Create an SRT file
Turn your video into a reviewed SRT file.
Create an SRT file by generating timed captions from a video, correcting the transcript and exporting the subtitle file. ClipSubtitles keeps the caption text editable before download.
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Quick answer
How do I create an SRT file from a video?
Upload the video to ClipSubtitles, generate captions, review the words and choose SRT as the export format. The downloaded file contains numbered subtitle cues with start times, end times and text. It stays separate from the video: downloading an SRT does not burn visible captions into the picture. You can also export a captioned MP4 from the same reviewed project when you need both versions.
How it works
Make the file in three steps
Start with the finished video rather than copying text into a subtitle template. Speech recognition supplies the words and timing; your review catches names, numbers and other details before the subtitle file leaves the project.
Read what ClipSubtitles supports, then choose the workflow for your next export: Add captions to video, Automatic video captions, Animated video captions, Video caption API.
01Upload the finished clip
Choose a video with spoken dialogue. ClipSubtitles accepts sources up to 500 MB and 10 minutes. You can work in the web editor or ask a connected assistant to import the video. A public video URL is another option. Check that you are using the final edit, because changing the cut later changes when the words belong on screen.
02Generate and correct the captions
Generate captions, then read them alongside the video. Correct proper names, technical terms and any misheard words explicitly. Check the first and last cues as well as fast exchanges. Keep the text faithful to the speaker unless you deliberately edit it. Caption styling is useful for the video export, but it does not replace reviewing the subtitle text and timing.
03Export SRT and check it
Choose the original captions or a reviewed translation, then export SRT. Open the downloaded file in a text editor to inspect its numbered cues and timestamps. Preview it with the exact video in the destination player or editor. If something is wrong, correct the project and export again, so your subtitle file and any captioned video use the same reviewed version.
The right output
A subtitle file and a captioned video do different jobs.
Keep editable subtitle text
An SRT file carries text and timing separately from the picture. It is useful when your editor or publishing destination accepts subtitle files. The destination controls how a separate subtitle track is displayed; do not expect a styled caption preset or word animation to travel inside the SRT file.
Export both when you need both
A burned-in MP4 has captions visible in the video frames. An SRT is a separate file. ClipSubtitles can prepare both from one project, which avoids maintaining two unrelated transcripts. Check the destination requirements before choosing: a subtitle upload field and a video upload field expect different files.
Review a translated version separately
Translate captions generated in the project into a supported target language, then review the translated lines before export. Original captions remain separate. Translated cues retain their timing and use line-level display. This workflow starts from your video; importing an existing SRT for translation and replacing the spoken audio are not supported.
At a glance
Which file should I download?
- Separate subtitle text and timestamps
- SRT, when the destination accepts SubRip subtitle files.
- Captions already visible in the picture
- Captioned MP4, with a fixed credit quote approved before the paid render.
- A caption layer for compositing
- Transparent ProRes 4444 MOV, for an editor that supports that format.
Captions in context
Made to look at home in the video.
Questions
What you need to know.
Does exporting an SRT file use render credits?
No. ClipSubtitles SRT and VTT exports use no render credits. A finished video render has its own fixed credit quote, which you approve before it starts. Check the pricing page for the current plan and render details.
Can I make the SRT without using an AI assistant?
Yes. Use the ClipSubtitles web editor to upload the video, review its captions and export the file. The assistant workflow is an alternative way to prepare and manage the same caption project.
Will the SRT keep my animated caption style?
No. The SRT output contains subtitle text and timing rather than the rendered caption animation. Choose a captioned MP4 or a transparent caption layer when the visual style needs to be part of the export.
Your first minute is on us
Create the subtitles, then check the words.
Generate a caption project from your video, review it and download the file your workflow needs.