How to Convert PGS (SUP) to SRT for Jellyfin
Jellyfin transcodes video whenever PGS or SUP subtitles are active. SRT subtitles are text-based and handled by the client device with zero server processing — enabling direct play.
- Upload your SUP (PGS) file
- Select subtitle language
- Click Convert
- Download your SRT file
PGS and SUP Subtitles in Jellyfin: The Transcoding Problem
Why PGS Forces Transcoding in Jellyfin
Jellyfin handles PGS and SUP subtitle tracks by burning them into the video stream during playback. When a client requests a video with PGS subtitles, Jellyfin's server must transcode the video in real-time, rendering subtitle images onto each frame. This is CPU-intensive and forces transcoding even when the video codec supports direct play.
On low-power NAS devices or Raspberry Pi servers running Jellyfin, PGS-forced transcoding causes buffering, quality reduction, and sustained high CPU load. Converting PGS or SUP to SRT before adding media to Jellyfin eliminates this overhead entirely.
SRT Subtitles in Jellyfin: Server-Free Rendering
Text-based SRT subtitles are delivered by Jellyfin to the client device, which renders the text overlay locally without any server processing. This enables direct play for the video stream, dramatically reducing server load compared to PGS/SUP transcoding.
Add Converted SRT Subtitles to Jellyfin
File Naming Convention for Jellyfin
Place the converted .srt file in the same folder as the video. Jellyfin recognizes subtitle files following the pattern: Movie Name (Year).en.srt for English or Movie Name (Year).ja.srt for Japanese. Use ISO 639-1 two-letter codes or ISO 639-2 three-letter codes — Jellyfin recognizes both.
After adding the .srt file, trigger a library scan in Jellyfin (Dashboard → Libraries → Scan All Libraries, or right-click the specific media item). Jellyfin detects and indexes the new subtitle file.
All Jellyfin Clients Support SRT
SRT subtitles work across every Jellyfin client — web browser, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Kodi, and all other Jellyfin-compatible applications. After converting your PGS or SUP track to SRT, every device in your home can use the subtitles without server-side processing.
Jellyfin Subtitle Searches
Jellyfin users converting subtitles also search for:
Convert PGS (SUP) to SRT for Jellyfin Now
Upload your .sup file and get an SRT file ready for Jellyfin. No account, no installation, no upload to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Jellyfin use PGS and SUP subtitles at all, or must they be converted?
Jellyfin can use PGS/SUP subtitles, but they require video transcoding. Converting to SRT enables text-based subtitle delivery without transcoding — strongly recommended for any Jellyfin server that isn't a high-end machine.
Does Jellyfin have built-in PGS or SUP to SRT conversion?
Jellyfin can transcode PGS/SUP via burn-in during playback but does not perform offline OCR conversion. Pre-converting to SRT with this browser tool gives better results and eliminates ongoing transcoding load.
What language code should I use in the SRT filename for Jellyfin?
Use ISO 639-1 two-letter codes (en, es, fr, de, ja, zh, ko) or ISO 639-2 three-letter codes (eng, spa, fra). Jellyfin recognizes both formats for automatic subtitle detection and display.
After converting PGS to SRT, will my Jellyfin server stop transcoding?
Yes, assuming the video codec and container are otherwise compatible with your client. PGS/SUP subtitles are one of the most common reasons Jellyfin forces transcoding. Switching to SRT removes that trigger.