LRC, SRT and ASS: import, sync and export karaoke subtitles

Which karaoke subtitle format should you use?

LRC

LRC is for synchronized lyrics. Standard LRC marks line starts; enhanced LRC also marks word starts with angle-bracket timestamps. EasyKara exports enhanced word markers for timed syllables. Some music players read only line timing, so test the destination before preparing a whole library.

SRT

SRT is for conventional subtitles: numbered cues with start and end times. It is widely useful for editing and playback, but the EasyKara SRT export is plain text. It does not carry the colored word sweep, fonts or background from your preview.

ASS

ASS carries subtitle styles and karaoke duration tags. EasyKara writes \k tags and actor styles for timed lyrics. The destination needs an ASS-capable renderer and the intended fonts. ASS is an interchange file, not a pixel-identical recording of the preview.

1. Import the media and timed lyrics

Open the editor and import your audio or video. Import LRC, SRT, VTT or ASS through the lyric import control. Timed imports keep their timing and enter the confirmed list. Plain TXT contains no timing and remains editable. ASS import reads dialogue and karaoke timing; it does not restore source styles or every rendering override.

2. Sync missing timing or correct the existing timing

For plain lyrics, confirm the text and use Record with word or line mode. Tap Space with the singing, then stop with Escape. On the waveform, drag a timed block or a shared word boundary to correct it. A line-only subtitle does not contain original word boundaries; create those timings yourself if you need a word sweep.

3. Check the first line, verse gaps and final word

Play the opening phrase and compare the highlight with the voice. Check a verse gap and the last line as well. An LRC line has no explicit end timestamp, so importing the media first helps the editor determine the final line duration. Use undo or redo if a timing correction moves the wrong boundary.

4. Choose a subtitle download or a finished video

Open Export. ASS, LRC and SRT downloads require Pro on both web and desktop. The standard MP4 path is free, renders at 60fps and adds no watermark. Use MP4 to preserve rendered colors and backgrounds without relying on another subtitle renderer. Transparent video export requires desktop Pro.

5. Test the destination and keep the project

Open the exported file in the actual music player or video editor you plan to use. Check word highlighting, accented or CJK text, fonts and line endings. If the player ignores enhanced LRC or ASS effects, choose a compatible format or render MP4 instead. Save the EasyKara project so you can revise timing later; keep rights-cleared media and lyrics.

The same original lyric in three formats

These reusable CC0 example lyrics run from 0 to 2 seconds. LRC shows word starts; SRT shows a plain cue; the ASS excerpt shows durations in hundredths of a second. The ASS event is an excerpt, not a complete standalone file.

LRC

[00:00.00]<00:00.00>Morning <00:01.00>light <00:01.50>returns

SRT

1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000
Morning light returns

ASS

Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.00,0:00:02.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,{\k100}Morning {\k50}light {\k50}returns

Frequently asked questions