VobSub Subtitles

File Extension subPopularity ObscureSubtitle Type Image

VobSub (SUB) is an image-based subtitle format used primarily for DVDs. The SUB file contains the subtitle images stored in MPEG-2 streams. It works alongside the corresponding IDX file, which holds the timing and coloring information.

History#

The VobSub Subtitles file, developed in the late 1990s, is the main component of the VobSub subtitle format used for DVDs. VobSub enabled precise subtitle rendering, supporting various languages and fonts, and could include multiple subtitle tracks within a single DVD, making DVD video adaptable for international markets for the first time. Despite the shift to digital formats, the VobSub SUB file remains relevant for DVD ripping and archival purposes.

Key Metrics1

CategoryScore2Rating
File quality80Great
File size85Large
Compatibility30Poor
Flexibility50Good
Ease of use40Average

1 Compared to other formats in the Subtitles category.

2 Scores are rated on a scale of 0 to 100.

See Also

  • VobSub IndexTiming and metadata index for DVD bitmap subtitles

  • Video ObjectDVD-Video container format for multimedia content