ffmpeg-subtitles

Burn, mux, extract, and convert video subtitles with FFmpeg.

15|4|Updated Apr 18, 2026

Search Tags:#subtitles #ffmpeg #video-processing #format-conversion #subtitle-extraction #burn-in #subtitle-muxing

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill ffmpeg-subtitles

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ffmpeg-subtitles
Source: https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os/tree/main/skills/ffmpeg-subtitles
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill ffmpeg-subtitles

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Subtitles in video projects are tricky to manage across formats and players; this skill provides a unified way to burn-in, soft-mux, extract, and convert subtitle tracks using FFmpeg, reducing manual steps and format incompatibilities.

Core Features & Use Cases

Burn-in SRT/ASS into video to guarantee display on all players.
Soft-mux subtitle tracks in MP4/MKV/WebM for toggleable subtitles.
Extract embedded subtitle streams to standalone files and convert between formats (SRT, ASS/SSA, VTT, SUB).
Style captions and set language tags or default tracks during muxing to improve playback behavior.

Quick Start

Burn, mux, extract, or convert subtitles for a video using FFmpeg by providing a video and subtitle file.

Frequently Asked Questions about ffmpeg-subtitles

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I burn subtitles into video using FFmpeg?▼

Burn subtitles into video using FFmpeg by baking SRT or ASS text directly into the video frames, guaranteeing captions display on all players without requiring a separate subtitle track.

Can I extract embedded subtitles from an MKV file to a standalone SRT file?▼

Extract embedded subtitles from MKV files to standalone SRT files by indexing specific subtitle streams with FFmpeg, pulling caption tracks out of containers like MP4, MKV, WebM, or TS.

What is the difference between burning in subtitles and soft-muxing subtitle tracks?▼

Burning in subtitles bakes captions permanently into video frames so they always display, while soft-muxing subtitle tracks adds toggleable caption layers in MP4, MKV, or WebM containers that viewers can turn on or off.

Does FFmpeg support converting between SRT, ASS, and VTT subtitle formats?▼

FFmpeg supports converting between SRT, ASS/SSA, VTT, and SUB subtitle formats by handling charset and format differences during the conversion process to ensure compatibility across video players.

How do I set language tags and default subtitle tracks when muxing?▼

Set language tags and default track disposition when soft-muxing subtitles with FFmpeg to improve playback behavior, specifying which caption track players should select by default for multi-language video files.

Can I style fonts when burning subtitles into video with FFmpeg?▼

Apply font styling when burning subtitles into video with FFmpeg to customize caption appearance, baking styled text from SRT or ASS files directly into the output video frames.