LRC is a computer file format that synchronizes song lyrics with an audio file, such as MP3, Vorbis or MIDI. When an audio file is played with certain music players on a computer or on modern digital audio players, the song lyrics are displayed. The lyrics file generally has the same name as the audio file, with a different filename extension. For example, song.mp3 and song.lrc. The LRC format is text-based and similar to subtitle files.
Formats
Simple format
Simple LRC format was introduced by Kuo Shiang-shiang's Lyrics Displayer. It was one of the first programs, if not the first, that attempted to simulate Karaoke performance. It usually displays a whole line of lyrics, but it is possible to display a word at a time, such as one would see in modern Karaoke machines, by creating a time tag for each word rather than each line. The Line Time Tags are in the format where mm is minutes, ss is seconds and xx is hundredths of a second.
Normal example:
Line 1 lyrics Line 2 lyrics Line 3 lyrics ... last lyrics line ID Tags may appear before the lyrics, although some players may not recognize or simply ignore this.
Example with ID tags:
Naku Penda Piya-Naku Taka Piya-Mpenziwe Some more lyrics... ...
Simple format extended
Available only in Walaoke from Walasoft. The ability to change and specify the gender of the lyrics by using M: Male, F: Female, D: Duet.
Example:
Line 1 lyrics F: Line 2 lyrics M: Line 3 lyrics Line 4 lyrics D: Line 5 lyrics Line 6 lyrics Let's say we use blue for male, red for female and pink for Duet. Line 1 using the default color when no tag is found. Line 2 lyrics start with red when F: is found. Line 3 lyrics start with blue when M: is found. Line 4 lyrics stays blue when no tag is found. Line 5 lyrics start with pink when D: is found. Line 6 lyrics stays pink when no tag is found.
Enhanced format
Enhanced LRC format is an extension of Simple LRC Format developed by the designer of A2 Media Player. The differences:
The line timestamp is the end of the previous word.
* This allows LRC players to determine the duration of the previous word, and when to display the next line.
Format example: line 1 word 1 line 1 word 2 ... line 1 last word line 2 word 1 line 2 word 2 ... line 2 last word ... last line word 1 last line word 2 ... last line last word Example of an Enhanced LRC file:
<00:00.04> When <00:00.16> the <00:00.82> truth <00:01.29> is <00:01.63> found <00:03.09> to <00:03.37> be <00:05.92> lies <00:07.67> And <00:07.94> all <00:08.36> the <00:08.63> joy <00:10.28> within <00:10.53> you <00:13.09> dies <00:14.32> Don't <00:14.73> you <00:15.14> want <00:15.57> somebody <00:16.09> to <00:16.46> love
