MakeLRC reference

LRC File Format

An LRC file pairs lyric text with the time at which each line begins. This reference explains the timestamp syntax, common metadata tags, precision limits, and what to check when a player does not display the file correctly.

Basic LRC syntax

A timed lyric line starts with a timestamp in square brackets, followed by the lyric text. The common format is minutes, seconds, and a fractional second:

[00:12.50]The first line begins here
[00:16.20]The next line follows

In this example, the first line begins at 12.50 seconds and the next line begins at 16.20 seconds. LRC timestamps mark line starts; they do not normally contain a separate end time.

Metadata tags

Many LRC files include metadata in the same bracket style. Common examples are:

[ti:Track title]
[ar:Artist name]
[al:Album name]
[by:Creator]

Metadata support varies between players. MakeLRC preserves timed lyric lines when importing LRC files and ignores metadata-only lines when creating editable subtitle rows.

Timestamp precision

MakeLRC exports line timestamps with two decimal places, such as [01:02.50]. Its LRC importer accepts timestamps with one to three fractional digits and accepts either a dot or a colon before the fraction, depending on the source file.

Different players may round or interpret fractional seconds differently. If a line appears slightly early or late, compare the file in the target player and adjust the affected line rather than assuming every player uses the same precision.

What MakeLRC exports

An LRC export includes metadata lines followed by the timed lyrics. The title is based on the audio filename, while the lyric lines are sorted by their start time:

[ti:Track]
[ar:Artist]
[by:Lyrics to SRT Generator]
[00:01.25]First line
[00:05.80]Second line

Blank lyric lines are excluded from the exported file. If you need to change a timestamp, use the editor and export a new copy.

LRC and SRT are not identical

• LRC: usually stores a start timestamp before each lyric line and is commonly used with music players.
• SRT: stores numbered subtitle blocks with separate start and end times and is commonly used for video subtitles.

Converting between formats can require an end-time rule. Check the final file in the player or editor where you intend to use it.

When a player does not display an LRC file

• Confirm that the file extension is .lrc.
• Check that the lyric text follows each timestamp without an unexpected blank line.
• Confirm that the audio and lyric files refer to the same track version.
• Check whether the player supports standard LRC timestamps and metadata.
• Try a short two-line sample before diagnosing a long file.

Related guides

Learn how to make an LRC file from untimed lyrics, or fix timing in an existing LRC or SRT file.