| 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:
- Copy
scripts/cli.mjs into a working folder.
- Run directly:
node .\\cli.mjs input.srt output.vtt
Workflow
- Confirm the source/target paths end with supported extensions.
- Run the CLI from the repo or after a global install.
- Spot-check the output for timing and header correctness.
- 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.
