Format Atlas

Guides

Choosing a Subtitle Format

Use WebVTT for web video text tracks, SRT for simple subtitle exchange, and TTML when a supported delivery workflow agrees on the profile.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Web video captions → WebVTT
  • Simple subtitle exchange → SRT
  • Profile-based delivery → TTML

Keep captions separate from the video container

Subtitle files contain timed text rather than video. Choose according to the target player, editing tools, and presentation needs.

Formats to consider

WebVTT

Good for: Text tracks for HTML video

Less suitable for: Legacy players without WebVTT support

SRT

Good for: Exchanging simple subtitle text

Less suitable for: Strict control of rich styling or placement

TTML

Good for: Broadcast or delivery workflows that support TTML

Less suitable for: Exchange without an agreed profile

Before you export

  • Check encoding, line endings, and timing in the target player.
  • Do not confuse subtitle files with video containers.

Related comparisons

SRT vs WebVTTSRT is a simple text format widely used to exchange subtitles. WebVTT is designed for subtitle tracks in web video, including HTML video workflows. Choose for the player and features you need.TTML vs WebVTTTTML is an XML-based timed-text specification used with profiles for caption and broadcast workflows. WebVTT is a practical format for subtitle tracks in web video.

Guides

Choose a video distribution formatChoose the container and the codecs inside it according to the playback destination and production workflow.Checking subtitle timing and display before handoffAfter choosing a format, verify synchronization with the same video edit, timing interpretation and conversion losses, then test in the recipient's player.

References and specifications