Difference between Hardsub and Softsub, which one is better?
Subtitles in a video are certainly quite important, especially for videos that use foreign languages. With subtitles, of course, you will find it easier to understand the conversation from the video.
There are 2 types of subtitles, namely: Hardsub and Softsub. The difference between hardsub and softsub itself consists of several types whose use is also different.
Even though they have the same function, hardsub and softsub are 2 different things in their use.
Hardsub itself is mostly used in music videos for karaoke purposes, while for softsubs it is mostly used for videos that have the film genre. To make it clearer, here are some differences between hardsub and softsub.
Difference between Hardsub and Softsub
Hardsub
Hardsub itself is a type of subtitle that is merged into one with frames video that can’t be re-edited. Hardsub subtitles themselves have several color effects, letters, and transitions that are usually found in karaoke video lyrics.
Because it has been merged into one with the video frame and cannot be edited, if you want to remove the subtitle, you have to do the cropping process on the part of the video that has subtitles.
If you want to do cropping, you can use software Avidemux which steps can be followed below.
- The first step is to download and install the Avidemux software.
- If it has been successfully installed, the next step is to open the Avidemux software
- After the software opens, click the option Open to enter the video you want to crop.
- You can set Output Videos to format MPEG4 AVC.
- After that at the bottom of the Video Output option you can select the menu Filters.
- Then click option Crop.
- The next step you can set the cropping area that can be marked in green until the subtitle is no longer visible.
- When all done, click the button OK.
- To save the video, click options File then click option Save.
- After that, all you have to do is save the video in the desired storage location.
Also read: How to Download Subtitles in Blocked Subscenes
Softsub
In contrast to hardsub, softsub itself is a type of subtitle that is separate from the video frame being played. Currently softsub itself is more widely used because it is easier to create and edit if you want to replace it. The format of the softsub type subtitle itself can be changed to .srt or .ass.
Softsub itself can be divided into 2 types, namely internal sub and external sub. The following is an explanation of the internal sub and external sub in the Softsub type subtitle.
Internal Sub is a type of softhub that is integrated with the video file. But it’s not actually fused like hardsub, but the subtitle file is combined with the video file using a software, for example like MKVMerge.
External Sub itself is currently widely used because you can freely choose the type or language in the subtitles that will appear in a video. Usually this external sub can be found on a site that specifically provides various kinds of subtitles.
Also read: 20 Indonesian Subtitle Download Sites Apart from Subscene
Because the softsub is separated from the frame from the video, it is quite easy to remove it. If you are using the VLC video player, then simply right click on the video frame then select the option Subtitles then select option Disable on options Sub Tracks.
If you want to remove it permanently, you can use Video Converter software, for example like Freemake Video Converter.
By knowing the difference between hardsub and softsub, of course you can also choose the type of subtitle as needed.
If you want to make a music video for karaoke purposes, it’s better to use hardsub, while to watch a movie, it’s better to use softsub.
