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ffmpeg-captions-subtitles

verified

Complete subtitle and caption system for FFmpeg 7.1 LTS and 8.0.1 (latest stable, released 2025-11-20). PROACTIVELY activate for: (1) Burning subtitles (hardcoding SRT/ASS/VTT), (2) Adding soft subtitle tracks, (3) Extracting subtitles from video, (4) Subtitle format conversion, (5) Styled captions (font, color, outline, shadow), (6) Subtitle positioning and alignment, (7) CEA-608/708 closed captions, (8) Text overlays with drawtext, (9) Whisper AI automatic transcription (FFmpeg 8.0+ with VAD, multi-language, GPU), (10) Batch subtitle processing. Provides: Format reference tables, styling parameter guide, position alignment charts, Whisper model comparison, VAD configuration, dynamic text examples, accessibility best practices. Ensures: Professional captions with proper styling and accessibility compliance.

View on GitHub

Marketplace

claude-plugin-marketplace

JosiahSiegel/claude-plugin-marketplace

Plugin

ffmpeg-master

Repository

JosiahSiegel/claude-plugin-marketplace
7stars

plugins/ffmpeg-master/skills/ffmpeg-captions-subtitles/SKILL.md

Last Verified

January 20, 2026

Install Skill

Select agents to install to:

Scope:
npx add-skill https://github.com/JosiahSiegel/claude-plugin-marketplace/blob/main/plugins/ffmpeg-master/skills/ffmpeg-captions-subtitles/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill ffmpeg-captions-subtitles

Installation paths:

Claude
.claude/skills/ffmpeg-captions-subtitles/
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Instructions

## CRITICAL GUIDELINES

### Windows File Path Requirements

**MANDATORY: Always Use Backslashes on Windows for File Paths**

When using Edit or Write tools on Windows, you MUST use backslashes (`\`) in file paths, NOT forward slashes (`/`).

### Documentation Guidelines

**NEVER create new documentation files unless explicitly requested by the user.**

---

## Quick Reference

| Task | Command |
|------|---------|
| Burn SRT | `ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vf "subtitles=subs.srt" output.mp4` |
| Burn ASS | `ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vf "ass=subs.ass" output.mp4` |
| Add soft sub | `ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i subs.srt -c copy -c:s mov_text output.mp4` |
| Extract sub | `ffmpeg -i video.mkv -map 0:s:0 output.srt` |
| Style subs | `-vf "subtitles=s.srt:force_style='FontSize=24,PrimaryColour=&HFFFFFF'"` |
| Text overlay | `-vf "drawtext=text='Hello':x=10:y=10:fontsize=24:fontcolor=white"` |

| Format | Extension | Best For |
|--------|-----------|----------|
| SRT | .srt | Simple, universal |
| ASS | .ass | Styled, animated, anime |
| VTT | .vtt | Web/HTML5 video |

## When to Use This Skill

Use for **subtitle and caption operations**:
- Hardcoding (burning) subtitles into video
- Adding soft subtitle tracks to containers
- Extracting subtitles from MKV/MP4
- Styling captions (font, color, position)
- Dynamic text overlays

---

# FFmpeg Captions and Subtitles (2025)

Complete guide to working with subtitles, closed captions, and text overlays using FFmpeg.

## Subtitle Format Reference

### Supported Formats

| Format | Extension | Features | Use Case |
|--------|-----------|----------|----------|
| SubRip | .srt | Simple timing + text | Universal, web |
| Advanced SubStation Alpha | .ass/.ssa | Rich styling, positioning, effects | Anime, styled subs |
| WebVTT | .vtt | Web standard, cues, styling | HTML5 video |
| TTML/DFXP | .ttml/.dfxp | Broadcast, accessibility | Streaming services |
| MOV Text | .mov (embedded) | QuickTime native | Apple ecosystem |
| DVB Subtitle | (embedded) | 

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