How to Extract Subtitles from MKV Files: Best Methods

You are here because_ maybe you struggle to understand a foreign language film or TV show. Or perhaps you want to extract those subtitles for personal use or to create a more accessible video with subtitles for a wider audience. If so, you've come to the right place.

MKV (Matroska Video) files are a popular video format for storing video and audio content. They often contain embedded subtitles that can enhance your viewing experience.

So, by extracting subtitles from MKV files, you can customize your viewing experience, create subtitles for your own videos, or use them for language learning.

In this guide, we'll discuss various methods to extract subtitles from your MKV files. We'll provide step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure a smooth and efficient process. So, keep reading!

Part 1. Check the Subtitle Type and Format

Before going into the details of exporting subtitles from the MKV file, it's important to understand the types of subtitles you might encounter in MKV files.

Once you've confirmed that your MKV file contains soft subtitles, you'll need to identify their format. Two common subtitle formats are:

1. SRT (SubRip Text): It is a simple text-based format that uses timecodes to indicate when subtitles should appear and disappear.
2. ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha): A more advanced format that supports various styling options, such as fonts, colors, and effects.

   

Part 2. Methods for Extracting Subtitles From MKV Files

Extracting subtitles from MKV files can be straightforward with the right tools. Here are several methods and their step-by-step instructions for subtitle extraction.

[Method 1] Extract Subtitles on PC/Mac Using VideoProc Converter

VideoProc Converter is a versatile video-processing tool that simplifies subtitle extraction while offering additional features like video editing, audio adjustments, and file compression. With support for multiple subtitle formats and languages, it’s an excellent choice for extracting subtitles from MKV files.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to extract subtitles using VideoProc Converter:

Step 1. Download and Install VideoProc Converter

Visit the official VideoProc Converter website and download it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Step 2. Import the MKV File

Open the VideoProc Converter and Click the Video button in the top-left corner of the interface. In the file explorer window, locate and select your MKV file, then click Open.

Alternatively, drag and drop the MKV file into the central area of the VideoProc Converter window for automatic import.

Step 3. Analyze the MKV File

Once imported, the VideoProc Converter will display detailed information about the video, audio, and subtitle tracks. Click on the Disable Subtitle and then check the Subrip subtitle to enable the available subtitles.

Step 4. Access Subtitle Settings

Open the Toolbox section at the bottom of the interface. Click the gear icon next to Export Subtitle.

Step 5. Select the Subtitle Format

In the settings menu, choose the format and click Done. You can extract either ASS or SRT to Rip subtitles from MKV.

Step 6. Begin Extraction

After confirming the subtitle presence and selecting the desired format, click the RUN button in the bottom-right corner to start the extraction process.

Step 7. Locate the Extracted Subtitle File

The subtitle file is saved in the same folder as your original MKV file by default. The Image name will match the original MKV filename with an extension (e.g., MKV_filename.srt).

[Method 2] Using Subtitle Edit (Free Software)

Subtitle Edit is another free, and open-source tool designed to Rip subtitles from MKV files. It allows you to edit, synchronize, and extract subtitles from various video formats, including MKV. It supports a wide range of subtitle formats. You can extract subtitles from various video formats, including MKV.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to extract SRT or other subtitle formats:

Step 1. Download and Install

Download the latest version of Subtitle Edit and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Open Your MKV File

Simply drag and drop your MKV file onto the Subtitle Edit window. Or go to the "File" menu, select "Import," and then choose "Subtitle from video file."

Step 3. Select the Subtitle Track

If your MKV file contains multiple subtitle tracks, select the desired track from the list.

Step 4. Export the Subtitles

Go to the "File" menu and select "Save." Choose the desired output format (SRT, ASS, etc.) and save the extracted subtitle file to your preferred location.

[Method 3] Using MKVExtractGUI-2 (Free Software)

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to extract subtitles from MKV without complex editing tools, MKVExtractGUI-2 offers a user-friendly option. This free tool uses MKVToolNix to extract subtitle tracks efficiently.

Requirements

Before beginning, ensure you have both of the following:

• MKVToolNix: MKVExtractGUI-2 relies on MKVToolNix, so you need to download and install MKVToolNix from a trusted source.

• MKVExtractGUI-2: Download MKVExtractGUI-2 and extract it with a decompression tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip. Place it into the MKVToolNix folder and launch it.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1. Load Your MKV File

Drag and drop your MKV file into the Input Files area of MKVExtractGUI-2.

Step 2. Select Tracks for Extraction

MKVExtractGUI-2 will analyze the MKV file and display all embedded tracks, including video, audio, and subtitles. Locate the subtitle tracks and uncheck any unnecessary tracks if you only need the subtitles.

Step 3. Begin Extraction

With the subtitle tracks selected and the output directory set, click Extract to pull the chosen subtitle tracks from the file.

Step 4. Locate the Extracted Subtitles

Now open the specified output directory. Your extracted subtitles appear there in formats like SRT, SSA, or ASS, depending on the original subtitle format in the MKV file.

[Method 4]. Download Subtitles (If Available) Using VLC Media Player

While you cannot directly extract subtitles from MKV using VLC Media Player, it can be a useful tool for downloading subtitles that are available online.

Here's how you can use VLC to download subtitles:

Step 1. Open the MKV File

Launch VLC Media Player and open your MKV file.

Step 2. Access the Subtitle Search

Go to the "View" menu. Then, select the "VLsub" option.

Step 3. Search for Subtitles:

First, select the subtitle language and title. You'll see two options: "Search by Hash" and "Search by Name. Enter the name of your MKV file into the search bar and click "Search."

Step 4. Download Subtitles

VLC will search for available subtitles online. If found, you can select the desired subtitle language and click "Download." The subtitle file will be saved.

Note: This method relies on the availability of subtitles online. If the specific subtitles you need aren't available, VLC won't be able to extract them directly from the MKV file.