# SRT file template and example

> Copy an SRT file template with the exact format: numbered captions, times with a comma, and a blank line. Includes a Hinglish example and a timing worked out.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-06
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-templates/srt-file-template

---

An SRT file is a plain text file of numbered captions. Each has a start time, an end time and one or two lines of text.

## The template

Copy this and save it with the .srt ending.

```
1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,800
[First caption, line 1]
[First caption, line 2, optional]

2
00:00:01,800 --> 00:00:03,500
[Second caption]

3
00:00:03,500 --> 00:00:05,200
[Third caption]
```

## A filled-in example

This is a Hinglish example we wrote. The text is in Roman script.

```
1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,600
Lunch tak chehra oily?

2
00:00:01,600 --> 00:00:03,400
Ye INR 549 ka primer try karo.

3
00:00:03,400 --> 00:00:05,000
Link neeche hai.
```

## The rules

1. Number every caption, starting at 1.
2. Write times as hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds. Use a comma before the milliseconds, not a dot.
3. Put `-->` between the start and the end time, with a space on each side.
4. Write one or two lines of text for each caption.
5. Leave one blank line between captions.
6. Save as plain text with the .srt ending. If the text is Hindi or another non-English script, save it as UTF-8.

## A worked example

Say a caption runs from 1.6 seconds to 3.4 seconds.

- Start: 1.6 s is 00:00:01,600.
- End: 3.4 s is 00:00:03,400.
- On screen for 3.4 - 1.6 = 1.8 seconds.

For a longer video, 75.2 seconds is 1 minute and 15.2 seconds, so it is written 00:01:15,200.

## SRT limits

SRT carries words and times only. It has no font or colour. Apple's Final Cut Pro help advises leaving "Include Formatting" off when you export SRT, because SRT has no text-style standard.

LinkedIn's [help page](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a424737) says video ad captions must be an SRT file in plain text, with no font colours. Its business spec page calls captions optional (checked 3 Nov 2026).

If you want a look, such as a highlighted word, burn the captions into the video instead. Read [open vs closed captions](/compare/open-captions-vs-closed-captions) and use the [caption style guide template](/templates/caption-style-guide-template).

## Export from an editor

Menu paths are from each vendor's help pages (checked 3 Nov 2026), including Premiere Pro (now called Adobe Premiere).

| Editor | Where to export an SRT |
|---|---|
| Premiere Pro | Export > Captions > Export Options > Create Sidecar File, then File Format "SubRip Subtitle Format (.srt)". |
| Final Cut Pro | File > Export Closed Captions, then tick each language to export. Leave Include Formatting off for SRT. |
| Descript | Open the action bar (Command+K or Ctrl+K), choose Export subtitles and set the format to .srt. |
| DaVinci Resolve | Blackmagic says subtitles can be exported as separate TTML, SRT or VTT files. Steps are in its manual. |

To make the captions first, see [how to add captions to video ads](/guides/how-to-add-captions-to-video-ads) or the [best auto caption generators](/best/best-auto-caption-generators).

## Common mistakes

- **A dot before the milliseconds.** The format uses a comma, so a dot can break the file.
- **No blank line between captions.** The blank line is what separates one caption from the next.
- **Times from an old cut.** If you cut the video after making the file, the captions drift. Make the file again.
- **Overlapping times.** A caption must end before the next one starts.

## Import and export in Marxx

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

## FAQ

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

Both are plain text caption files. Use whichever file type the platform asks for.

### Can I write an SRT file by hand?

Yes. Any text editor works. Follow the rules above and save the file with the .srt ending.

---
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