Adding downloaded subtitles to a movie allows viewers to enjoy foreign films or improve comprehension of dialogue, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to seamlessly integrate subtitles into your movies across various platforms and devices.
Understanding Subtitles and Their Formats
Before diving into the ‘how,’ it’s crucial to understand the basics of subtitle formats. Subtitles are essentially text files containing dialogue synchronized with specific timestamps in a video. Common subtitle formats include:
- .SRT (SubRip Text): The most widely used format, known for its simplicity and compatibility.
- .SSA (Sub Station Alpha) & .ASS (Advanced Sub Station Alpha): More advanced formats that support styling options like fonts, colors, and positioning.
- .VTT (WebVTT): A modern format developed for web-based videos and HTML5 players.
- .SUB (MicroDVD Subtitle Format): Often accompanied by an IDX file, containing timing information.
Choosing the correct subtitle format depends on your media player and the features you require. For general use, SRT is usually the best choice.
Methods for Adding Subtitles
There are primarily two methods for adding downloaded subtitles to your movies: hardcoding and softcoding.
Hardcoding Subtitles
Hardcoding, also known as “burning in” or “embedding,” permanently integrates the subtitles into the video file. This means the subtitles become part of the video stream and cannot be turned off or changed.
- Pros: Ensures subtitles are always displayed, regardless of the media player.
- Cons: Cannot be disabled or changed; increases file size; quality loss may occur during encoding.
To hardcode subtitles, you’ll need a video encoding software like HandBrake, Avidemux, or Freemake Video Converter. The process involves:
- Loading the Video: Open your video file in the encoding software.
- Importing the Subtitle File: Locate the option to add subtitles (usually under “Subtitles” or “Tracks”).
- Setting Encoding Options: Choose your desired video and audio settings. This step is crucial for maintaining quality.
- Encoding the Video: Start the encoding process. This can take a significant amount of time depending on the video’s length and your computer’s processing power.
Softcoding Subtitles
Softcoding allows subtitles to be displayed optionally. The subtitles are stored as a separate file and loaded by the media player along with the video.
- Pros: Subtitles can be turned on/off and often adjusted (size, color, position); no file size increase; no quality loss.
- Cons: Requires compatible media player; subtitles might not always load correctly.
Softcoding is generally preferred due to its flexibility. There are two primary ways to softcode subtitles:
- Renaming the Subtitle File: Rename the subtitle file (.srt, .ass, etc.) to match the exact filename of the video file, but keep the subtitle extension. Place both files in the same folder. For example, if your video is “MyMovie.mp4,” rename the subtitle file to “MyMovie.srt.” Most media players will automatically detect and load the subtitle file.
- Using the Media Player’s Menu: Most media players (VLC, MPC-HC, Plex, etc.) have a built-in option to load external subtitle files. Typically, you can find this option in the “Subtitle” or “Audio & Subtitles” menu. Browse to the location of your subtitle file and select it.
Adding Subtitles on Different Platforms
The specific steps for adding subtitles can vary slightly depending on the platform you’re using.
Adding Subtitles on VLC Media Player
VLC is a versatile and popular media player. To add subtitles:
- Open the video in VLC.
- Go to “Subtitle” > “Add Subtitle File…”
- Browse and select your subtitle file.
VLC also supports automatic subtitle loading if the subtitle file is named correctly and placed in the same folder as the video.
Adding Subtitles on Plex
Plex is a media server that allows you to stream your movies and TV shows to various devices. To add subtitles on Plex:
- Ensure the subtitle file is named correctly (same as the video file) and located in the same folder.
- Plex will automatically detect and load the subtitle file.
- If subtitles are not automatically loaded, go to the playback settings and enable subtitles.
Adding Subtitles on Kodi
Kodi is another popular media center application. Adding subtitles is similar to Plex:
- Ensure the subtitle file is named correctly and located in the same folder as the video file.
- During playback, go to the video settings menu.
- Enable subtitles and select the desired subtitle track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find good subtitle files?
Several websites offer subtitle downloads, including OpenSubtitles.org, Subscene.com, and YIFY Subtitles. Be cautious and scan downloaded files for malware before opening them.
2. What if the subtitles are out of sync?
Subtitle timing issues are common. You can adjust the subtitle timing in most media players. In VLC, use the “Subtitle delay” option (hotkeys: ‘H’ to delay, ‘G’ to advance). Many subtitle editors also allow you to adjust timings manually.
3. Can I add subtitles to videos on my phone or tablet?
Yes, many mobile video players (like VLC for Android/iOS) support adding external subtitles. The process is similar to desktop players.
4. Why aren’t my subtitles showing up even after renaming the file?
Double-check that the filenames match exactly, including capitalization and spaces. Also, ensure the video player supports the subtitle format. Sometimes, restarting the media player can help.
5. Is it legal to download subtitles?
Downloading subtitles for legally owned movies is generally considered acceptable. However, downloading subtitles for pirated content is illegal.
6. How do I create my own subtitles?
You can use subtitle editing software like Aegisub or Subtitle Edit to create subtitles. This involves transcribing the dialogue and adding timestamps to each line.
7. What is the difference between closed captions and subtitles?
Subtitles are intended for viewers who cannot understand the spoken language. Closed captions are designed for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing and include additional information like sound effects and speaker identification.
8. Can I change the font and size of subtitles?
Yes, many media players (like VLC and MPC-HC) allow you to customize the appearance of subtitles, including font, size, color, and position.
9. What if my video player doesn’t support external subtitles?
Consider using a more versatile media player like VLC or MPC-HC, which have excellent subtitle support. Alternatively, you can hardcode the subtitles into the video.
10. How can I automatically download subtitles?
Some media players and media center applications (like Kodi) have plugins that automatically search and download subtitles for your videos.
11. What is forced subtitles?
Forced subtitles are used to translate parts of the dialogue that are in a foreign language, even if the main movie is in the viewer’s native language. They are typically displayed only when necessary.
12. I’m getting weird characters in my subtitles. What’s wrong?
This usually indicates an encoding issue. Try opening the subtitle file in a text editor (like Notepad++ on Windows) and saving it with UTF-8 encoding.