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2 Actionable Ways to Extract Subtitles from MKV Videos without Quality Loss

Liza Brown
Liza Brown Originally published Aug 25, 22, updated Sep 29, 24

The subtitles are a great way of watching movies in a foreign language, but in several situations, you would need to extract or remove these subtitles from your MKV videos. For instance, if you are fond of watching movies with a clear screen, getting a clean video at times can be a task, and here the need to remove the subtitle SRT files arises. Some of the other possible reasons for removing the subtitles are synchronization issues, changing the subtitle language, using the extracted subtitles in other high-quality videos, incompatible codec issues, and more.

MKV is a popularly used multimedia format that is capable of containing multiple metadata including videos, audio, chapters, subtitles, and more. So, if you too have downloaded an MKV video having subtitles online or ripped it from a DVD. This article will help you to know the 2 actionable ways for extracting the subtitles. So, keep reading to learn about srt extractor tools.

mkv subtitle extractor
In this article
  1. Part 1: Not All Subtitles for MKV files Can Be Extracted (Hardsub Vs. Softsub)
  2. Part 2. 2 Actionable ways for extracting subtitles from MKV videos
    1. Solution 1: Extract Subtitles from MKV Videos Online Extractors
    2. Solution 2: Rip Subtitles from MKV Video with Extractor Software
  3. Pro Tips: How do I Edit embedded SRT subtitles in MKV?
  4. Hot FAQs on Extracting SRT from MKV

Part 1: Not All Subtitles for MKV files Can Be Extracted (Hardsub Vs. Softsub)

As we have mentioned that there are tools and programs available that can help you remove the subtitle srt files, but here one thing needs to be remembered not all types of subtitle files can be extracted from the MKV videos. The reason for this lies in the type of subtitles used in the videos. So, first, let's learn about subtitle types and their differences.

There are two major types of forms of subtitles- hardsubs (also known as hardcoded subtitles or open subtitles) or softsubs (also known as closed subtitles or softcoded subtitles).

Hardsubs are the subtitles that are burned in the image of the videos and thus cannot be extracted, removed, hidden, or disabled when the video files are played.

Softsubs are the subtitles that are added as external files to the video container as an independent stream and thus can be turned off, removed, or extracted.

So, what we guide here is for ripping softsubs from videos in MKV videos. Now, let's dive into the details.

Part 2. 2 Actionable ways for extracting subtitles from MKV videos

There are two different ways by which subtitles can be extracted from MKV files.

Solution 1: Extract Subtitles from MKV Videos Online Extractors

If you are looking for a quick and simple solution for subtitle removal, online tools work as an apt choice. There are several browser-based programs available that works directly from your browser, are simple to use, and need no software download or installation. Below listed are popularly used 3 tools in the category.

  1. SubtitleVideo

This is a widely used online tool that allows extracting subtitle srt files from an array of video files including MKV, MP4, FLV, MOV, and others.

Key Feature

  • Free to use online tool for srt extract.
  • Support to a wide range of video formats including MKV, MP$, 3GP, FLV, and others.
  • Support to a wide range of video languages.
  • Allows extracting subtitles from a local video or using a video link.
Pros
  • Simple and free tool.
  • Support for multiple video formats
  • Allows getting audio transcription.
  • Support to Text Detection (OCR).
  • Subtitles can be downloaded in SRT and VTT format.
  • Option to preview the video.
  • Offers 24X7 support.
Cons
  • Internet dependency.
  • Need to provide a valid email id for processing the files.
  • The free version allows uploading videos of only up to 25MB.
  • The free version has a slow subtitle extraction speed.

Best for: This online tool is best when you wish to extract subtitles not only from your local files but also from videos on video sites like YouTube and others. Using the tool, you can also add captions to YouTube, Facebook, and other sites.

subtitlevideo
  1. Savesubs

This is a multitasking online tool that allows you to convert, edit, download, as well as extract subtitles.

Key features

  • Allows downloading subtitles from local as well as online sites like YouTube, Facebook, DailyMotion, and more.
  • Simple and user-friendly interface.
  • Free to use browser-based program.
Pros
  • No need for any software download or registration.
  • Simple and quick file processing.
  • Add URL or local files.
  • Option to share with friends.
Cons
  • Works only when the internet is available.
  • Limited format supported for local files.
  • Limited additional features.

Best for- When you want to extract and download subtitles from YouTube, Facebook, and other online sites in a simple manner, Savesubs works as the best tool.

savesubs
  1. Veed

Relied by all, Veed is a feature-packed tool for performing an array of video-related tasks including subtitle extraction.

Key features

  • Free to use online tools for a variety of video tasks.
  • Allows extracting and downloading subtitles from videos in an array of formats.
  • Online videos from popular sites can be added.
  • Allows to work manually or through auto-generated subtitles.
  • Option to edit the subtitles if needed.
Pros
  • Easy to use tool without any training required.
  • Support to local, and online files.
  • Subtitles support multiple formats including SRT, ASS, VTT, SSA, and TXT.
  • Allows editing the subtitles and also choosing their font.
Cons
  • Dependency on internet connectivity.
  • The free version has a watermark on the processed files.
  • With too many features and options, the interface may appear confusing to many.

Best for: Veed is an apt tool for users who want subtitles in an array of formats.

veed

Steps for extracting subtitles

Above we have listed 3 online tools and the steps for extracting subtitles using them are more or less the same. To run you through the general process and steps, below we have listed the steps using Savesubs.

Steps to extract subtitles using Savesubs

Step1On your system browser and vist Savesubs.

Step2Next, add the video URL or enter any keyword related to the video for which you wish to extract the subtitles. Alternatively, you can also add local files by clicking on the

Select Files button. Click on the Download button.

Step3Tap on the Click here to extract button for the tool to start extracting the subtitles.

Solution 2: Rip Subtitles from MKV Video with Extractor Software

Though online tools are simple to use, they are dependent on internet connectivity and have limited additional features. So, if you want to extract SRT subtitles even when there is no network and with added functions, desktop software works as the best choice.

With a wide range of these extractor software available, selecting one can be a daunting task and to help you with this, we have shortlisted a few popular and reliable programs as below.

  1. CCExtractor

Popular among users across the globe, this free desktop software is known as “de-factor open source for closed captions”.

Key features of the software

  • Allows extracting subtitles from a wide range of media files.
  • Support to multiple formats including MKV, MP4, MPEG, and more.
  • Free to use software with a user-friendly interface.
  • Compatible with Windows, Linux, and OSX platforms.
Pros
  • Simple to use free tool for subtitle extraction.
  • Multi-platform support.
  • A small and portable program that is fast in functioning.
Cons
  • Software needs to be downloaded and installed on your system.
  • Too many settings and features on the interface make it look crammed.

Best for: If you are looking for a free and open-source tool that can work on multiple platforms, CCExtractor is an apt choice.

ccextractor
  1. VideoProc

For Windows and Mac users, VideoProc works as a great tool to extract subtitles from videos in MKV, MP4, VOB, AVI, and other formats.

Key features of the software

  • Multi-tasking desktop software supporting subtitle extraction as well.
  • Allows extracting subtitles from videos in an array of formats including MKV, AVI, MP4, and more.
  • Multiple video editing options are supported like cutting, cropping, rotating, merging, and more.
  • Also allows searching and adding subtitles files.
Pros
  • Subtitles can be extracted from multiple video file formats. So, you can extract SRT from MP4 as well as other video formats.
  • Subtitles can be downloaded and added in srt, ss, and ssa format in one go.
  • Support for downloading subtitles for movies and TV shows in multiple languages.
  • Multiple video editing options are supported.
Cons
  • Lack tutorials which might take time for first-time users to understand the tool.
  • A lot of users complain of lagging issues.
  • Paid software.

Best for: If you are looking for a tool that not only lets you extract the subtitles but also performs other video editing functions, VideoProc will work great.

videoproc
  1. Jubler

This is a free and open-source tool known for editing text-based subtitles. The most popular subtitle formats can be used. Preview of the subtitles in real-time or in design time, spell checking, translation mode and styles editing are some of the main features.

Key Features of the software

  • Free and open-source tool under GNU public license.
  • Allows editing text-based subtitles by converting, correcting, transforming, and converting.
  • New subtitles can also be added using the software.
  • Support to preview the subtitles in the design-time or real-time.
  • Support additional features like style editing, spell-check, translation mode, and more.
Pros
  • Free and open-source tool.
  • Allows adding new subtitles as well as editing the existing ones.
  • Allows using the popular subtitle formats.
  • Feature to preview the subtitles in design-time or real-time.
Cons
  • Software download is needed.
  • Limited format support.

Best for: The tool is apt for users who need a free tool that can work on Windows as well as Mac systems.

jubler

How to extract subtitles using extractor software?

The main key steps for extracting the subtitles using desktop software may differ from tool to tool. Below listed are the steps using CCExtractor for your reference.

Steps to extract subtitles using CCExtractor

Step1Download and install the software on your system.

Step2Next, run CCExtractorGUI.exe and drag the video file to the program under the Input file tab.

Step3Next at the Output (1) tab choose output type as .srt and at the Output (2) tab select UTF-8 Encoding.

Step4Tap on the Execution tab bar and then click on the Start button. The program will start processing and the subtitle SRT file will be generated and will appear with the source video in the same folder.

Pro Tips: How do I Edit embedded SRT subtitles in MKV?

Above we have talked about the ways by which subtitles can be extracted from MKV files. But if you need to edit the embedded SRT subtitles in your MKV videos, professional software would be needed and here we recommend Wondershare Filmora as the best choice.

Wondershare Filmora is a versatile Windows and Mac-based video editing tool that supports a wide range of editing functions like visual effects, transitions, PIP, green screen, split screen, AI portrait, auto reframe, and screen recorder, masking, and many more.

The software supports multiple subtitles-related functions like editing embedded SRT files, speech-to-text, and text to speech.

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Steps to edit embedded SRT subtitles in MKV files using Wondershare Filmora

Step1Download, install, and launch the software on your system. In the Media Resources area import the SRT subtitles files.

Step2Next, right-click on the timeline and then choose Advanced Edit or double-click on the selected SRT file to clip.

edit srt wondershare filmora 1

Step3In the next step, multiple subtitle editing tasks can be done like – editing time code, changing the subtitles, add/remove/merge subtitle strips, and changing subtitle styles.

edit srt wondershare filmora 2

Step4Finally, choose the SRT file at the timeline and then right-click and choose Export Subtitle File.

edit srt wondershare filmora 3

Above are the brief steps for editing the subtitles. You can check the detailed steps at this link here.

Hot FAQs on Extracting SRT from MKV

Below listed are some commonly asked questions and their answers.

1. Except for SRT, what types of subtitle formats does MKV support?

The subtitle formats supported by the MKV file include SRT, PGS/SUP, VobSub, and SSA.

2. Can VLC extract subtitles?

Though VLC is a media player, it supports an array of additional features as well including subtitle extraction. Using the software, you can also add subtitles to the video.

3. How can I extract hardcoded subtitles from a video?

The only solution for extracting hardcoded subtitles from a video is by using the Optical Character Recognition (OTR) technology.

Final Words

We hope, we have answered all your queries and doubts related to subtitle extraction in the article above. The choice of choosing an online tool or a desktop software depends on your requirements and the subtitle file. For editing the subtitles, you can rely on Wondershare Filmora which is an excellent all-in-one video editing tool.

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Liza Brown
Liza Brown Sep 29, 24
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