Tips Using FFmpeg to Add Subtitles to MKV Files

ffmpeg -i video.mkv -vf subtitles=sub.srt out.mp4

ffmpeg -i video.mkv -map 0:0 -map 0:1 -map 0:4 -c:v copy -c:a copy -c:v copy out.mp4

However, there are many issues when using FFmpeg to embed subtitles to MKV or other videos like codec frame rate differs from container frame rate and the process is too hard for a newbie. In this case, we’d like to recommend an alternative to FFmpeg, which allows you to add subtitle to MKV, AVI, MP4 easily within a few clicks.

By our experts testing, Brorsoft Video Converter Ultimate not only works as a professional video converter app, but also is professionalized in adding and loading external subtitles(*.srt and *.ass, *.ssa) to MKV, AVI, MP4, WMV, etc video files effortlessly. 

What’s more, this all-in-one program has many other functions to help you edit videos like trim, corp, add special effects... and it even can rip Blu-ray, DVD in one place. If you are running on Mac OS X to add external subtitles to videos on Mac, Brorsoft iMedia Converter for Mac is would be the best choice. 

  

READ MORE:  Fix FFmpeg and HEVC Transcoding Issues 

After download and installation of Brorsoft Video Converter Ultimate, you can start to embed subtitles to MKV video. And if you have not subtitles yet, try to extract from a source video or find the subtitles online at Opensubtitles or Subscene (you have other options) by searching for the movie's name and the language you'd like. When you find suitable subtitles, make sure your MKV video and subtitles names are the same. 

Now follow the guide How to Attach Subtitles to MKV step by step.

Within a few steps, you can get a new file with right subtitles for great enjoyment.