Video editing software

Specialised tools are required to time lyrics with music for karaoke performance. Several options are available, with both proprietary and free software.

File formats
Karaoke software uses some special file formats.


 * CD+G/MP3+G
 * LRC: A text file containing lyrics with associated timestamps for each line, to be played with a separate audio file. Enhanced LRC files can contain extra timestamps for more precise timing of individual characters within lines. Also used as a source file to generate videos.

Video tutorials

 * Tutorial by Jason Krause
 * Tutorial by VomitBubbles - part 1
 * Playlist of tutorials compiled by ato atomas

Creator Software
This is a non-comprehensive list of software commonly used by creators.

Karaoke Builder Studio
Karaoke Builder Studio is video editing software designed to make CD+G tracks. This is the software that combines lyrics-removed music with a LRC lyrics file into a format recognized by karaoke players.

Video Tutorials

 * Karaoke Builder Studio basics
 * A more detailed look at Karaoke Builder Studio

Karaoke Lyrics Editor
"Karaoke Lyrics Editor is a program which lets you edit and synchronize lyrics with karaoke songs in various formats. Currently supported formats include LRC, LRCv2 (supported by XBMC) and Ultrastar (without pitch). Export into the CD+G format is supported, as well as export into video. Unlike just regular lyrics available everywhere, lyrics suitable for karaoke players need to have timing marks which tell the player when to show a specific line, and when and how highlight the words. It has many unique features which are missing even in the expensive commercial software. It features full support for non-English languages, support for CDG, LRC and UltraStar specifics, and built-in karaoke testing window. Unlike most lyrics editors for Linux, it is self-sufficient, and does not depend on KDE or some external players. Karaoke Lyrics Editor is available for Linux and Windows, and uses the Qt toolkit and FFMpeg libraries. Karaoke Lyrics Editor is licensed under GNU GPL version 3, and is written by George Yunaev." --Karaoke Lyrics Editor

MidiCo Karaoke for Mac
MidiCo Karaoke for Mac is proprietary software that runs on macOS only.

Video tutorials

 * Peareoke: MidiCo Quick Feature Preview; MidiCo Brief Tutorial (Song Build with Feature Commentary)

YouTube Movie Maker
YouTube Movie Maker is a freemium video editor which features a full-fledged karaoke lyric timing tool. Timed lyric files may be exported from this program in enhanced LRC format.