How to Get SRT Subtitle File To Print on MP4 from Handbrake?

[pone44]

I am using Handbrake to convert a DVD VOB into MP4. That works. In the Subtitle tab of Handbrake, I import an SRT file. But when I create the MP4, the subtitles are nowhere to be seen. What is the trick to getting Handbrake to use the SRT file to generate the subtitles and put them into the MP4 frames?

[Baldrick]

Use vidcoder instead (it uses HandBrake), see https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/364372-How-to-easily-burn-in-hardcode-srt-subtitles...-with-VidCoder

[Coffindan]

I usually load the srt file and check "burn in". This makes the subs non removable. I cant remember the other option but I believe that adds the subs with the ability to turn them on and off.

[pone44]

I usually load the srt file and check "burn in". This makes the subs non removable. I cant remember the other option but I believe that adds the subs with the ability to turn them on and off.

I did try "Burn In" prior to my original post, and nothing shows up. I'm pretty sure I need some other option in Handbrake enabled, probably.

[pone44]

Use vidcoder instead (it uses HandBrake), see https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/364372-How-to-easily-burn-in-hardcode-srt-subtitles...-with-VidCoder

There is no way you can compare the sophistication and functionality of Handbrake to VidCoder. I really want to be able to use the full feature set of Handbrake to make a very high quality MP4, with fairly fine-tuned control for each video.

[Baldrick]

What features are you missing in vidcoder? It uses handbrake...and you can control most settings...

I haven't had any luck burning in external srt subs with handbrake.

[pone44]

What features are you missing in vidcoder? It uses handbrake...and you can control most settings...

I haven't had any luck burning in external srt subs with handbrake.

It is really weird that VidCoder can get the SRT to work when it only passes through commands to HandBrake. Doesn't that seem to imply that HandBrake can do the work, but just needs to be set up the right way?

[videobruger]

HandBrake vers 0.10.0.6534 can hardcode external SRT subtitles.

[pone44]

HandBrake vers 0.10.0.6534 can hardcode external SRT subtitles.

That is the version I am using. So what is the trick?

I must be missing something very basic.

[videobruger]

I can hardly see what you can do wrong. Use the Import SRT button. Tick the Burn-in checkbox. Start.

[pone44]

I can hardly see what you can do wrong. Use the Import SRT button. Tick the Burn-in checkbox. Start.

That is exactly what I do, but they do not show up. Is it possible HandBrake has some bug where it will not generate the subtitles for previews?

[videobruger]

Previews? If you want a "preview" encode a couple of minutes.

[pone44]

Okay, problem is solved! HandBrake has a "feature" that when you press the Preview button it does NOT do either of the following:

1) Include subtitles embedded in the source VOB

2) Include subtitles imported from an SRT file

But when you generate the video by the Start button, it does BOTH of the above. In my case I ended up with two overlapping sets of subtitles! When it rains, it pours

If you prefer to use the subtitles in the original, then just export those into the VOB that you create using DVD Decrypter or similar tool.

If you prefer to use subtitles from an SRT file, then do NOT export the subtitle stream into the VOB that you feed as input to Handbrake. Then import the SRT in Handbrake.

Case closed.

[Baldrick]

OKey. Good to know and I guess it's time for me to upgrade to 0.10.1+...but I still prefer Vidcoder.

[pone44]

Okay, problem is solved! HandBrake has a "feature" that when you press the Preview button it does NOT do either of the following:

1) Include subtitles embedded in the source VOB

2) Include subtitles imported from an SRT file

But when you generate the video by the Start button, it does BOTH of the above. In my case I ended up with two overlapping sets of subtitles! When it rains, it pours

If you prefer to use the subtitles in the original, then just export those into the VOB that you create using DVD Decrypter or similar tool.

If you prefer to use subtitles from an SRT file, then do NOT export the subtitle stream into the VOB that you feed as input to Handbrake. Then import the SRT in Handbrake.

Case closed.

Well, I spoke too soon. If I use as a source to HandBrake a VOB that has video, audio, and subtitle tracks, then import an SRT subtitle, HandBrake creates TWO subtitles, with the SRT overlaid on the original subtitle images.

If I do NOT import the SRT, and instead in the subtitles tab I insert all available tracks I get a "Foreign Audio Scan" as the only subtitle track it finds. When I create the MP4, there are NO subtitles in the final MP4.

So if I insert SRT, I get two subtitles in the final MP4. If I don't insert SRT and just deal with the original subtitle track, there is no way to include it.

Really looks like a bug.