How to Create an SRT File (Fast): Format Rules, Examples, and a Free Generator

TL;DR

• SRT = sequential index + time range + text. Use , for milliseconds and --> between times.
• Keep lines to 1–2 per cue, ~35–42 chars each for readability.
• Validate timestamps (no overlaps), UTF-8 encoding, and numbering.
• Use the free in-browser SRT Generator to create/convert instantly—no uploads, no signup.

SRT Format in One Glance

Each cue has:

1. Index (starts at 1, increments by 1)
2. Time range HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm
3. Text (1–2 lines), then a blank line

Example:

1
00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Hello, world!

2
00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:07,600
This is a second subtitle.

Basic Timing Rules

• Use commas for milliseconds: 00:00:01,250
• No overlaps: end of cue N should be < start of cue N+1 (add a tiny gap like 50–100ms if needed)
• Reasonable durations: 1–7 seconds per cue is a good general range
• Keep lines readable: ~35–42 characters per line; avoid three-line cues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a period instead of a comma in timestamps (00:00:01.000 → wrong for SRT)
• Skipping blank lines between cues
• Duplicate or non-sequential indexes
• Overlapping cues or negative times after shifts
• Wrong encoding (use UTF-8 to avoid garbled characters)

Quick Workflow: From Text to SRT

1. Write your lines in order, one cue per thought.
2. Assign start/end times:
   • Start: when the speech begins
   • End: start + 2–6 seconds (adjust for reading speed)
3. Check for overlaps and fix gaps.
4. Save as UTF-8 .srt.

Use a Free Generator (Browser-Only)

• Go to Text to SRT.
• Paste your dialogue/lyrics.
• Choose fixed or smart timing.
• Preview and download .srt—files stay on your device; no signup.

Validating Your SRT

• Open in a subtitle editor/player (VLC, MPV) to spot-check timing.
• Ensure no overlaps; add small gaps if needed.
• Re-encode as UTF-8 if you see strange characters.

FAQ

Do you store my files?
No. Generation runs locally in your browser.

Can I style the text?
SRT is plain text. For styling, use ASS—but keep SRT for compatibility.

Can I shift all timings later/earlier?
Yes—use a time-shift tool (e.g., Subtitle Time Shift) to apply offsets and fix overlaps.

What if my timestamps use periods?
Replace periods with commas, e.g., 00:00:01.000 → 00:00:01,000.

Ready to create your SRT?

Try Text to SRT and export a valid .srt in seconds.