How to Remove Subtitles from Video (Soft & Hardcoded)

Whether you're dealing with distracting hardcoded subtitles or simply want a clean video file, removing subtitles is a common editing task. This guide will show you three simple and effective methods to remove any subtitles from your video, whether you're working on a PC or a mobile device. We'll cover everything from powerful AI tools to free subtitle remover apps.

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: What Are the Types of Subtitles? (Hardcoded vs. Soft)
• Method 1: How to Remove Any Subtitle with Filmora Video Editor (Easiest Way)
• Method 2: How to Remove Subtitles on Your Phone (Filmora Mobile App)
• Method 3: How to Remove Soft Subtitles for Free (Using Handbrake)
• FAQs About How to Remove Subtitles from Video

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Part 1: What Are the Types of Subtitles? (Hardcoded vs. Soft)

There are typically two kinds of subtitles: Hardcoded subtitles and soft subtitles.

Hardcoded subtitles are the ones that are already embedded in the movies and the user cannot use tools to remove this option. These subtitles are irremovable and cannot be changed or removed altogether.

The soft subtitles are the ones where the subtitles are not embedded into the movie and are supposed to be added by the user. This can be done by overlaying the subtitles onto the video that is available. If you only downloaded the subtitles, then they would be considered raw. So, it basically means that hardcoded subtitles are part of the video images and cannot be got rid of whereas, soft subtitles are primarily an independent stream and can be turned on or turned off as per the user's wish.

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Method 1: How to Remove Any Subtitle with Filmora Video Editor (Easiest Way)

Wondershare Filmorais a powerful video editor with easy to use features. You can remove soft subtitles easily by blurring. You can even get out hardcoded subtitles by crop and zoom. More than that, if you want to add subtitles back, Filmora also supports that. By editing the color and font, your subtitles look clearer and easy to understand. If you want to know more features about Filmora, check the video below. Just download it to have a try!

Check subtitle type

Initially you need to check if the subtitles are hard-coded or simply soft subtitles. This can be done using some software tools like IDealshare VideoGo, Faasoft Subtitle Remover and MKVExractGUI. The software has the option of adding files and all you need to do is choose from the list of AVI, MP4, VOB, FLV, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MKV files you have, and select the ones in which you want the subtitles removed. Using the subtitle setting drop-down button, you get to know if the subtitles are hardcoded or just soft. If it is soft, this software can remove the subtitles easily.

For Hardcoded Subtitles: Crop and Zoom

If the subtitles are hardcoded, we all know that it's practically impossible to remove them. In this case, you need to use the cropping tool to crop the bottom half of the video that you consider. You can use Wondershare Filmora to crop the video clips into any aspect ratio you want. Just open the program, drag the video into the timeline, right-click on the clip, select Crop and Zoom, and adjust the crop frame to get out subtitles. Check the step by step crop and zoom video tutorial in the end.

Alternative for Hardcoded Subtitles: Use the AI Object Remover

Another way you can remove subtitles is by using Filmora’s AI object remover. In this method, Filmora physically removes the subtitle from the video and blends the result naturally with the background.

Step 1: Go to Video > AI Tools > AI Object Remover from the side panel.

Step 2: Use the brush to mark the subtitle area. This step will automatically clean up the subtitle area and remove existing text.

4. Save and Export

Once you are done with cropping the video, that's not all. You have to now save and export the video into the desired format by clicking on the Export option that is already present in the software.

For Soft Subtitles: Turn Them Off Directly

If your video contains soft subtitles, removing them in Filmora is incredibly simple. After importing your video to the timeline, you can simply disable the subtitle track.

However, imported soft subtitles often aren't displayed by Filmora on the timeline. Simply proceed with your editing and export; the resulting file will not contain the original soft subtitles.

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Method 2: How to Remove Subtitles on Your Phone (Filmora Mobile App)

Sometimes, you might not have a desktop to edit or remove subtitles from the video. Don’t worry. An alternative you can use on your phone is Filmora mobile, which still works with MKV, MP4, and AVI file types. Earlier, you’ve seen how Filmora’s desktop version can remove subtitles from videos using the AI object remover. You’ll be glad the same tool is available on the mobile version.

Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: From the homepage, select AI Remover. Then, select Remove Text and tap Try Now.

Step 2: Locate the video with the subtitle you want to remove and tap Next.

Step 3: Move the AI object remover reticle across the subtitle area. Once done, tap Process Now.

After performing these steps, you should have your video with removed subtitles. Like the desktop version, you'll notice that the subtitle will be naturally removed, and its background won’t be weird to look at.

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Method 3: How to Remove Soft Subtitles for Free (Using Handbrake)

Handbrake is a totally free open-source video transcoder. You can remove subtitles in the interface after import videos. Follow the steps below to have a try.

Step 1: Open Handbrake and import video, or you can just drop the video to interface.

Step 2: Click the Subtitles tab in below. Choose Clear.

Step 3: Click Browse to choose where the filed is located. Then choose Start Encode at the top. Depending on the size of the video, you may need to wait for a while. After exporting, you will find the subtitle is gone.

However, you can only remove soft subtitles with Handbrake. If you want to remove hardcoded subtitles, try Filmora.

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Conclusion

This is how you remove the hardcoded subtitles from any video, be it MKV, ALV, OGV, WMV, MP4, FLV, etc. Check the crop and zoom steps to remove hardcoded subtitles.

You might be interested in How to add external SRT subtitles in video

FAQs About How to Remove Subtitles from Video

Can I remove subtitles from a video online for free?

Yes, there are some online tools available, but they often have limitations on file size, privacy concerns, or add watermarks. For a more reliable solution, using a desktop app like Handbrake for soft subtitles or a powerful editor like Filmora for hardcoded subtitles is recommended.

What is the best app to remove subtitles from a video?

For mobile users, the Filmora mobile app is an excellent choice. It includes the AI Object Remover, which can cleanly remove hardcoded subtitles directly on your phone.

Is it possible to remove hardcoded subtitles without cropping?

Absolutely. While cropping is one method, a more advanced technique is to use an AI-powered tool like Filmora's AI Object Remover. It intelligently removes the text and fills in the background, preserving your video's original aspect ratio.