How to convert TXT to SRT
- Paste your transcript or script into the input box, or open a .txt file.
- Choose whether each line or each paragraph (a block separated by blank lines) becomes one subtitle.
- Pick the timing. Fixed duration gives every subtitle the same length on screen. Reading speed sets the length from the number of characters; 15–17 characters per second is a comfortable speed for most viewers.
- Set a start time if your video has an intro, and a short gap so subtitles don't run into each other.
- Click Convert, check the result, then download the .srt file.
What is an SRT file?
SubRip Subtitle (.srt) is the most widely supported subtitle format. YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, VLC, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, CapCut and most smart TVs accept it. Each entry has four parts: a sequence number, a time range in hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds, one or two lines of text, and a blank line.
1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000 Welcome to the channel. 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:06,200 Today we're making bread.
Timing formula
With reading-speed timing, duration = characters ÷ characters per second, with a minimum of one second. Example: "Today we're making sourdough bread at home" has 36 letters (spaces don't count), so at 15 cps it stays on screen for 2.4 seconds. Each subtitle starts where the previous one ended plus the gap.
Fine-tuning after conversion
Automatic timing gives you a solid first draft. For exact sync, open the .srt in your video editor or in YouTube Studio's subtitle editor and nudge the cues to match the audio. Keeping lines under about 42 characters, with no more than two lines per subtitle, follows common broadcast guidelines and keeps captions easy to read on phones.
SRT to TXT
Need a clean transcript from a subtitle file? Switch the mode to SRT → TXT. The converter removes the numbers, timestamps and formatting tags such as <i> and gives you one line of plain text per subtitle, ready to paste into a blog post, show notes or a translation tool.
Common uses
Creators use TXT to SRT conversion to turn a script into captions for YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Reels. Teachers add subtitles to lecture videos for accessibility. Translators convert translated text back into a subtitle file, and podcasters publish captioned audiograms. Captions also help your videos rank, because search engines and platforms can read the text, and many viewers watch with the sound off.
Privacy
Conversion happens in JavaScript on your own device. Your text and files are never uploaded, so it's safe for unreleased scripts and client work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a TXT file to YouTube as subtitles?
YouTube can auto-sync a plain transcript, but an SRT file gives you control over timing. Convert your TXT to SRT here and upload it under Subtitles in YouTube Studio.
How long should each subtitle be on screen?
A common guideline is 1 to 7 seconds per subtitle, at a reading speed of about 15–17 characters per second.
Does this work with non-English text?
Yes. Files are read as UTF-8, so accented letters, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and other scripts are preserved.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser.
How do I convert SRT back to plain text?
Choose SRT → TXT as the mode and paste or open your .srt file. Numbers and timestamps are removed automatically.