How to Convert ASS to SRT

SRT is the industry standard when it comes to subtitling and is widely compatible with all video editing tools. This compatibility is the reason why formats like ASS, SUP, and VTT are often converted into SRT.

Meanwhile, ASS is a highly niche-specific subtitling format that focuses on styling and formatting and is mainly used for animes.

So, if you have a subtitle file in ASS, you might want to convert it into SRT for compatibility. The conversion will take away the styling aspect of the format, but it makes it easy and convenient to edit, upload, and burn subtitles into your videos.

Here is a simple and easy-to-follow guide to iron out any issue on how to convert ASS subtitle files into an SRT format.

Key Takeaways

SRT is the most compatible subtitle format, making it a preferred choice over ASS for broader media player and platform support.
ASS to SRT conversion removes advanced styling, such as colors, fonts, and positioning, but ensures easier editing and accessibility.
Multiple methods exist for conversion, including online tools, software like Subtitle Edit, and Python scripting for automation. Sonix, while not a direct file converter, offers accurate AI-powered transcription that can be formatted into subtitles.
SRT files are simpler and smaller in size, making them ideal for streaming, sharing, and embedding in videos without excessive formatting.
Sonix offers a premium AI-powered transcription service, allowing users to generate subtitles from audio in multiple languages and formats with high accuracy. Try out Sonix with a 30-minute free trial, no credit card required.

Converting ASS to SRT is often necessary to ensure broader compatibility across different video players and platforms. While ASS supports advanced styling, fonts, colors, and positioning, SRT is a simpler, widely supported format that works seamlessly with most media players and streaming services.

Below are two methods for converting ASS to SRT, but one is significantly more reliable than the other.

Method 1: Using Sonix for High-Accuracy Conversion

For those who need a precise, reliable, and professional subtitle conversion, Sonix provides an AI-powered solution that ensures clean, accurate text formatting without unnecessary errors.

Unlike basic file converters, Sonix not only converts but enhances subtitles by automatically refining timestamps and formatting to match spoken dialogue. The subtitles can then be exported in various formats, including SRT.

Steps for Converting ASS to SRT with Sonix

Go to Sonix and Sign Up/Login. (Sonix offers a free 30-minute trial for new users.)
Upload your video or audio file. Sonix will process the file and generate an accurate transcript. Most transcripts are processed with 99% accuracy.
Select “Subtitles” and choose your formatting options. You can adjust timestamps, edit content, and remove unnecessary styling.
Export the file as SRT. The result is a clean, well-timed subtitle file ready for use across various platforms.

This method is ideal for content creators, professionals, and businesses that require precision, accuracy, and customizable formatting without manual corrections.

Method 2: Using Online Converters

Online subtitle converters may seem like a quick fix, but they often come with significant drawbacks. Many free tools rely on automated scripts that strip out necessary formatting without properly restructuring the subtitles.

However, if you’re looking to skip downloads, this might be a good option. But, there are some risks you should be aware of:

Privacy Concerns: Uploading subtitle files, especially those containing sensitive content, can expose data to third-party servers.
Ads and Popups: Many free tools bombard users with advertisements and may require unnecessary clicks or downloads.
Limited Customization: Unlike Sonix, online converters don’t allow for transcript editing, speaker identification, or fine-tuned adjustments.

While these tools might work for basic subtitle conversion, they lack the precision and security required for professional or high-quality projects. If you need consistent, properly formatted subtitles, a dedicated service like Sonix is the better choice.

Method 3: Using Subtitle Edit (Recommended)

Subtitle Edit is a free, open-source subtitle editing tool that provides precise and efficient conversion from ASS to SRT format. Unlike basic online converters, Subtitle Edit preserves subtitle timing and formatting, ensuring a smooth transition between formats.

It also allows users to review, edit, and fine-tune subtitles before finalizing the conversion, making it a preferred choice for video editors and professionals who require accuracy.

Below are the step-by-step instructions for converting ASS to SRT using Subtitle Edit.

To begin, you’ll need to download the latest version of Subtitle Edit from its official website.

Download the latest installer from the official Subtitle Edit website.

Step 1: Open the ASS File

Click File > Open in the top menu of Subtitle Edit.
Locate and select the .ass file you want to convert.
The subtitle content will now be loaded, displaying timestamps, text, and formatting styles from the ASS file.

Step 2: Convert ASS to SRT

Click File > Save As from the menu bar.
In the Save as type dropdown, select SubRip (.srt) as the desired format.
Click Save to convert the file.

At this stage, Subtitle Edit will strip out advanced styling elements (like font colors and positioning) that are specific to the ASS format, leaving a clean, standard SRT file.

Step 3: Review & Fix Formatting

After conversion, it’s important to check the subtitle content for accuracy.

Review the timestamps to ensure they align correctly with the dialogue.
Look for any broken lines, missing text, or spacing issues that may need adjustment.
If necessary, use Subtitle Edit’s built-in editing tools to adjust subtitle timing and text alignment.

Once you’re satisfied, your SRT file is now ready to be used with most video players, editing software, and streaming platforms.

Method 4: Conversion Using Python

Step 1: Install Python

Go to the official Python website: https://www.python.org/
Click on the “Downloads” section and download the latest version of Python for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Run the downloaded installer.
During the installation process, make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH”.
Follow the installation instructions and complete the setup.

Step 2: Prepare the Python Script

Open a text editor (like Notepad, VS Code, or any other code editor).
Copy the provided Python script into the editor.

import re

def ass_to_srt(ass_filename, srt_filename):

def ass_time_to_srt_time(ass_time):

h, m, s = ass_time.split(‘:’)

s, cs = s.split(‘.’)

ms = str(int(cs) * 10).zfill(3) # Convert centiseconds to milliseconds

return f”{h.zfill(2)}:{m.zfill(2)}:{s.zfill(2)},{ms}”

with open(ass_filename, ‘r’, encoding=’utf-8′) as ass_file:

lines = ass_file.readlines()

dialogue_lines = [line for line in lines if line.startswith(‘Dialogue:’)]

srt_lines = []

index = 1

for line in dialogue_lines:

parts = line.split(‘,’, 9)

start_time = ass_time_to_srt_time(parts[1].strip())

end_time = ass_time_to_srt_time(parts[2].strip())

text = parts[9].strip().replace(‘\\N’, ‘\n’).replace(‘\\n’, ‘\n’)

text = re.sub(r'{.*?}’, ”, text) # Remove ASS style tags

srt_lines.append(f”{index}”)

srt_lines.append(f”{start_time} –> {end_time}”)

srt_lines.append(text)

srt_lines.append(“”)

index += 1

with open(srt_filename, ‘w’, encoding=’utf-8′) as srt_file:

srt_file.write(“\n”.join(srt_lines))

# Usage example

ass_to_srt(‘example.ass’, ‘example.srt’)

Save the file with a .py extension, e.g., convert_ass_to_srt.py.

Step 3: Run the Python Script

Before running the script, place the ASS file in the same destination as the Python script, and in the last line of the code, change ‘example.ass’ to the actual name of your ASS file. Otherwise, your code will throw an error, as seen below.

If you want to modify the name of the generated .SRT file, you can do so by changing the ‘example.srt’ text in the same line. Otherwise, leaving it as is will generate the final file with the name ‘example.srt’.

Open Command Prompt or Terminal:

Windows: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
macOS/Linux: Open the Terminal application.

Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where you saved the Python script. For example:

cd path/to/your/script

Replace path/to/your/script with the actual path to the directory.

Step 4: Run the Script

Ensure you have your .ass file in the same directory or provide the full path to it.
Run the script using the Python interpreter:

python convert_ass_to_srt.py

The script will convert example.ass to example.srt and save it in the same directory.

Step 5: Verify the Output

Check the Output File:
Locate the example.srt file in the directory.
Open it with a text editor to verify that the conversion has been done correctly.

What is ASS to SRT Conversion?

ASS to SRT conversion involves transforming Advanced SubStation Alpha (.ass) subtitle files into the more widely supported SubRip (.srt) format. This process ensures your subtitles can be used across various devices and media players, increasing accessibility for your audience.

Here is an example of the ASS subtitle format for the first few lines of Shrek 1.

Why Convert ASS to SRT?

While ASS files offer advanced styling and positioning options, they have limitations that make converting to SRT a smart choice:

Compatibility

SRT files are widely supported across various media players, devices, and platforms. Converting ASS to SRT ensures your subtitles can be played on a broader range of systems. To this day, VLC Media Player, the most used media player on Windows and MacOS, cannot natively support ASS subtitles without switching to OpenGL.

Simplicity

SRT files have a straightforward, plain text format that is easy to read and edit. This simplicity makes it easier to manage and modify your subtitles without dealing with complex formatting tags.

Streamlined Workflow

Converting ASS to SRT can help streamline your subtitle workflow, especially if you’re working with multiple platforms or collaborating with others. SRT files are more universally recognized and easier to share.

Reduced File Size

SRT files are typically smaller in size compared to ASS files, as they don’t contain extensive styling information. This can be beneficial when distributing subtitles online or embedding them in videos.

While ASS files have their place in certain situations, converting to SRT is often the best choice for ensuring maximum compatibility, simplicity, and efficiency in your subtitle workflow.

ASS vs. SRT: Which Format to Choose?

Choosing between ASS and SRT formats depends on your specific needs and the context in which you’ll use the subtitles.

Feature	ASS	SRT
Styling & Formatting	Supports advanced styling (colors, fonts, positioning)	Plain text format; no advanced styling
Compatibility	Limited compatibility; mainly used in anime and specialized media players	Widely supported across media players and platforms
Ease of Editing	More complex due to styling tags	Simple and easy to edit
File Size	Larger file size due to embedded styling data	Smaller file size
Best Use Case	Best for visually enhanced subtitles (anime, styled captions)	Best for general-purpose subtitles with broad compatibility

ASS Offers More Features: If you need advanced styling and positioning, ASS is the way to go. It’s ideal for projects where the visual component of subtitles adds to the viewer’s experience.
SRT for Broader Compatibility: If your priority is compatibility across various platforms and simplicity, SRT is the preferred choice. It’s widely supported and easy to edit.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each format allows you to make an informed decision based on your project requirements.

Is ASS Better Than SRT?

Whether ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) is better than SRT (SubRip Subtitle) depends on your specific needs.

ASS is better if you need advanced styling, including custom fonts, colors, positioning, and animations. It is commonly used in anime, karaoke subtitles, and stylized captions where visual presentation is important.

SRT is better if you need maximum compatibility, simplicity, and easy editing. It is supported by almost all media players, streaming platforms, and video editing tools, making it the preferred choice for most professional projects.

Closing Thoughts

Converting ASS to SRT is an essential process for anyone looking to improve the accessibility and professionalism of their video content. Subtitles are crucial for reaching a broader audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and for making your content more engaging and comprehensible.

For those seeking a reliable transcription tool for subtitle creation, Sonix stands out as a top choice. With its ability to transcribe with 99% accuracy in over 39 languages, Sonix ensures that your transcriptions are precise, making it easier to format and integrate subtitles into your videos with minimal manual adjustments.

Try Sonix’s free trial today and get 30-minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.