Ultimate Guide on How to Open SRT Files

Have you ever received a subtitle file with a mysterious ".srt" extension and found yourself scratching your head, wondering how to open it? You're not alone! SRT files are commonly used for subtitles, but many users still struggle to understand how to access them. Here, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about opening SRT files effortlessly. From understanding what an SRT file is to exploring various methods for accessing them on different platforms, we've got you covered.

Part 1. What is an SRT file?

So, what exactly is an SRT file? At its core, an SRT file is a subtitle file format commonly used to display subtitles on videos. It contains text information that appears at the bottom of a video screen, aiding viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those learning foreign languages. Additionally, SRT files include timing details, ensuring that the subtitles appear synchronously with the corresponding video segments. These files can be created using any text editor and are readily available for download from open-source websites.

Part 2: How to Open SRT Files on Windows/Mac/Online

Now that we understand what SRT files are, let's delve into the various methods for opening them on different operating systems and platforms.

1. Open a SRT Using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS)

SRT subtitles are entirely text-based, which means you can easily open them using basic text editors like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS. Simply locate the SRT file on your computer, right-click on it, and choose to open it with your preferred text editor. From there, you can view and edit the subtitle text as needed.

Compatibility: Windows & MacOS

2. Open SRT Files in VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a versatile and popular multimedia player that supports a wide range of file formats, including SRT. Simply open the video file in VLC, and if the corresponding SRT file is located in the same directory, VLC will automatically detect and display the subtitles. You can also manually load SRT files in VLC by navigating to the "Subtitle" menu and selecting "Add Subtitle File".

Compatibility: Windows & MacOS & Android & iOS & Linux

3. Open SRT Files with Windows Media Player

While Windows Media Player may not be as intuitive for opening SRT files as VLC, it's still possible to do so. Ensure the SRT file is in the same folder as the video file you're playing in Windows Media Player. If it is, the player should automatically detect and display the subtitles alongside the video.

Compatibility: Windows

Guide on How to Play SRT Files on Windows Media Player

• Step 1. Place the Video and SRT File Together: Make sure the .srt subtitle file is in the same folder as the video file, and both files share the exact same name (except the extension).
• Step 2. Install K-Lite Codec Pack: Windows Media Player doesn’t natively support .srt files. Download and install the K-Lite Codec Pack (Standard or Mega version). During setup, choose Windows Media Player and enable subtitle support.
• Step 3. Play the Video in Windows Media Player: Open Windows Media Player and play your video. If everything is set up correctly, the subtitles will appear automatically.
• Step 4. Play SRT Subtitles Manually: If subtitles don’t show, right-click the video in WMP, go to “Lyrics, captions, and subtitles”, and select “On if available”.

4. Open SRT Files Online via Happy Scribe

While Windows Media Player may not be as intuitive for opening SRT files as VLC, it's still possible to do so. Ensure the SRT file is in the same folder as the video file you're playing in Windows Media Player. If it is, the player should automatically detect and display the subtitles alongside the video.

Compatibility: Web-based

5. Play SRT Files in KMPlayer

KMPlayer is a popular media player that supports a wide range of video formats and subtitle files, including .srt. With just a few simple steps, you can easily load external subtitles and enjoy movies or shows with clear, synchronized captions.

Compatibility: Windows, Android, and iOS

Steps to Open SRT Files in KMPlayer

• Step 1: Put the .srt subtitle file in the same folder as your video file. Make sure both have the exact same filename.
• Step 2: Launch KMPlayer and open your video file. The player should automatically detect and display the subtitle.
• Step 3: If subtitles don’t show, right-click the screen, go to Subtitles > Load Subtitle, and select the .srt file manually.
• Step 4: You can customize font, size, and sync by right-clicking, then selecting Subtitles > Subtitle Settings.

Pro-tips: How to Add and Opne SRT Files in Videos

HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) provides an easy way to professionally manage SRT subtitle files on Windows or Mac computers. The program is easy to use, and you can also perform video editing or file format conversion.

Why Choose Univd to Add SRT Subtitle to Video

• Effortlessly place subtitles on your movies for seamless viewing experiences.
• Automatically generate subtitles from videos with the option to refine them as needed.
• Experience lightning-fast video conversion to over 1000 formats, outpacing online methods by 120x speed.
• Efficiently compress videos in batches without sacrificing quality.
• Enjoy a user-friendly video editor for tasks like trimming, cutting, cropping, adding watermarks, adjusting video speed, and more.
• Access a powerful toolbox including a GIF Maker, Image Converter, 2D to 3D Converter, Media Metadata Fixer, and more.
• Unlock advanced AI-based features such as the Background Remover, Noise Remover, Vocal Remover, etc.

Guide on How to Add Subtitle to Video

• Step 1:Open HitPaw Univd and add video file(s) to the program.

  

• Step 2:Click Add subtitles to import a subtitle. Currently HitPaw Univd supports adding the following three types of subtitles: SRT, ASS, VTT and SSA.

  
  

  The added external subtitle files will be sorted in descending order according to the import order.

  

• Step 3:Select an output format for the video.

  

• Step 4:Click Convert All to start converting videos with subtitle.

  

After conversion, you will get a new video with subtitle.

Part 4. Tips and FAQs for Working with SRT Files

Before we wrap up, let's address some common questions and provide a few tips for working with SRT files:

The Bottom Line

We've gotten into the intricacies of opening SRT files, offering a clear understanding and practical methods for accessing them on various platforms.

From demystifying the SRT file format to providing step-by-step guides for converting videos with HitPaw Univd, we've equipped you with valuable insights and tools to enhance your multimedia experience. So, next time you encounter an SRT file or need to enhance and convert videos, you'll have the confidence and know-how to tackle the task effortlessly.