How to Fix Subtitle Sync
Solutions for when subtitle timing doesn't match the video
❓ Why Sync Gets Off
Frame Rate Difference
Video is 23.976fps but subtitles were made for 25fps
Video Editing
Beginning of video was cut or ads were removed
Different Versions
Theatrical, TV, Director's Cut - version differences
Encoding Errors
Timing info was incorrectly processed during conversion
🔍 How to Check Sync Difference
- 1
Check when dialogue starts in video
Note the exact time when a character begins speaking
- 2
Check when subtitle appears
Note the time when the same dialogue appears as subtitle
- 3
Calculate the difference
The difference between the two times is the adjustment needed
Example:
• Dialogue starts: 00:05:30
• Subtitle appears: 00:05:33
→ Difference: -3 seconds (subtitle is 3 seconds late)
🌐 Using Online Tools
The easiest method is to use online tools.
- 1 Upload subtitle file (.srt or .smi)
- 2 Select "Sync adjustment only" for conversion type
- 3 Enter seconds in the sync adjustment field
- If subtitle is early: positive number (e.g., 3)
- If subtitle is late: negative number (e.g., -3)
- 4 Click "Convert" and download
🎬 Adjusting in Media Players
For temporary sync fixes, you can use player features. (The file itself is not changed)
PotPlayer
0.5s forward
0.5s backward
Reset
VLC Media Player
50ms backward
50ms forward
MPC-HC
0.5s forward
0.5s backward
💡 Sync Adjustment Tips
Check at the beginning
If you sync at the start, it often fixes the entire video
Use short dialogues
Short words like "Yes", "No" make timing easier to verify
Use decimal points
For precise adjustment, try 0.5 second increments
Frame rate issues
If sync drifts over time, frame rate conversion is needed
You can adjust subtitle sync for free
← Go to sync adjustment tool