---
title: ".vtt file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .vtt file is a WebVTT Caption. The W3C caption format HTML5 video uses, essentially SRT with a header and styling. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/vtt/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .vtt files

**.vtt file: WebVTT Caption**

The W3C caption format HTML5 video uses, essentially SRT with a header and styling.

## What opens a .vtt file

- **Windows:** VLC, Notepad (built in), Subtitle Edit
- **macOS:** VLC, TextEdit (built in), IINA
- **Linux:** VLC, Text Editor (built in), mpv
- **In a browser:** Any web browser (with a video element)

## What a .vtt file is

WebVTT is the standard track format for the HTML5 <track> element, so it is what browsers, YouTube and streaming players expect. It looks much like SRT — timecodes plus text — but starts with a WEBVTT line, uses dots rather than commas in timestamps, and supports positioning and CSS styling. Converting between VTT and SRT is trivial and dozens of tools do it.

## Converting it

A .vtt file is commonly converted to .srt, .ass or .txt. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .vtt
- **Full name:** WebVTT Caption
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** text/vtt
- **Created by:** W3C / WHATWG
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .vtt file?

On Windows use VLC; on macOS use VLC; on Linux use VLC. The W3C caption format HTML5 video uses, essentially SRT with a header and styling.

### What is a .vtt file?

WebVTT Caption. WebVTT is the standard track format for the HTML5 <track> element, so it is what browsers, YouTube and streaming players expect. It looks much like SRT — timecodes plus text — but starts with a WEBVTT line, uses dots rather than commas in timestamps, and supports positioning and CSS styling.

### Can I convert a .vtt file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .srt, .ass or .txt, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.mp4 — MPEG-4 Part 14 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mp4/)
- [.mov — QuickTime Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/mov/)
- [.mkv — Matroska Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mkv/)
- [.avi — Audio Video Interleave](https://atoneplace.net/file/avi/)
- [.srt — SubRip Subtitle](https://atoneplace.net/file/srt/)
- [.webm — WebM Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/webm/)
- [.ts — MPEG Transport Stream](https://atoneplace.net/file/ts/)
- [.wmv — Windows Media Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/wmv/)
- [.mpg — MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mpg/)
- [.m4v — iTunes Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/m4v/)
- [.swf — Shockwave Flash Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/swf/)
- [.mts — AVCHD Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mts/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)