. You can split sentences, correct errors, and ensure that the subtitles are perfectly synchronized with the video. This step is crucial for maintaining the quality and readability of your subtitles​​.

3. Export the SRT File

‍After editing, you can export the subtitles in the SRT format. Checksub provides a straightforward export process. Simply select the export option and choose SRT as the file format. You can then download the file directly to your computer. If you need, you can also upload the video with embedded subtitles, making it ready for distribution on various platforms​.