Line-Level vs Word-Level Timestamps in LRC Files
Updated: December 25, 2025•3 min read
Understanding the difference between line-level and word-level timestamps in LRC files is crucial for creating the perfect synchronized lyrics experience.
Line-level Format Structure
Line-level timestamps follow a simple format where each line begins with a timestamp in square brackets:
# Line-level timestamp format
[mm:ss.xx]Complete line of lyrics
# Example with multiple lines
[00:00.00]In the beginning there was silence
[00:03.50]Then came the sound of music filling the air
[00:08.20]Every note carries a story untold
[00:12.80]Melodies weaving through time and space
[00:17.40]Creating memories that last forever
[00:22.10]This is how music touches our hearts
Word-Level Format Structure
Word-level timestamps combine line timing with individual word markers using angle brackets:
# Word-level timestamp format
[line_time]<word1_time>word1 <word2_time>word2 <word3_time>word3
# Example with word-level timing
[00:00.00]<00:00.00>In <00:00.35>the <00:00.70>beginning <00:01.20>there <00:01.55>was <00:01.90>silence
[00:03.50]<00:03.50>Then <00:03.80>came <00:04.15>the <00:04.40>sound <00:04.85>of <00:05.10>music <00:05.65>filling <00:06.20>the <00:06.45>air
[00:08.20]<00:08.20>Every <00:08.65>note <00:09.00>carries <00:09.50>a <00:09.75>story <00:10.25>untold
[00:12.80]<00:12.80>Melodies <00:13.40>weaving <00:13.95>through <00:14.35>time <00:14.75>and <00:15.05>space
[00:17.40]<00:17.40>Creating <00:17.95>memories <00:18.55>that <00:18.85>last <00:19.25>forever
[00:22.10]<00:22.10>This <00:22.35>is <00:22.60>how <00:22.95>music <00:23.45>touches <00:23.95>our <00:24.25>hearts