QuickLRC
Start Sync

How to Make SRT Subtitle Files

Updated: September 12, 2025•6 min read

Two streamlined ways to build polished SubRip subtitles.

Manual Workflow

Launch the SRT Maker

AI Workflow

Launch the SRT Generator

SRT (SubRip Subtitle) files are the universal subtitle standard across streaming platforms, video editors, and broadcast workflows. This guide distills the QuickLRC approach to crafting clean SRT subtitles while staying aligned with the official SubRip specification. Pick the manual SRT Maker for frame-accurate control or let the AI-powered SRT Generator handle transcription and timing automatically.

Understand the SRT Building Blocks

Each SubRip caption block follows a simple four-line structure. Keep these elements intact when you edit by hand or review AI output:

  • Sequence number counting upward from 1 with no gaps.
  • Timestamp range using the HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm format.
  • Caption text limited to one or two short lines for readability.
  • Blank line separating each block from the next.
1
00:00:01,200 --> 00:00:04,500
Welcome to our video tutorial

2
00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:08,300
SRT files keep subtitles
perfectly in sync

3
00:00:09,100 --> 00:00:12,800
Stay consistent with numbering
and include a blank line

Manual Workflow with SRT Maker

Choose the manual alignment route when you need premium control over cue timing, line breaks, and dialogue phrasing. The SRT Maker keeps everything responsive while mirroring the SubRip specification.

1. Prepare Your Assets

  • Collect the final mix audio or video file you want to caption.
  • Paste-ready dialogue or lyric text broken into natural sentence segments.
  • Reference timing notes if you're adapting a script or previous captions.

2. Upload and Segment in SRT Maker

Load your media into the maker interface at /manual-sync. Paste the prepared text and split long paragraphs so each caption spans no more than two lines.

3. Mark Timings with Playback Controls

Use keyboard shortcuts or the inline buttons to drop in/out times. Align each block to the spoken audio and keep at least one frame between consecutive cues to avoid overlap.

Stick with the `HH:MM:SS,mmm` pattern—QuickLRC enforces it, so your export stays SubRip-compliant.

4. Export and Review

Download the finished `.srt` file and play it back in your reference video player. For an extra safeguard, open the file in the SRT Validator to catch numbering gaps, timestamp overlaps, or missing empty lines.

Open SRT MakerReview the full SRT specification

AI Workflow with SRT Generator

Automate your captions when you have longer programs, multiple languages, or fast production turnarounds. QuickLRC's SRT Generator handles speech recognition and timing while keeping exports editable.

  1. Upload media: Head to /auto-sync, select the audio or video, and pick the spoken language for transcription accuracy.
  2. Let AI transcribe: The generator processes speech-to-text, aligns timestamps, and builds SRT blocks automatically.
  3. Spot-check the content: Scan the transcript for names, jargon, or numbers that need correction. Adjust lines directly in the editor while the timestamps stay locked in.
  4. Fine-tune timings if needed: Slide cue boundaries or split long sentences into separate captions for readability.
  5. Download the SRT file: Export and run a quick playback test. Finish with the SRT Validator if the subtitles will ship to broadcast or OTT partners.
Try the SRT Generator

Manual vs. AI: Pick the Right Workflow

SRT Maker (Manual)

  • Best for short-form content, tight creative direction, or precise timing edits.
  • Full control over line breaks, positioning, and phrasing.
  • Requires real-time playback and manual review.

SRT Generator (AI)

  • Ideal for long videos, bulk projects, or teams without dedicated caption editors.
  • Generates timestamps and transcript automatically—just proofread.
  • Supports quick multilingual exports from the same media.

Quality Checks Before Publishing

Make these pass checks part of your handoff routine so every download remains broadcast-ready:

  • Sync accuracy: Confirm each caption appears within one second of the spoken line—nudging in the maker or generator keeps dialogue intelligible.
  • Formatting review: Ensure millisecond commas, spacing around the arrow, and the blank line after every block stay consistent with the SubRip spec.
  • Readability: Keep text to two lines, under 42 characters each, and break at natural pauses.
  • Error scanning: Drop your export into the SRT Validator to flag numbering skips, overlapping cues, or stray control characters.

Ready for Your Next Subtitle Project?

Hands-on Control

Polish captions in SRT Maker

Fast Turnarounds

Generate subtitles with AI