Convert TXT Subtitles to SSA Format
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About TXT
A plain text (.txt) file is the simplest possible format, containing only raw text characters without any timing or styling information. When used in the context of subtitles, it typically represents a transcript of the audio. To be used as subtitles, this transcript would need to be processed by another tool to add the necessary timestamps to sync the text with the video.
About SSA
SubStation Alpha (SSA) is the predecessor to the more feature-rich ASS format. It was one of the first subtitle formats to allow for basic styling, including control over fonts, colors, and text position. While it has largely been superseded by ASS, it laid the groundwork for advanced subtitle scripting and is still supported by many players that support ASS.
TXT vs SSA
| Feature | TXT | SSA |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | false | true |
| Positioning Support | false | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | beginner | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 1 | 3 |
| Patent Status | open standard | open format |
| Year Introduced | 1963 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I turn a TXT transcript into an SRT file?
This process is called 'timing' or 'syncing'. It requires specialized software where you can load the video and the text file, and then go through the video, marking the start and end times for each line of dialogue. Many professional subtitle editors offer features to help with this process.
When is a plain TXT file useful?
A plain text file is very useful for creating a simple, readable transcript of a video for reference, for search engine optimization (SEO), or as the first step in a translation workflow before the text is timed.
Should I use SSA or ASS?
You should almost always choose ASS over SSA for new projects. ASS is fully backward-compatible with SSA and contains a much larger and more powerful feature set. SSA is primarily of interest for compatibility with very old files or legacy workflows.
What can SSA do that SRT cannot?
Unlike SRT, SSA allows you to define specific styles for your subtitles, such as the font family, font size, primary and secondary colors, and basic positioning on the screen. However, its capabilities are much more limited compared to its successor, ASS.
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