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+# Why does mkvmerge not recognize my .srt file as valid file type?
+
+An SRT file is a plain text file. It consists of groups of at least four lines each:
+
+1. the line with the running number,
+2. the line with the start and end timestamps,
+3. one or more lines of text and
+4. one blank line as a separator.
+
+Here's an example of how a valid file could look:
+
+``` text
+1
+00:00:04,700 --> 00:00:06,736
+where are you going so early?
+
+2
+00:00:06,900 --> 00:00:09,494
+Don't record any more messages
+on my alarm clock.
+```
+
+Here's an example of an invalid file that's missing the running number line in the first entry:
+
+``` text
+00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,000
+(C) cool subtitling group
+
+1
+00:00:12,300 --> 00:00:14,280
+Hello.
+```
+
+Here's another example of an invalid file: arbitrary text before the first entry:
+
+``` text
+# This file was downloaded from http://www.CoolSubtitlingWebsite.ext
+
+1
+00:00:04,700 --> 00:00:06,736
+where are you going so early?
+
+2
+00:00:06,900 --> 00:00:09,494
+Don't record any more messages
+on my alarm clock.
+```
+
+You should open your problematic file with a good text editor (e.g. [Notepad++](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/)) and take a look at the format, especially the first couple of entries. Normally you should see what parts don't match the example of a valid file posted above.
+
+If you really cannot figure it out, then [send me the file](https://mkvtoolnix.download/contact.html) and I'll take a look at it.
+
+Categories: [merging](FAQ#category-merging)