Split Subtitle
Processed locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Quick answer
Splitting a subtitle file breaks one file into two at a timecode you choose. Crucially the timing is preserved, not reset to zero — each half keeps its original timestamps so it still lines up with its matching video segment. The classic case is a movie released as CD1 and CD2, or a two-part upload. This tool splits entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to split subtitle
Load the full file
Drop the complete subtitle file in or paste its text. This is the file that covers a video you have (or will) cut into two parts.
Set the split timecode
Enter the time to cut at — usually where the first video segment ends. Cues before it go to part one; cues at or after it go to part two.
Export both parts
Download the two files, or copy each. Both keep the original format, and each cue keeps its original time.
Why does the second half keep its original times?
This is the detail that trips people up, so it is worth being explicit. When you split at, say, 00:52:00, the cues that land in part two keep their original timestamps — a line at 01:14:30 stays at 01:14:30. The tool does not rebase the second file to start from zero. That is deliberate: it means each half still lines up with its matching video segment exactly as authored, with no re-timing needed.
Where should you cut?
Cut at the boundary between the two video segments, and pick a moment with no dialogue if you can — a scene change or a pause — so you never slice a cue in half. If a cue straddles the split point, the tool assigns it to one side rather than cutting the sentence apart.
| Cue timing | Goes to | Timestamp after split |
|---|---|---|
| 00:03:12 → 00:03:15 | Part one | Unchanged (00:03:12) |
| 00:51:58 → 00:52:01 (straddles) | One side, whole | Unchanged, not cut in two |
| 01:14:30 → 01:14:33 | Part two | Unchanged (01:14:30) — timing preserved |
When do you need to split subtitles?
- A film distributed as CD1 / CD2 — one video per disc, so you need one subtitle file per disc.
- A long recording uploaded in two parts (a lecture, a stream VOD) that each need their own captions.
- Handing two editors different halves of the same programme to work on in parallel.
- Trimming a file down to just the section that matches a clip you have cut.
In every one of these, the goal is the same: turn one caption file into two that each stand alone and each play in step with their own video. The split point is the only decision, and preserved timing means the second file needs no further work unless its video starts from zero.
How do you check the split landed correctly?
Open each half against its video segment and confirm the very first and very last lines of each part are on cue. Part one should end on the last line spoken before your cut; part two should open on the first line after it. If part two’s opening cue sits far into the timeline, that is expected — the timing was preserved on purpose, and you only rebase it if the second video begins at 00:00:00.
Is the file uploaded when I split it?
No. The split is a partition of the cue list performed in your browser; both output files are generated locally in memory. Nothing is transmitted — you can verify there is no request in the Network tab of DevTools. Confidential or pre-release captions never leave your device.
Related subtitle tools
The opposite job is merge subtitles, which joins two files back into one. To rebase or re-sync a part after splitting, use the subtitle shifter or subtitle editor. When each part is ready, add the subtitles to your video.
Your files never leave your device
Processed locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded. You can verify it yourself: open your browser’s developer tools, watch the Network tab, and use the tool — no upload request is ever made.
Frequently asked questions
Does the second file start from zero after splitting?
No. Timing is preserved, so part two keeps its original timestamps and still matches the same moment in the video. If your second video part starts at zero, split and then shift part two back by the split time.
Where should I set the split point?
At the boundary between your two video segments, ideally during a pause or scene change so no line of dialogue is cut through.
What happens to a cue that straddles the split time?
It is kept whole and assigned to one side rather than being chopped in two, so no sentence is broken across the split.
Can I split into more than two files?
Split once to get two files, then split one of those again at the next point. Repeating the cut lets you break a file into as many parts as you need.
Do both halves stay in the same format?
Yes. Each part is exported in the original format with its styling intact — only the set of cues differs between them.
Why would I split instead of just trimming in an editor?
Splitting is instant, keeps exact timing, and needs no video editor. It is the quickest way to get one subtitle file per part of a CD1/CD2 or two-part release.
Are the cues renumbered in each part?
Yes. Each output file is renumbered from 1 so both are valid standalone subtitle files.