What is Lyrics File (LRC File)? How to Get LRC Files For Songs?

In the realm of digital music, synchronization of lyrics with audio playback has become an integral part of the listening experience. One of the file formats specifically designed for this purpose is the LRC (Lyrics) file format. LRC files contain timestamped lyrics that are synchronized with the audio track, allowing users to follow along with the lyrics as the song plays. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the LRC file format, its structure, uses, and how it enhances the music listening experience. Music players such as PowerAmp (Android) support LRC file format.

Also Read: PowerAmp Settings for Higher Sound Quality

What is an LRC File?

LRC (abbreviation of LyRiCs) is a file format for synchronizing lyrics with audio files, such as MP3, FLAC and so on. It typically consists of timestamped lyrics along with some metadata such as artist name, song title, and album information. When the MP3 or FLAC file is played on certain MP3 players, the associated text will be displayed. However, it is also possible to use it on the PC with usual player programs. For example, the program MiniLyrics, as an extension of the playback programs, makes it possible to locate the corresponding text on the Internet during playback and to display it in parallel. An alternative to the LRC format exists in the form of the ID3 frame SYLT for synchronized texts.

Structure of an LRC File

An LRC file follows a straightforward structure that includes timestamped lyrics and optional metadata. Let’s break down the key components:

[ti]: This tag denotes the title of the song.
[ar]: Specifies the name of the artist.
[al]: Indicates the album to which the song belongs.
[by]: Optional tag to specify the creator of the LRC file.
[offset: +/-Milliseconds]: An optional tag to adjust the timing offset, allowing fine-tuning of synchronization.
[length:Minutes]: Optional tag indicating the length of the song.
[re Software/Tool]: Optional tag specifying the software or tool used to create the LRC file.
[ve]: Optional tag specifying the version of the LRC format.
Following the metadata, the main body of the LRC file contains timestamped lyrics. Each line consists of a timestamp in the format [mm.ss.xx] (minute, seconds, hundred of seconds) followed by the corresponding lyrics. For example:

The LRC format is a simple text file that can also be edited with a text editor. The file usually has the same file name as the corresponding music file, but the name extension .lrc. The first lines of the LRC file often contain so-called tags, including information about the title and the artist. The lines of the text are then preceded by the start times for exact synchronization. These times are given in the form [mm:ss.cc], where mm minutes, ss seconds and cc are hundredths of a second.

In some players, the second separator can also be a colon instead of the dot ([mm:ss:cc]), and the hundredths of a second can also be omitted ([mm:ss]). Some programs, such as Akari’s LRC Maker, write milliseconds instead of hundredths of a second ([mm:ss.ttt]), but not all playback programs support this. Repetitions can be summarized by having the line in question only once, and the time indications are given one after the other.

There is also an extended LRC format, in which a time specification can also be specified for each word individually in order to highlight individual words or passages with suitable MP3 players or with suitable software.

ID tags with further information can be inserted before the text, although some players or programs do not recognize them or simply ignore them. The offset makes it possible to adjust the time indications to music files with different lengths of silence at the beginning. A positive offset causes the text to be displayed sooner.

This is the LRC file of the above screenshot:

Uses and Applications

The LRC file format serves various purposes and finds applications in different contexts:

• LRC files are widely used in karaoke software to display synchronized lyrics during sing-along sessions. Users can follow the lyrics in real-time as they sing along with the music.
• Many media players support LRC files, allowing users to view synchronized lyrics while listening to music. This enhances the overall listening experience, especially for songs with intricate lyrics.
• LRC files can be valuable tools for language learners. By displaying synchronized lyrics, users can improve their language skills by listening to songs and following along with the lyrics.
• For individuals with hearing impairments, synchronized lyrics provided by LRC files can make music more accessible. It allows them to enjoy music while also having visual cues of the lyrics.

How to Create LRC file (By Using Text Editor)

Creating an LRC (Lyrics) file is a straightforward process that involves writing timestamped lyrics along with optional metadata using a text editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create an LRC file:

Use any text editor of your choice, such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or gedit (Linux). Avoid using word processors like Microsoft Word, as they may add formatting that could interfere with the file’s readability.

Have the lyrics of the song ready. You can type them out manually or copy them from a reliable source.

If you want to include metadata such as the song title, artist, album, or any other information, you can add them at the beginning of the file. Use the following format:

Replace “Song Title,” “Artist Name,” etc., with the appropriate information.

If you find that the lyrics are not synchronized perfectly with the music, you can adjust the timing offset using the [offset: ] tag. Specify the offset in milliseconds. For example:

After the metadata (if any), add the timestamped lyrics. Each line should start with a timestamp in the format [mm:ss.xx], where mm represents minutes, ss represents seconds, and xx represents hundredths of a second. After the timestamp, add the corresponding lyrics. For example:

Once you’ve added all the metadata and timestamped lyrics, save the file with a .lrc extension. For example, song.lyrics.lrc.

Open the LRC file in a media player or karaoke software that supports the format to ensure that the lyrics are displayed in sync with the audio playback. Make any necessary adjustments to the timing offset if the synchronization is off.

In case of PowerAmp (Android), the name of the lyrics file should be same as that of the song. If you place the lyrics file in the directory of that FLAC/MP3 music file, after restarting your player rescan the directory via menu, it will find the lyrics file.

If you need to make changes to the LRC file, you can reopen it in the text editor and edit the timestamped lyrics or metadata as required. Save the changes and retest the file to ensure proper synchronization.

How to Create LRC file (By Using Application)

Creating LRC files using specialized applications can streamline the process and offer additional features such as automatic timestamp generation and synchronization adjustment. For desktop computers, you can use Subtitle Edit, Gaupol, MiniLyrics, Musixmatch, and LyricsEditor.

For Android or iOS, you can use Musixmatch or free online services such as lrcgenerator.com.

How to Get LRC file (By Downloading)

Obviously, there are sites where users upload their created LRC files and others can download them. www.lyricsify.com, www.megalobiz.com are some of them. There are tools for mass downloading the LRC files for your collection, such as this one: github.com/tranxuanthang/lrcget.