Edit subtitles online for free and burn them into your video
If you have a video and need subtitles that are timed right, open Subtitle Editor. You see your video, a timeline and a list of subtitle lines side by side; fix the words, drag the timing, then export an SRT or VTT file or a new video with the captions burned in. It's a free alternative to Kapwing's subtitle tools, with no watermark, no upload and no time limit.
Step by step
- Open Subtitle Editor and drop your video (or audio) file into the box, or press Open video. MP4 and WebM work in all browsers.
- Already have subtitles? Press Import and pick an SRT or VTT file, or just drop it on the page.
- Starting from nothing? Play the video and press Add line (or N) when someone starts speaking, then type the words. Ctrl+Enter in a line adds the next one right after it.
- Have the script already? Open Tools → Type then tap, paste one subtitle per line, press Start, and tap Space each time the next line begins. The timings are set as you tap.
- Fix the timing: drag a block on the timeline to move it, drag its edges to make it shorter or longer, or press [ and ] to set the start or end of the selected line to where the video is now. Split and Merge next are under each line.
- Out of sync everywhere? Tools → Shift timings moves all lines (or the selected line and everything after it) earlier or later.
- Open Caption style to set the size, colour, background box or outline, and top or bottom position.
- Press Export and choose SRT file, VTT file, or Make video for a copy with the subtitles burned in.
Who it helps
- Creators who want captions on Reels, Shorts and TikToks, where most people watch with the sound off.
- Teachers and trainers making lessons accessible, or fixing the auto-captions of a recorded lecture.
- Translators who get an SRT file and need to check every line against the video.
- Arabic and bilingual channels: Arabic lines read right to left everywhere, including in the burned-in video.
Why it's private
Subtitle Editor is a static page. Your video is opened from your device by your browser and never uploaded; the burned-in video is recorded by your browser too. Only the subtitle lines are kept, in your browser's storage, so they are still there next time. The page's security policy blocks it from sending data to other websites.
Tips and limits
- Automatic subtitles: this editor doesn't listen to the speech. Run the video through Transcribe (also free and private), export its SRT, and import it here.
- Reading speed: a line with more than 20 characters per second is marked "hard to read". Split it or give it more time.
- Burning in plays the video once and records it, so keep the tab open. Very large videos are scaled to 1920 pixels wide.
- Your video isn't saved, only the lines. After a reload, open the same video again to continue.
- Keyboard: Space plays, arrows seek, N adds a line, [ and ] set times, S splits, ? shows them all.
FAQ
Is the subtitle editor free, without a watermark?
Yes. Editing, SRT and VTT export, and videos with burned-in subtitles are free, with no watermark, no account and no length limit.
Does it make subtitles automatically?
Not by itself. Use the free Transcribe tool on this site to get an SRT file from the speech, then import it here to fix the words and timing. Or paste your script and use Type then tap.
Is my video uploaded?
No. The video is opened directly from your device by your browser and never sent anywhere. Only your subtitle lines are saved, in your browser's storage.
What format is the burned-in video?
WebM in Chrome, Edge and Firefox, and usually MP4 in Safari. It is recorded in real time, so a 3-minute video takes about 3 minutes.
Can I write Arabic subtitles?
Yes. Each line picks its own direction, so Arabic reads right to left in the editor, the preview, the SRT file and the burned-in video.
Related tools
- Transcribe: turn speech into text and subtitles, privately.
- Video Editor: cut and trim the video first.
- MP3 Converter: pull the audio out of a video.
- Teleprompter: read your script while you record.
- All guides