Guide on How to Export Subtitle from MKV Videos

MKV is an efficient video container format that stores audio, video, and subtitle tracks in one file. It's remarkably easy to extract subtitles from MKV videos because the free and open-source format stores them independently from the video track. This means the subtitles are not hardcoded into the video but stored separately. Using the right tool, you can separate all these individual tracks in an MKV container or extract one of them, such as the subtitle. You cannot extract subtitles from MKV with VLC or another mainstream video player like it. You need specialized tools for that. In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to export subtitle from MKV videos using multiple tools.

Method 1: Export Subtitle from MKV for Free

MKVToolNix is a collection of libraries and tools for Matroska container format, which includes MKV, AVI, and MP4 video container formats. The free and open-source toolkit can be used to extract subtitles from MKV files, but they do not have a user interface. As a command-line tool, they need you to use the terminal, which most users cannot. Therefore, you'll need to combine them with MKVExtractGUI-2, which adds a GUI (graphics user interface) to the MKVToolNix for the convenience of the user. Here's the step-by-step process for using MKVToolNix and MKVExtractGUI-2 to extract subtitles from MKV videos:

Steps to Extract Subtitles from MKV with MKVToolNix and MKVExtractGUI-2

• Step 1: Go to the official MKVToolNix download page>> Download the 'Portable' version of MKVToolNix >> Extract it to any folder you like on your desktop.

  

• Step 2:Download MKVExtractGUI-2 from the SourceForge website >> Extract the contents of the compressed file >> Move the contents into the same folder where you've extracted MKVToolNix.

  

• Step 3: Copy + Paste the MKV video into the same folder that contains both MKVToolNix and MKVExtractGUI-2.

• Step 4:Open the file 'gMKVExtractGUI.exe'>> Drag and drop the video into the 'Input Files' box in the tool.

  

• Step 5: The tool automatically lists all tracks and files contained in the MKV container. Check only the subtitle file from the list.

  

• Step 6: Click 'Browse' in the 'Output Directory for Selected File' section >> Choose the destination folder for the subtitle file.Click 'Export' when done.

  

Method 2: Export Subtitles from MKV to SRT on Mac and Windows

While MKVToolNix is an efficient tool for extracting soft subtitles from MKV videos, it doesn't always work. When the subtitles are hardcoded into the video or when the subtitle track is missing, tools like MKVToolNix cannot extract subtitles because there's nothing to extract. That's when HitPaw Univd shows its magic. Univd can pull subtitles from MKV videos even when there is no subtitle track or when the subtitles are hardcoded into the video.

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• AI-generated Subtitles: Univd's built-in AI generates high-accuracy subtitles directly from video.
• 16 Language Translation: It not only generates subtitles from the video but converts them to multiple language.
• 1000+ Formats: Can create subtitles from audio and video in 1000+ formats.
• User-friendly: A couple of clicks, and you'll have extracted your first subtitle from a video.
• Cross-platform: HitPaw Univd speed-to-text transcription is now available on Windows and macOS.
• Edit On the Fly: You can edit the subtitles during extraction and export the edited file.

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How to Export Subtitles from MKV Videos with HitPaw Univd

• Step 1: Activate Speech to Text

Download, install, and launch HitPaw Univd >> Go to the 'Video' tab under the 'Home' module >> Choose 'Speech to Text.'


• Step 2: Add MKV Video

Drag and drop the video into the window.


• Step 3: Choose Output Settings

Choose the output format for subtitle as 'Text' or 'SRT' from the dropdown >> Choose output language >> Hit 'Create.'


• Step 4: Preview and Export SRT Subtitles

Preview subtitles as they're generated in the box to the right >> Edit the subtitles if you'd like >> Click 'Export' when done.

Method 3: Free Extract Subtitles from MKV with FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a free and open-source media editing tool with an extensive range of capabilities, including media conversion, media compression, and media extraction. FFmpeg can easily extract subtitles from an MKV video. However, its biggest drawback is that it's a command-line tool with no graphic user interface. So, unlike MKVToolNix, FFmpeg must be used in the terminal, and therefore, it's best-suited for the more advanced users who are comfortable with command line tools. That said, once you get over that apparent impediment, FFmpeg is a remarkably easy tool to use.

How to Extract SRT from MKV Videos with FFmpeg

• Step 1: Launch FFmpeg

Download and install FFmpeg >> Press' Windows key + R' on Windows >> Type 'cmd' in the search box >> Click 'OK.'

• Step 2: Go to the Source File

Copy the folder path in which your MKV file is located >> Switch to the Command Prompt window and type 'cd' followed by 'space' and paste the folder path you copied earlier >> Press 'Enter'.


• Step 3: Extract Subtitle

Type 'ffmpeg -i input.mkv -map 0:s:0 subs.srt' without the quotes >> Press 'Enter'.

In the above command, 'input' refers to the input video file name, and 'subs' refers to the output subtitle file name. 'map 0:s:0' identifies the subtitle stream to be extracted. '.srt' in the end designates the output format as SRT, which helps you extract SRT from MKV. However, you can choose other formats like 'sub' to extract sub from MKV.

FAQs on How to Extract Subtitles from MKV Videos

Conclusion

Extracting subtitles from MKV videos doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're dealing with soft subtitles stored inside the MKV container or hardcoded subtitles visible on the screen, there's a tool for the job. Tools like HitPaw Univd can help you extract subtitles from videos of any kind, irrespective of whether they have a separate subtitle track or not. Give it a try today.