TXT to SRT Converter
Turn plain text or a transcript into timed subtitles. Paste the text, choose how it is split and timed, and download an SRT, VTT, SBV or ASS file.
- Live result
- Calculated timing
- Never uploaded
- Free
Drop a text file here or paste your text
or
SRT · VTT · ASS / SSA · SBV · SUB · TTML · LRC · TXT
Your subtitles are processed on your device and are never uploaded.
How to convert text to SRT
From a transcript to a subtitle file in three steps.
- 1
Paste or open your text
Paste a transcript or script, or open a .txt file. The text stays editable, so typos can be corrected right in the tool.
- 2
Choose splitting and timing
Pick one subtitle per automatic chunk, sentence, line or paragraph, set the line length, and time the subtitles by reading speed, fixed duration or video length.
- 3
Check and download
Look through the live preview with times, duration and CPS, then copy the result or download it as SRT, VTT, SBV or ASS.
What the TXT to SRT converter does
Splitting, line wrapping and timing, all calculated in your browser.
Automatic chunks
Cuts the text at sentence and clause ends so every subtitle fits your line and length limits.
Four ways to split
Create one subtitle per automatic chunk, per sentence, per line or per paragraph.
Line wrapping
Wraps each subtitle to the chosen characters per line and number of lines per subtitle.
Timing by reading speed
Calculates each duration from a CPS value, limited by a minimum and a maximum duration.
Fixed or fitted timing
Give every subtitle the same duration, or fit the whole text to a given video length.
Timestamps recognised
Uses times already in the text, such as YouTube transcript lines or [00:12] markers.
SRT, VTT, SBV or ASS
Save the subtitles as SubRip, WebVTT, YouTube SBV or Advanced SubStation Alpha.
Private by design
The text is processed in your browser and is never uploaded to a server.
How do you turn a text file into SRT subtitles?
An SRT file is plain text with a strict structure: each subtitle is a block made of a number, a timecode line such as 00:01:02,500 --> 00:01:05,000, one or two lines of text and a blank line. A transcript or script has the words but none of the times. To convert text to SRT, the text must be cut into short pieces that fit on screen, and every piece needs a start and an end time.
This converter does both by calculation. It splits the text into automatic chunks, sentences, lines or paragraphs and wraps each subtitle to your limits, for example 42 characters per line and two lines. Timing by reading speed gives longer subtitles more time: at 17 characters per second, a 51-character subtitle stays on screen for three seconds. Alternatively, every subtitle gets a fixed duration, or the whole text is fitted to the video length you enter.
The tool does not listen to audio, so calculated times follow the text, not the speaker. The exception is text that already carries times: YouTube transcripts with lines such as 0:12, markers like [00:12] text or ranges like 0:05 – 0:09 text are recognised and used as they are. For everything else, set the start time of the first subtitle and the gap between subtitles, and expect to fine-tune the result against the video afterwards.
Which setting suits which kind of text?
| Your text | One subtitle per | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Script or article in running text | Automatic chunk | By reading speed (CPS) |
| Speech written in complete, short sentences | Sentence | By reading speed (CPS) |
| Lyrics or text already divided line by line | Line | Fixed duration or reading speed |
| Notes with short paragraphs for a video of known length | Paragraph | Fit to video length |
| YouTube transcript with times such as 0:12 | Line | Timestamps taken from the text |
Tips
- The timing is calculated, not heard. Open the finished file in the SRT Editor to move individual subtitles while watching the video preview.
- If all subtitles are early or late by the same amount, correct them with Subtitle Delay. If the error grows towards the end, set two sync points in SRT Sync.
- Use 42 characters per line for Netflix or TED style and 37 for the BBC and German broadcasters. Existing files can be re-wrapped later with the Subtitle Line Breaker.
- Before publishing, run the file through the SRT Validator to catch subtitles that are too fast or too short.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Contact us — we reply quickly.
Does the tool match the subtitles to the audio of my video?
No. It does not listen to audio. Times are calculated from the text length, a fixed duration or the video length, so fine-tuning in the SRT Editor or SRT Sync may be needed.
Can I convert a YouTube transcript with timestamps to SRT?
Yes. Lines with times such as 0:12, [00:12] text or 0:05 – 0:09 text are recognised, and those times are used for the subtitles instead of calculated ones.
Which reading speed should I choose?
A value of about 17 characters per second is comfortable for most viewers. Netflix allows up to 20 CPS for adult programmes and 17 for children, and German broadcasters work with about 15.
What is the best way to split my text?
For running text, the automatic chunk mode usually works best because it cuts at sentence and clause ends. If the text already has one caption per line, choose one subtitle per line.
Which output formats are available?
SRT, WebVTT (.vtt), SBV for YouTube and ASS. SRT is the safest choice for media players and video editors, while WebVTT is the format for HTML5 video.
Is my text uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs in your browser and the text is never uploaded. Your options are remembered locally in the browser only.
More free subtitle tools
View, edit, convert, sync and check subtitles — fast, free and private, right in your browser.