How to Add Subtitles on Mac

Types of Subtitles

There are two ways subtitles can be associated with a video:

• Embedded subtitles — Subtitle tracks included within the video file (common in MKV files). These are automatically detected by Vista Player.
• External subtitles — Separate subtitle files (SRT, ASS, SSA, VTT) that you load alongside the video. These are useful when the video file does not contain subtitles, or when you want to use different subtitles.

Supported Subtitle Formats

• SRT (SubRip) — The most common subtitle format, simple text-based
• ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) — Supports styling, positioning, and effects
• SSA (SubStation Alpha) — Legacy styled subtitle format
• VTT (WebVTT) — Web video text tracks format

How to Add Subtitles

Method 1: Select embedded subtitles

1. Play a video file in Vista Player.
2. Open the subtitle menu during playback.
3. Select from the available embedded subtitle tracks.

Method 2: Load external subtitle files

1. Play a video file in Vista Player.
2. Drag and drop a subtitle file (SRT, ASS, SSA, or VTT) onto the Vista Player window.
3. Alternatively, use the subtitle menu and select "Load Subtitle File" to browse for the file.
4. The subtitle will be loaded and displayed during playback.

Customizing Subtitles

Vista Player version 1.3.0 added the following subtitle customization options:

• Subtitle color — Change the text color of subtitles
• Subtitle positioning — Adjust the vertical position of subtitles
• Preferred subtitle language — Set a default language that is automatically selected when available

Tips for Finding Subtitles

• Many movies and TV shows come with embedded subtitles in multiple languages — check the subtitle menu first.
• External subtitle files should have the same base name as the video file for automatic loading (e.g., movie.srt for movie.mkv).
• SRT is the most widely compatible subtitle format.