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Subtitle File Formats Explained
A plain overview of common subtitle file formats, what each one stores, how plain text and richer formats differ, and how to pick one for a project.
Making Subtitles
Formats and Delivery
Files, burned-in text and how subtitles reach the viewer.
Burned-In Subtitles and Their Trade-Offs
Burned-in subtitles are drawn into the picture itself. See what that guarantees, what it removes, and when permanent text is or is not a sensible choice.
Character Encoding Problems in Subtitle Files
Why accented letters, quotation marks and symbols turn into odd characters in subtitle files, how encoding mismatches happen, and how to avoid them.
Choosing Between Open and Closed Delivery
A decision guide to open delivery (text in the picture) and closed delivery (selectable text), with questions about audience, platform, languages and upkeep.
Sidecar Files and Embedded Subtitles
Separate subtitle files and tracks packaged inside a video container work differently. Learn how each is delivered, edited and used, and where each tends to fit.
Styling Information in Subtitle Files
How position, color, fonts and other styling can be stored with subtitle text, which formats support it, and why players and viewers may override it.
Subtitle Tracks and Language Selection
How players list several subtitle tracks, what labels and language codes do, how default choices are made, and what to check when the wrong track appears.
Subtitles for Web Video Players
A general look at how web pages deliver subtitle text to viewers: text tracks, file loading, styling, player controls and what to test across browsers and devices.
Subtitles on Social Media Video
How short-form video platforms typically handle captions, from auto-generated text to uploaded files and burned-in words, and what creators usually consider.
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