Convert STL Subtitles to SUB_SUBVIEWER Format
or drag and drop
About STL
The EBU STL (European Broadcasting Union Sp-ruce Teletext Ltd) format is a professional subtitle format used extensively in television broadcasting and for DVD authoring. It's a binary format that contains not only the text and timing but also a large amount of metadata related to the production, such as program title, episode number, and translation details. It's a robust format designed for professional broadcast workflows.
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.
STL vs SUB_SUBVIEWER
| Feature | STL | SUB_SUBVIEWER |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | false |
| Positioning Support | true | false |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | expert | beginner |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 3 |
| Patent Status | industry standard | freeware |
| Year Introduced | 1991 | 1999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this STL related to 3D printing?
No, this is a common point of confusion. The EBU STL format for subtitles is completely unrelated to the STL (STereoLithography) file format used for 3D models and printing. They just happen to share the same file extension.
Can I open an STL subtitle file in a text editor?
No, most STL files are binary and will not be readable in a standard text editor. They require specialized professional subtitling software to be opened, edited, and converted.
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.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.