SUP to SRT Converter for PGS Subtitles

How to Convert SUP or PGS to SRT

Use the converter above to turn an extracted .sup file containing PGS subtitle data into editable SRT subtitles in your browser.

1. Select the SUP file containing PGS subtitle data.
2. Confirm the subtitle language.
3. Choose an OCR profile.
4. Convert the subtitle images.
5. Review the output.
6. Download SRT.

What Are SUP, PGS and SRT Subtitles?

PGS subtitles

PGS stands for Presentation Graphic Stream. It is an image-based subtitle format commonly used on Blu-ray discs. Each subtitle cue is stored as a bitmap image with timing and positioning information.

SUP files

When a PGS subtitle track is extracted, it is commonly stored as a .sup file. For that reason, the terms SUP and PGS are often used interchangeably in subtitle conversion workflows. PGS describes the subtitle format, while SUP is the file commonly used to store or export it.

SRT subtitles

SRT is a text-based subtitle format containing numbered captions and timestamps. It is easy to edit, translate and use across media players and video editors.

How PGS to SRT OCR works

PGS subtitles contain images rather than text. The converter extracts each subtitle image, applies OCR for the selected language, and combines the recognized text with the original timing data to create an SRT file. OCR preserves recognized text and original timing, but SRT does not preserve PGS fonts, colors, graphical styling or exact screen positioning.

OCR results vary according to language, source resolution, font style, contrast and image quality. Review the converted text before professional use.

Why Use This Converter

• Local browser processing. Your subtitle file is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to our servers.
• No account required. Convert subtitles without signup or login.
• SUP files containing PGS subtitle data. Use extracted .sup files from Blu-ray, MKV or compatible sources.
• Multiple OCR languages. Select the language shown in the subtitle images before converting.
• Fast, Balanced and Accurate profiles. Choose the OCR profile that fits your file and review needs.
• Built in OCR cleanup. Preserve line breaks, remove common OCR artifacts and normalize punctuation.
• Original timing preservation. Preserves timing information contained in the SUP/PGS stream.
• Windows, macOS and Linux browser compatibility. Use the converter in a modern desktop browser without installing subtitle software.
• Compatible SRT output. Download an .srt file for major subtitle editors and media players.

OCR accuracy depends on the subtitle language, font, contrast and image quality.

Why convert PGS/SUP subtitles to SRT?

SUP vs SRT: Key Differences

The core difference is straightforward. SUP stores what subtitles look like. SRT stores what subtitles say. For editing, translating, or playing subtitles in any application, SRT is the better choice.

How to extract PGS subtitles before conversion

If the PGS subtitle track is embedded inside an MKV file, extract it as a .sup file before using the converter.

FFmpeg

Use FFmpeg to copy the first subtitle stream into a standalone SUP file:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -map 0:s:0 -c:s copy output.sup

The 0:s:0 selector chooses the first subtitle stream, which may not always be PGS. Run ffmpeg -i input.mkv first, identify the HDMV PGS stream, and adjust the mapping when necessary. FFmpeg only extracts the subtitle stream. It does not perform OCR.

MKVToolNix

Use MKVToolNix to inspect the tracks in your MKV file, then extract the selected PGS stream with mkvextract:

mkvextract input.mkv tracks 2:output.sup

The track number 2 is only an example. Identify the correct PGS track ID first. MKVToolNix track IDs are not necessarily the same as FFmpeg stream indexes. Do not use “Start multiplexing” when you need a standalone SUP file; multiplexing normally creates another container, while extraction is performed with mkvextract.

HandBrake

HandBrake can preserve a PGS subtitle track through passthrough in an MKV output or permanently burn it into the video. If you plan to convert the subtitle to SRT later, preserve the PGS track rather than burning it in, then extract the track from the MKV.

Blu-ray

For the complete Blu-ray workflow, read the SUP extraction guide before converting the subtitle file.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

OCR Errors or Garbled Text

Incorrect language selection is a common cause of OCR errors. If the output looks like random characters, check that the selected language matches the language in the SUP file. Then try the Accurate OCR profile for better recognition on difficult fonts.

Filename Based Language Suggestion

The converter checks common language codes in the filename and suggests an OCR language. You can change it before conversion.

Timing Looks Correct but Text Is Wrong

Timing is read from the original PGS stream and is normally preserved, while text recognition depends on OCR quality. Review the converted SRT file and correct any misread words using a text editor or subtitle editor.

Processing Is Very Slow

Large SUP files with many subtitle events take longer to process. Switch to the Balanced or Fast OCR profile to reduce processing time. The Accurate profile is slower by design because it runs additional recognition passes.

SUP and PGS conversion guides

Browse all SUP and PGS guides.

Ready to convert your SUP or PGS subtitles?

Frequently Asked Questions