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Translation of subtitles

SRT files are plain-text files that contain subtitles. The SRT format is supported by most video players, as well as DivX and DVD formats. The structure of the SRT format includes the subtitle number, the time it is displayed, and the text of the subtitle itself. Time is included in the HH:MM:SS format with a precision of up to one millisecond.

Example:
1
00:00:20.00 --> 00:00:23.400
Subtitle 1

2
00:00:23.400 --> 00:00:26.00
Subtitle 2

Translation of subtitles in a text editor

An SRT file can be edited and translated in any text editor. However, when working with SRT files in a text editor, it is extremely difficult to control synchronization of subtitles with video and to change the breakdown of subtitles, so in practice this method is hardly ever used.

srtTranslation of subtitles in subtitling software

Modern software for creating subtitles (Subtitle Workshop, Jubler Subtitle Εditor, EZTitles, Softel Swift Create, WinCAPS, Lemony Pro) facilitate synchronizing subtitles with video. Subtitle translators and testers may make use of their functions such as simultaneous work with two subtitle files (Translation Template command in EZTitles), automatic control of reading rhythm and speed, automatic splitting the text into separate subtitles (Auto-Split command), etc.

Translation of subtitles in translation memory systems

Subtitles generally do not contain many repetitions, however, translating SRT files in a CAT tool may be appropriate in the cases where the need to translate a similar text may arise in the future. This is relevant, for example, when translating subtitles to video instructions.

Testing translated subtitles

Testing subtitles by reviewing them after they have been added to the video is a mandatory step in subtitle translation.