Mastering Subtitle Management in VLC Player
VLC Player stands as a premier choice for video playback on PCs, boasting an array of features that enhance your viewing experience. One of its standout attributes is the seamless integration of subtitle management directly within the player. Whether your video comes with built-in subtitles or you wish to add them from an external file, VLC provides intuitive options to download and manage subtitles effortlessly.
Downloading Subtitles in VLC Classic Player
In the past, users had to rely on the VLSub extension to procure subtitles in the VLC Classic Player. Fortunately, this functionality has now been incorporated directly into the VLC desktop versions, streamlining the process significantly.
To get started, launch VLC on your desktop and open the desired video. Navigate to the View menu where you’ll discover the VLSub option. For macOS users, access VLC -> Extension -> VLSub to activate this extension.
Within the VLSub interface, you can select your preferred subtitle language and enter the title of your film. Hit the Search by name button, which will pull up related subtitles from OpenSubtitles.org directly.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Search by hash method, which identifies the subtitle based on the video’s hash. It’s essential to note that this method may fail if the video format has been altered.
Once you find a suitable subtitle in the results, highlight it and click on Download selection. This action will generate a blue Download link. Click it to reveal the Save As dialog box—here, you can choose where to save your subtitle file, with the default being the same location as your video. You can now easily load this file in VLC as outlined in the sections below.
Fetching Subtitles on VLC UWP for Windows
If you’re running Windows, the VLC Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app offers an even simpler route for downloading subtitles.
Begin by right-clicking your video file, then select the VLC option to open it with the UWP app. Once opened, locate the dialogue box icon at the bottom and click it to access the different options. Select Subtitles, which will bring up a new pop-up window.
If available, any subtitle tracks will be displayed under the Subtitles section. Simply click Download to retrieve the subtitles for immediate use.
Adding Subtitles Manually in VLC Classic Player
Another effective method to manage subtitles in VLC Classic Player is by manually adding subtitle files that you’ve downloaded externally.
To do this, navigate to Subtitle -> Add Subtitle File.
A new File Explorer window will appear, allowing you to select your downloaded subtitle file. VLC supports a variety of formats, including SRT, TXT, CDG, IDX, among others.
Once you’ve added the subtitle file, it will be rendered on your video immediately. If the subtitles are open source, you can later download them through VLSub.
Embedding Live Subtitles Within Your Video in VLC Player
This feature is particularly beneficial if you’re lacking readily available subtitles. VLC has an option to auto-generate subtitles based on the background audio of your Windows PC.
To activate this, navigate to Settings -> Accessibility -> Captions -> Live Captions. Once enabled, your laptop is equipped to display live captions in the system’s language.
After enabling live captions, open VLC Classic Player. The subtitles should appear on the top of the screen, enhancing your viewing of movies and shows.
To download these live captions, go to Media -> Convert/Save. In the Open Media dialog, switch to Capture Device. Under Capture mode, select DirectShow and specify your microphone as the Audio device name.
Then, click Convert/Save.
Lastly, select a destination folder for your file along with the desired video format. The subtitles will be embedded seamlessly within this video file, giving you more options, especially if you plan to upload to platforms like YouTube.
Downloading Subtitles on the VLC Mobile App
In addition to the desktop application, the VLC mobile app also facilitates subtitle downloads, making it a versatile option for your viewing needs.
Start by opening a video within the VLC mobile app. Tap the screen to reveal on-screen controls, and then select the Audio track and subtitle button located in the corner of your display.
From there, tap the dropdown next to the Subtitles section and select the Download subtitles button. The app will automatically search for subtitles corresponding to your video’s title.
You also have the option to manually search for specific subtitles, including episodes or seasons for series.
VLC offers a range of features that elevate your media experience. If you regularly use VLC for your videos, consider checking out a list of useful keyboard shortcuts. Moreover, explore how to rotate a video in VLC and ways to control VLC with your Android device. If you’re interested in transcoding media files, VLC has options to help with that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I download subtitles from any video in VLC?
Yes, as long as the subtitles are available in the OpenSubtitles database or you have an external subtitle file, you can download or manually add them to your video.
2. What formats do VLC Player support for subtitle files?
VLC Player supports several subtitle formats, including SRT, TXT, CDG, IDX, and more, making it easy to integrate subtitles into your video playback.
3. Is it possible to edit subtitles after downloading them?
While VLC allows you to display subtitles, it does not include built-in tools for editing them. You would need to use an external subtitle editor for any modifications.
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