Aegisub

Overview

Aegisub is a free, open-source subtitle editor for Linux, macOS and Windows. It is a strong fit for people who need precise audio timing, subtitle translation or visual control over text on video. Its specialist editing tools are the draw; DVD subtitle creation and VTT export are outside its scope.

Key features

A customizable audio interface with waveform and spectrum views helps editors time subtitles against sound. The live video preview makes it possible to see edits in context, and visual controls for positioning, rotating, scaling and clipping text give fine control over placement. That combination suits careful, line-by-line work, though the styling tools may be unnecessary for straightforward timing and text changes.

Aegisub supports translation and imports and exports multiple subtitle formats, including MPEG-4 Timed Text and MicroDVD. SRT export is supported, but direct saving is blocked when override tags would lose information; the Export dialog provides another route. VTT export is not supported, making Aegisub a poor fit when VTT is a required delivery format.

Spell checking, a thesaurus and a translation assistant support language work, while syntax highlighting and macros help with editing. The Lua-based Automation module can provide macros and export filters, a useful extension for users comfortable with scripts rather than a necessity for basic edits. Multi-level undo and redo, autosaving, backups and emergency recovery saving add several safeguards against lost work.

Aegisub does not create DVD subtitles directly. Its FAQ describes converting SSA to VOBSubs with an external program, so DVD output calls for another step. The optional update checker sends anonymous operating-environment information, including IP address, software version, operating system and interface language; users can avoid that collection by leaving the checker disabled. For questions, Aegisub recommends its Discord server and IRC channel, and directs bug reports to its tracker.

Pricing

Aegisub is free and open source. Its Free plan costs nothing and provides the subtitle editor without a paid tier or trial to weigh against it. That makes it accessible for occasional editing as well as sustained work, though the format limits still matter regardless of price.

Platforms

Aegisub runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. The downloads page lists version 3.5.0, released October 4, 2026, with Windows and OS X downloads and a source archive.

Who it's for

Choose Aegisub if you want a free desktop editor with detailed audio timing, video preview, translation aids and visual subtitle styling. It is less suitable if your workflow depends on direct DVD subtitle creation or VTT output, or if you need to save tagged subtitles directly as SRT without using the Export dialog.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Waveform and spectrum timing tools paired with live video preview support precise, context-aware editing.
• Pros: Translation aids, visual typesetting and Lua automation cover language work, placement and repeatable tasks in one editor.
• Pros: Autosaving, backups, emergency recovery saving and multi-level undo and redo offer multiple ways to recover edits.
• Cons: No VTT export, and SRT saving may require the Export dialog when override tags are present.
• Cons: DVD subtitles require conversion with an external program rather than direct creation in Aegisub.

Alternatives

Subtitle Software is a useful starting point for comparing subtitle editors. Consider Editsub if its web platform or freemium plan suits you; its free tier is limited to 10 subtitle files, while Pro is $48 a year with 1,500 credits per month (approximately 13 hours). Jubler is another free desktop editor, but its video preview and audio waveform require VLC. Subtitle Edit is a free, open-source alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Gaupol is a free option for Linux and Windows users. For a web-based workflow with SRT, VTT and TXT export, SRTGen has a free tier capped at five-minute screen recordings, 2 GB of storage and 20 signup credits. Zubtitle may suit video creators who want web or mobile access; its free plan allows two videos per month, adds a watermark and limits resolution to 720p. GNOME Subtitles is a free subtitle editor for Linux. GNOME Remote Desktop is a free Linux and self-hosted remote desktop tool, rather than a subtitle editor.

Verdict

Aegisub is an easy recommendation for subtitle editors who want precise timing, translation support and control over on-screen styling without a subscription. Its free, cross-platform toolkit is substantial; look elsewhere if you need VTT, direct DVD subtitle output or a more direct SRT save path for files with override tags.