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Format conversion

SMI to SRT Converter

Convert SAMI or SMI subtitle files to SRT online for free, locally in your browser with no upload.

Free No signup Browser-local

SMI input

No signup. No server upload. Browser-only processing.

Drop a subtitle file here or choose one manually

Supports SRT, VTT, and ASS where relevant to the tool.

Selected file: sample.smi

SRT output

Runs locally in your browser

Selected file: sample.smi

Workflow notes

How to use this SMI to SRT tool

SMI and SAMI files often come from older Windows Media caption workflows. This converter reads SAMI SYNC timing blocks, removes HTML-style wrapper tags, keeps readable caption text, and exports a numbered SRT file for modern editors, uploads, and archive handoff.

  1. Add a supported subtitle file. Upload or paste a supported subtitle file (.smi, .sami, .txt), or load the sample input to see the expected structure.
  2. Run the SMI to SRT tool. Use the browser-based converter or repair action to process the subtitle file locally on your device.
  3. Review and download the output. Check the first few cues, the middle of the file, and the final cue before copying or downloading the result.

Input and output checklist

  • Use a complete subtitle file with valid cue timing when possible.
  • Keep a copy of the original file before replacing it in your workflow.
  • Review the first few cues, the middle of the file, and the final cue after export.
  • Test the downloaded output in the destination player, editor, or upload form.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using the converter on a video file instead of a separate .smi or .sami caption file.
  • Expecting burned-in Windows Media captions to become text without OCR.
  • Uploading the SRT output before validating cue timing and legacy encoding.

All processing runs in your browser, so the subtitle or video file does not need to be uploaded to a server. That is useful for client review files, unreleased videos, internal training material, and other caption workflows where the text should stay on your device.

When to use this tool

Use this free SMI to SRT converter when an old Windows Media SAMI caption file needs a standard SubRip subtitle file for upload, editing, or archive workflows.

  • Convert old Windows Media SAMI captions to standard SRT.
  • Turn .smi or .sami sidecar subtitle files into editable SubRip cues.
  • Prepare legacy caption files for upload forms that only accept SRT.
  • Review SAMI captions locally before cleaning, validating, or converting them again.

FAQ

How do I convert an SMI subtitle file to SRT? +

Open the SMI to SRT converter, paste or upload the SAMI caption file, and export the parsed SYNC blocks as numbered SRT cues.

Is SMI the same as SAMI? +

In subtitle workflows, .smi usually refers to a SAMI caption file used by older Windows Media players. .sami is another extension for the same style of file.

Does this work with burned-in subtitles? +

No. SMI to SRT conversion works on a text SAMI subtitle file. Burned-in video text needs OCR instead.

Are SMI files uploaded to a server? +

No. The SAMI to SRT conversion runs locally in your browser, so the subtitle file stays on your device.