⚖️ FCPXML vs SRT vs VTT: Which Subtitle Format Should You Use?
Last updated September 22, 2026 · 10 min read
Choosing the right subtitle format saves hours of rework. This guide compares every major format with real examples and clear recommendations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Format | Best For | Styling | Browser Support |
|---|---|---|---|
SRT | YouTube, Vimeo, general | None | Universal |
WebVTT | HTML5 video, web players | CSS-like | All modern browsers |
FCPXML | Final Cut Pro, DaVinci | Full (positions, fonts) | N/A (NLE only) |
TTML/DFXP | Netflix, Amazon, broadcast | Full (region-based) | Limited |
SCC | US broadcast (CEA-608) | Basic positioning | N/A (broadcast) |
ASS/SSA | Anime, karaoke, advanced effects | Advanced (animations) | Some players |
iTT | iTunes / Apple devices | Full | Apple only |
CSV/TSV | Premiere Pro import | None | N/A (spreadsheet) |
SRT (SubRip) — The Universal Default
Pros:
- Supported by virtually every video platform
- Simple text format, easy to edit
- Universal parsing
Cons:
- No styling (font, color, size)
- Limited metadata
- Some edge cases (overlapping cues, RTL)
Use SRT when: YouTube, Vimeo, generic web video, anything that needs broad compatibility.
WebVTT — The Web Standard
WebVTT is the modern web equivalent of SRT, with CSS-like styling, positioning, and metadata support.
WEBVTT
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000
<v Speaker>Hello world!</v>
00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:08.000 align:center
This text is centered
with red color via CSS classUse WebVTT when: HTML5 video, web players, modern browsers.
FCPXML — The Editor's Choice
FCPXML is Apple's XML format for Final Cut Pro projects. It's the most powerful format for NLE workflows:
- Full styling (fonts, colors, sizes, positions)
- Multi-track support
- Project metadata, effects, transitions
- Compatible with DaVinci Resolve
Versions:
- FCPXML 1.10 — Final Cut Pro 10.5+
- FCPXML 1.11 — FCP 10.6
- FCPXML 1.14 — Latest, FCP 10.7+
Use FCPXML when: You're working in Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve and need styling, multiple tracks, or project integration.
TTML / DFXP — The Broadcast / Streaming Standard
TTML (Timed Text Markup Language) is the W3C standard used by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many broadcast workflows. Supports full styling, regions, and metadata.
Use TTML when: Delivering to Netflix, Amazon, broadcast, or any IMSC-compliant platform.
SCC — US Broadcast Legacy
SCC (Scenarist Closed Caption) is the CEA-608 closed caption format used in US broadcast television. It's positional (8 row locations) and limited but still required for some workflows.
Use SCC when: US broadcast TV delivery, ATSC compliance.
How to Choose?
Ask these questions:
- What's the final platform? → Match the format
- Need styling? → FCPXML, TTML, or WebVTT
- Working in an NLE? → FCPXML (FCPX/DaVinci), SRT (Premiere)
- Web-only? → WebVTT
- Universal fallback? → SRT