What Is an LRC File?
Everything you need to know about LRC — the synchronized lyrics format for music players and karaoke applications.
LRC is a file format for synchronized song lyrics. Each lyric line is prefixed with a timestamp in [mm:ss.xx] format, allowing music players to display lyrics in time with the audio. LRC is widely used for karaoke, language learning, and music players that show scrolling lyrics.
What Does LRC Stand For?
LRC stands for Lyric (or Lyrics). The format was created to pair timed lyrics with audio files so that music players can display each line at the correct moment during playback. The .lrc file typically has the same name as the corresponding audio file (e.g., song.mp3 + song.lrc).
How LRC Files Work
An LRC file is plain text. Each line begins with a timestamp in [mm:ss.xx] or [mm:ss.xxx] format, followed by the lyric text. When a music player detects an LRC file with a matching name, it reads the timestamps and displays each lyric line as the audio reaches that time, creating a karaoke-style scrolling effect.
When to Use LRC
LRC is the format to use when you want synchronized lyrics for music playback. It is ideal for karaoke applications, music players with lyric display, language learning with timed text, and any scenario where you need text synced to audio. You can create LRC files from SRT or VTT subtitle files of music videos.
LRC File Structure
[ti:Song Title] [ar:Artist Name] [al:Album Name] [00:01.00]First line of lyrics [00:05.50]Second line of lyrics [00:10.00]Third line of lyrics
Advantages of LRC
- Simple, lightweight format designed specifically for lyrics
- Synchronized timing creates karaoke-style scrolling lyric display
- Widely supported by music players on desktop and mobile
- Optional metadata tags for title, artist, album, and author
- Small file size — just timestamps and text
Limitations of LRC
- No styling support — plain text only, no fonts, colors, or formatting
- Only start times, no end times — lines display until the next timestamp
- Timestamps use centiseconds (mm:ss.xx) or milliseconds (mm:ss.xxx), not full HH:MM:SS
- Designed for lyrics, not video subtitles — lacks subtitle-specific features
Music Players That Support LRC
LRC Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use an LRC file?
Place the .lrc file in the same folder as your audio file (e.g., MP3) with the same base name. Most music players that support LRC will automatically detect it and display synchronized lyrics during playback.
Can I convert subtitles to LRC?
Yes. If you have SRT, VTT, or ASS subtitle files from a music video, you can convert them to LRC using AllSubConverter. The converter extracts the start time and text from each subtitle entry and creates a timed lyric line in LRC format.
What is the difference between LRC and SRT?
LRC is designed for lyrics with start-time-only timestamps in [mm:ss.xx] format. SRT is designed for video subtitles with start and end times in HH:MM:SS,mmm format and sequential numbering. LRC has optional metadata tags; SRT does not.
What timestamp format does LRC use?
LRC uses [mm:ss.xx] (minutes:seconds.centiseconds) or [mm:ss.xxx] (with milliseconds). Unlike SRT/VTT, it does not include hours. Each timestamp marks when a lyric line should appear.
Can I create LRC files for karaoke?
Yes. LRC is commonly used for karaoke-style lyric display. Some LRC files use enhanced formats with word-by-word timing for true karaoke effects. You can create basic LRC files by converting timed subtitle files or by using dedicated LRC editor tools.