Convert CSV Subtitles to SUB_SUBVIEWER Format
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About CSV
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple text format for storing tabular data. In the context of subtitles, it's often used for translation workflows or bulk editing. Each row in the CSV file can represent a subtitle cue, with columns for the start time, end time, and text. It's easy to open and edit in any spreadsheet program like Excel or Google Sheets.
About SUB_SUBVIEWER
SubViewer (.sub) is one of the earliest popular subtitle formats. It is a simple, time-based text format. There have been two major versions, SubViewer 1.0 and 2.0. Version 2.0, which is more common, uses a '[region]' section to define metadata and then lists subtitles with timestamps. Its simplicity led to wide support, but it lacks any styling features.
CSV vs SUB_SUBVIEWER
| Feature | CSV | SUB_SUBVIEWER |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | false | false |
| Positioning Support | false | false |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | beginner | beginner |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 3 |
| Patent Status | open standard | freeware |
| Year Introduced | 1972 | 1999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a CSV file directly as a subtitle?
No, a CSV file cannot be used directly as a subtitle track in a video player. It's an intermediate format. You would need to convert the CSV file into a standard subtitle format like SRT or VTT after you have finished your edits or translations.
What is the best use case for CSV subtitles?
CSV is ideal for workflows where non-technical users need to edit or translate subtitle text. Giving a translator a simple spreadsheet is much easier than asking them to edit the strict syntax of an SRT or VTT file. It's also great for programmatically managing subtitle data.
My .sub file doesn't work. Why?
The '.sub' file extension is very generic and is used by several completely different and incompatible subtitle formats, including the text-based SubViewer and the image-based VobSub (for DVDs). If your file isn't working, it's likely because your player is expecting a different '.sub' format. Our converter can intelligently distinguish between them.
Is SubViewer still a good format to use?
For new projects, SRT is a much better choice. It's just as simple but has even wider and more reliable support across all modern platforms and players. SubViewer is mostly relevant for compatibility with older files.
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