# What is an SRT file?

> An SRT file is a plain text file of captions and their timings. See the format line by line, a worked timing example and where editors import and export it.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-07
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-glossary/srt-file

---

An SRT file is a plain text file that holds captions and the time each one appears. It is a simple caption file that many video tools and platforms accept.

## What is inside

```
1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,800
Tired of dull skin?

2
00:00:01,800 --> 00:00:03,500
Try this for seven days.
```

Each caption has four parts: a number, a start and end time, the text, and a blank line. Times read hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds. Note the comma before the milliseconds. [VTT files](/glossary/vtt-file) use a dot.

## A worked example

Read the file above.

- Caption 1 runs from 0.000 s to 1.800 s: **1.8 seconds**.
- Caption 2 runs from 1.800 s to 3.500 s: 3.5 − 1.8 = **1.7 seconds**.

If a caption stays up too briefly to read, move its end time later.

## Where editors use it

- **Premiere Pro (now called Adobe Premiere):** import the SRT like media and drag it into the sequence. To export, set Export Options to "Create Sidecar File" and the format to SubRip (.srt). One stream per file.
- **Final Cut Pro:** File > Export Closed Captions. Apple advises leaving "Include Formatting" off, because SRT has no text-style standard.
- **LinkedIn video ads:** the help page asks for an SRT file in plain text.

Menu paths are from each maker's help pages (checked 3 Nov 2026).

Marxx's [AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) imports subtitles from SRT, VTT or ASS and exports captions as SRT or VTT. We make Marxx.

SRT is a common file behind [closed captions](/glossary/closed-captions).

## FAQ

### What is the difference between SRT and VTT?

SRT is the simpler format. VTT starts with a WEBVTT line, uses a dot in the times and can hold extra settings such as position.

### Can an SRT file carry fonts and colours?

No. Apple's guide notes that SRT has no text-style standard. Style your captions in the editor instead.

### How do I make an SRT file?

Generate captions in an editor, correct the text, then export them as SRT. You can also type one in a plain text editor and save it with the .srt ending.

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