LRC File – What is .lrc file and how to open it?

Understanding LRC Files: A Guide to Lyrics Files

An LRC file, also known as a Lyrics File, is a text-based file that stores synchronized lyrics for music files. It allows users to view the lyrics as they play along with the music, creating an enhanced listening experience. LRC files are commonly used with karaoke software, media players, and mobile music apps. The format was developed to provide a convenient way to display lyrics in a standardized manner, ensuring that the lyrics appear in sync with the music.

The contents of an LRC file consist primarily of lyrics divided into individual lines. Each line is marked with a timestamp indicating the exact moment in the music when that line should be displayed. These timestamps are typically written in milliseconds or in the format [mm:ss.xx], where mm represents minutes, ss represents seconds, and xx represents hundredths of a second. The LRC file format also supports optional metadata, such as the track title, artist name, and album information. This metadata can provide additional context and organization for the lyrics.

Opening LRC Files Using Compatible Software

LRC files, containing lyrics synchronized with audio playback, can be opened using various software solutions. One popular option is VLC Media Player, an open-source, cross-platform multimedia player. VLC supports playing audio files and displaying LRC lyrics in sync, providing a convenient way to enjoy music with accompanying lyrics.

To open an LRC file in VLC, simply drag and drop it onto the player interface or use the “Open File” option from the menu. VLC will automatically load the lyrics and display them on-screen as the audio plays, ensuring synchronized playback.

Alternative LRC File Opening Methods

Besides VLC Media Player, several other software options can open LRC files. Notepad++, a free and open-source text editor, allows you to view and edit the LRC file’s text content. This can be useful for making adjustments to the lyrics or analyzing the file’s structure.

Additionally, specialized LRC editors such as Lyrics Viewer or Lyrics Master provide dedicated features for managing and editing LRC files. These editors offer functions like synchronizing lyrics with audio, creating or extracting LRC files, and converting between different lyric formats.

Format and Usage of LRC Files:

LRC (Lyrics File) is a plain text file format specifically designed to display synchronized lyrics alongside audio or video media. It employs a straightforward syntax, where each line represents a specific time point and the corresponding lyrics. The time points are expressed in the form of [mm:ss.cc], where mm represents minutes, ss represents seconds, and cc represents hundredths of a second. The lyrics are written after the time point, separated by a bracket.

For example, the following line in an LRC file displays the lyrics “Hello, world” at 1 minute and 10 seconds into the media:


[01:10.00] Hello, world


LRC files are commonly encountered in karaoke applications, music players, and other tools that require synchronized lyrics display. Their simplicity and widespread compatibility make them a popular choice for storing and sharing lyrics.

Benefits and Limitations of LRC Files:

One primary advantage of LRC files is their ease of creation and editing. They can be created and modified using any basic text editor. Additionally, LRC files are relatively lightweight and require minimal storage space. They also offer a convenient way to distribute lyrics alongside audio or video content, ensuring that users can easily follow along and sing or read the lyrics.

However, LRC files do have some limitations. They are not suitable for storing complex lyrics that require formatting or multiple voices. Additionally, LRC files do not support metadata or other information about the song or artist. Despite these limitations, LRC files remain a widely used and practical format for displaying synchronized lyrics.

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