The SubRip Subtitle file format (SRT) is one of the most widely used formats for adding subtitles to videos. It is supported by almost all video players, and the file itself is simple to understand. It holds the text of the subtitles, along with timestamps indicating when they should be displayed. However, if you need to customise, edit, or create an SRT file from scratch, the process can be a bit daunting. In this guide, we will go through all the steps of creating, editing, and customising an SRT file.
Step 1: Get a Text Editor
The first step in editing an SRT file is to get a text editor. This can be any text editor, including Notepad (on Windows) or TextEdit (on Mac). The important thing to note is that the text editor should save the file in plain text format, without any formatting. If you are using a text editor like Microsoft Word, make sure that you save the file as plain text.
Step 2: Open the SRT File
Once you have the text editor, you can open the SRT file in it. The file will open as plain text, and you can start editing it. This is the most basic step in editing an SRT file.
Step 3: Add or Modify Timestamps
The SRT file contains timestamps that indicate when the subtitles should be displayed. If you need to add or modify these timestamps, you can do so by editing the file. The timestamps are written in a simple format, and you should be able to understand it with a bit of practice. Once you understand the format, you can easily add or modify the timestamps in your file.
Step 4: Add or Modify Subtitle Text
In addition to the timestamps, the SRT file also contains the text of the subtitles. If you need to add or modify the text, you can do so by editing the file. The text is written in plain text, so you should be able to understand it with ease. Once you understand the format, you can easily add or modify the text in your file.
Step 5: Save and Test the File
Once you have edited the file, you can save it and test it out. To test it, you can open the file in a media player that supports SRT files and play the video. If the subtitles are displayed correctly, then your file is working properly. If not, you can go back and edit the file until it works properly.
Step 6: Customise the File
The SRT file format is quite flexible, and you can customise it in a variety of ways. For example, you can add formatting to the text, such as bold or italic. You can also change the font size and colour of the text. Finally, you can add special effects, such as fade-ins and fade-outs. All of these customisations can be done by editing the SRT file.
Conclusion
Editing an SRT file can be intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice, it is quite easy to do. All you need is a text editor and some basic understanding of the SRT format. Once you understand the format, you can easily add or modify timestamps and text, as well as customise the file in various ways. With a bit of practice, you should be able to master the art of editing SRT files in no time.