caption-convert

name	caption-convert
description	Convert subtitle/caption files between .srt, .vtt, and .ass using the caption-convert CLI. Use when asked to convert subtitles, run/verify the caption-convert command, or explain its format handling and limitations. Includes a bundled CLI in scripts/cli.mjs for use outside this repo.

Caption Convert

Overview

Convert subtitle files between SRT, WebVTT, and ASS using the local caption-convert CLI. Rely on file extensions to pick input/output formats and keep conversion notes in mind.

Quick Start

• Run after global install: caption-convert input.srt output.vtt
• Run from repo without install: node .\\src\\cli.mjs input.vtt output.ass
• Use extensions .srt, .vtt, or .ass for both source and target
• Requires Node.js 18+

Bundled Tool (scripts/cli.mjs)

If the repo is not available, use the bundled CLI in scripts/cli.mjs:

1. Copy scripts/cli.mjs into a working folder.
2. Run directly: node .\\cli.mjs input.srt output.vtt

Workflow

1. Confirm the source/target paths end with supported extensions.
2. Run the CLI from the repo or after a global install.
3. Spot-check the output for timing and header correctness.
4. Call out format limitations that may drop styling/metadata.

Format Notes and Limitations

• Infer formats strictly from filename extensions; unsupported or missing extensions exit with usage.
• Skip cues with invalid or unparseable time lines.
• Output .vtt always includes a WEBVTT header.
• Convert .ass output with a fixed header and default styles; styling from source is not preserved.
• Strip ASS override tags ({...}) and convert \\N/\\n to line breaks on input.

Examples

caption-convert demo.srt demo.vtt
caption-convert demo.vtt demo.ass
node .\src\cli.mjs demo.ass demo.srt

Troubleshooting

• If the CLI prints usage, check that both paths are provided and use supported extensions.
• Ensure Node.js 18+ is available when running via node.