Convert CSV Subtitles to VTT 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 VTT
WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) is the modern standard for displaying subtitles on the web, designed specifically for use with HTML5 video. It's similar to SRT but includes added features for styling (using CSS), positioning, and metadata. This allows for more dynamic, accessible, and richly formatted captions and subtitles directly in the browser.
CSV vs VTT
| Feature | CSV | VTT |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | false | true |
| Positioning Support | false | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | beginner | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 5 |
| Patent Status | open standard | open standard |
| Year Introduced | 1972 | 2012 |
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.
How is VTT different from SRT?
The main differences are that VTT supports styling, positioning, and metadata, while SRT does not. VTT also has a slightly different timestamp format (using a period instead of a comma for milliseconds) and requires a 'WEBVTT' header. VTT is the standard for modern web video.
Can I use HTML tags in a VTT file?
You can use certain HTML-like tags within VTT cues for basic formatting, such as <b> for bold, <i> for italic, and <u> for underline. You can also define more complex styles in an external CSS file linked to the video player.
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