Subtitle sync guide
How to sync subtitles in VLC
VLC lets you fix out-of-sync subtitles while the video plays — no editing required. Use the keyboard shortcut for quick nudges, or set an exact delay in Track Synchronization.
Works on: Windows · macOS · Linux · Android · iOS
Quick shortcut
Step by step
- 1
Start the video with subtitles on
Play your file in VLC and make sure the subtitle track is showing (Subtitle ▸ Sub Track).
- 2
Watch which way the timing is off
If the text shows before the line is spoken, the subtitles are early. If it lags behind the dialogue, they are late.
- 3
Press G or H to nudge the timing
On Windows and Linux, press H to push subtitles later or G to pull them earlier. Each press moves them 50 ms; hold to repeat. VLC shows the current delay on screen.
- 4
Or set an exact delay
Open Tools ▸ Track Synchronization (on a Mac, Window ▸ Track Synchronization) and type a value in “Subtitle track synchronization”. A positive number delays the subtitles; a negative number advances them.
- 5
Make it permanent (optional)
VLC’s delay only lasts for the session. To bake the correct timing into the file itself, run it through the SubAlign subtitle sync tool once and re-save.
On macOS the default G/H keys can differ between VLC versions. If they do nothing, use Window ▸ Track Synchronization, or check VLC ▸ Settings ▸ Hotkeys to see the keys assigned to “Subtitle delay up/down”.
On Android and iOS, tap the screen during playback and use the audio/subtitle delay button to adjust the offset in milliseconds.
Fix the subtitle file permanently
The delay in VLC is only temporary. To fix the timing for good, correct the subtitle file once and it plays in sync everywhere.
Open the free sync toolVLC subtitle sync FAQ
What is the VLC subtitle sync shortcut?
On Windows and Linux, press H to make subtitles appear later and G to make them appear earlier. Each press changes the delay by 50 milliseconds, and VLC shows the running total on screen.
How do I sync subtitles in VLC on a Mac?
Open Window ▸ Track Synchronization and set a value in “Subtitle track synchronization” — positive delays the text, negative advances it. The G/H keyboard shortcuts also work in many Mac builds; you can confirm or change them under VLC ▸ Settings ▸ Hotkeys.
Does the VLC subtitle delay save permanently?
No. The delay only applies to the current session and resets when you reopen the file. To fix the timing permanently, correct the subtitle file itself with the SubAlign sync tool and use the saved file.
Sync subtitles in other players
Step-by-step instructions for fixing out-of-sync subtitles in the apps people use most.