What Is SRT Translation?

SRT translation is the process of converting the dialogue text in an SRT (SubRip) subtitle file from one language to another. Unlike synchronization — which adjusts timing — translation changes the language content while preserving the timing and cue structure of each subtitle entry.

A typical SRT file contains numbered cues with start and end timestamps and a block of dialogue text. During translation, the timing of every cue stays the same while the text is converted into the target language. This allows you to use the same synchronized subtitle file with viewers who speak a different language.

SyncFlow provides AI-powered translation using Groq's Llama-3.3-70B model. The source language is detected automatically, and you choose the target language. Each cue is translated in context, producing natural-sounding results that preserve the meaning and tone of the original dialogue.

How AI Subtitle Translation Works

SyncFlow's translation feature uses a private AI pipeline that prioritizes your privacy:

Supported Languages

SyncFlow uses Groq's Llama-3.3-70B model, which provides high-quality translation across a wide range of languages. The model handles both common and less widely spoken languages with good accuracy, especially for European and Asian language pairs.

The source language is detected automatically, so you do not need to specify it before translating. For best results on content with frequent code-switching or technical terminology, review the translated cues and make any necessary adjustments using the inline editor. The model understands context across cue boundaries, so a line that continues from the previous cue will preserve the conversational flow.

Translation Workflow

The full translation workflow in SyncFlow takes you from loading an SRT file to exporting a fully translated result. Each stage is designed to give you control over the quality and accuracy of the output.

Pre-Translation: Sync First

Before translating, ensure your subtitles are properly synchronized. Translate the timing first, then the language. SyncFlow lets you apply offset adjustment, tap-to-sync, or linear drift calibration before translation. Once the timing is correct, the translation preserves those accurate timestamps. See the SRT sync tool for detailed timing correction workflows.

Bulk Translation

Translate all cues at once with the Auto-Translate button. The entire subtitle text is sent as a single request, which helps the model maintain context and consistency across the full transcript. Characters, names, and stylistic choices are preserved across cues. Bulk translation completes in seconds for most files under 500 cues.

Selective Translation

You can also select individual cues or ranges of cues to translate. This is useful when you already have a partially translated file and only need to translate new or updated sections. Select cues in the Cues Registry and choose Translate Selected from the AI panel.

Post-Translation Review

After translation, review the Cues Registry for any lines that need adjustment. Common post-translation edits include fixing character names that were transliterated instead of kept in the original form, adjusting technical terms specific to your content, and rephrasing lines that feel less natural in the target language. The inline editor makes these adjustments quick.

Edit Translated Subtitles

SyncFlow provides full editing capabilities for your translated subtitles. Every cue in the Cues Registry can be modified directly, giving you complete control over the final output.

Inline Text Editing

Click any cue to edit its text directly in the Cues Registry. Changes are applied immediately and displayed in the waveform preview. You can also adjust the start and end times of individual cues by dragging the cue markers on the waveform or by entering precise timestamp values.

Split and Merge Cues

If a translated cue is too long for comfortable reading, you can split it into two separate cues. Conversely, if two short cues would read better as a single subtitle, merge them. Both operations preserve the surrounding timing and cue numbering.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Use Tab to jump between cues, Enter to save an edited cue, and Ctrl+Z to undo changes. The waveform preview with cue markers provides visual feedback for all timing adjustments.

Supported Subtitle Formats

SyncFlow supports the two most common subtitle formats for translation workflows:

SyncFlow can load an SRT or VTT file, translate its content, and export the result in either format. Conversion between SRT and VTT happens automatically during export — no separate conversion step needed. Load an SRT file and export as VTT, or load VTT and export as SRT.

For more details on subtitle format differences, see the subtitle formats guide.

Save and Export Process

Export Translated Subtitles

Click Save Corrected Subtitles to download your translated SRT or VTT file. The exported file contains all translated text with the original timing intact. Choose your output format (SRT or VTT) before downloading.

Save Project Files

For complex translation projects — especially when combining translation with timing adjustments — SyncFlow lets you save your entire project as a .syncflow file. This preserves your video reference, subtitle cues, offset value, anchor points, translated text, and any inline edits. Reload the project later to continue editing, re-translate, or export in a different format.

The project file is a lightweight JSON-based format that contains only the subtitle data and synchronization settings — it does not include the video file itself. This keeps save and load operations fast even for long videos.