How to Make ASS Subtitle Files
Build richly styled ASS subtitles with manual control or AI-powered drafts.
Advanced SubStation Alpha (ASS) is the go-to subtitle format for stylized karaoke, anime releases, and broadcast packages that demand precision typesetting. QuickLRC's ASS Maker gives you granular style control, while the ASS Generator produces AI-assisted drafts you can refine. This walkthrough keeps you aligned with the ASS specification across both approaches.
Understand the ASS Essentials
An ASS file is split into script metadata, style definitions, and dialogue events. Respecting this structure ensures players and editing suites render your work correctly:
- [Script Info] stores title, original script type, and timing defaults.
- [V4+ Styles] defines fonts, sizes, colors, and positioning for each style name.
- [Events] lists every dialogue line with timing, style, actor, and text.
- Timing format uses
H:MM:SS.ccwith centiseconds. - Override tags inside dialogue text (
{\i1},{\pos}, etc.) control inline styling.
[Script Info]
; Script generated by QuickLRC ASS Maker
Title: Demo Project
ScriptType: v4.00+
[V4+ Styles]
Format: Name, Fontname, Fontsize, PrimaryColour, SecondaryColour, OutlineColour, BackColour, Bold, Italic, Underline, StrikeOut, ScaleX, ScaleY, Spacing, Angle, BorderStyle, Outline, Shadow, Alignment, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Encoding
Style: Default, Arial, 48, &H00FFFFFF, &H000000FF, &H00404040, &H64000000, -1, 0, 0, 0, 100, 100, 0, 0, 1, 2, 2, 2, 20, 20, 20, 1
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.20,0:00:04.50,Default,,0,0,0,,Welcome to our video tutorial
Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.00,0:00:08.30,Default,,0,0,0,,{\i1}ASS files support styled subtitles{\i0}
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.10,0:00:12.80,Default,,0,0,0,,Keep numbering consistent and include blank linesManual Workflow with ASS Maker
Use the ASS Maker whenever typography, positioning, or karaoke effects demand meticulous oversight. The interface exposes style presets and event timing while rendering a live preview.
1. Plan Styles and Assets
- Collect brand fonts, color codes, and layout references you want to replicate.
- Break down dialogue or lyrics, noting emphasis, speaker names, and on-screen placement.
- Decide on alignment (e.g., bottom-center vs. top-right) for each speaker or use case.
2. Configure Styles in ASS Maker
Launch /manual-sync and define base styles. Adjust font sizes, outline thickness, and drop shadows to maintain readability on all screens.
3. Time Dialogue Events
Sync each line using the playback controls. Add override tags for inline emphasis, positions, or karaoke timing. Keep layers consistent if multiple captions share the screen.
4. Export and Validate
Export the `.ass` file and preview in Aegisub, VLC, or your compositor. Run the ASS Validator to confirm style references exist and there are no timing overlaps.
AI Workflow with ASS Generator
Start with an AI transcript when you want quick dialogue timing, then layer in style polish. The ASS Generator keeps exports compatible with style definitions from the maker.
- Upload media: Visit /auto-sync, pick your audio or video, and set the transcription language.
- Generate dialogue: The AI creates timestamped events with neutral styling and consistent centisecond timing.
- Edit text and timing: Clean up any misheard words, adjust cue lengths, and split long sentences for better pacing.
- Apply styles: Assign styles in bulk within the editor or import the file into ASS Maker/Aegisub to add overrides and positioning.
- Export and QA: Download the `.ass` file, then check it with the ASS Validator before distribution.
Manual vs. AI: Pick the Right Workflow
ASS Maker (Manual)
- Essential for stylized lyric timing, complex positioning, or brand-driven subtitling.
- Complete access to styles, layers, and inline override tags.
- Takes more time but produces broadcast- and event-ready results.
ASS Generator (AI)
- Great for first drafts, bulk content, or when you need quick timing before stylists jump in.
- Delivers clean dialogue events you can restyle downstream.
- Saves hours on transcription so teams can focus on design polish.
Quality Checks Before Publishing
Keep these checks in rotation to avoid surprises when the file lands in a media player or compositor:
- Style linkage: Ensure every dialogue line references a defined style.
- Outline and shadow: Verify values keep text legible on light/dark footage.
- Timing reviews: Confirm there are no overlaps unless layering is intentional.
- Validation: Run the file through the ASS Validator to catch syntax errors, undefined styles, or malformed overrides.