How to: encode for .mkv with .ass subtitles

[Kawatta-kun]

I wonder, always did, how to encode to an .mkv file with .ass subtitles.

I wanted to edit something like a trailer, but wanted to do subtitles at Aegisub, then encode it with my AMV to an .mkv file.

[mirkosp]

After you make and save the subtitles in Aegisub, all you have to do is mux video, audio, and subtitles with something like mkvmerge gui, part of the mkvtoolnix.
It should be a rather straightforward and intuitive process all throughout, so I doubt you need much more than to be pointed to the right programs.

[Kawatta-kun]

The video is the one obtained at zarxgui or the lossless one?

[mirkosp]

Already encoded with zarxgui or other such.

[Kawatta-kun]

The filesize will be the same as video + audio + ass isn't it?

Thanks, will try it out ^^

[TheRyuu]

Also if your ass file uses any special fonts (and it probably does considering you're using ass) you have to attach those fonts in mmg as well (you can export the fonts to a folder in aegisub).

[Kawatta-kun]

Also if your ass file uses any special fonts (and it probably does considering you're using ass) you have to attach those fonts in mmg as well (you can export the fonts to a folder in aegisub).

Wait what? o.o
Attach the respective fonts to where, to work?

[Qyot27]

In mkvmergeGUI, the Attachments tab. Use the Add button and select the font file(s).

With the timing step, Aegisub has tools to assist with it (or any waveform editor would do), although I still do it manually.

[Mister Hatt]

Also for fonts, make sure to set the mimetype to application/x-truetype-font or some players will shit on it. Alternatively use application/x-font and then all good players will work while all bad players will hurf. I recommend this option.

Another thing to be careful of with fonts is that they don't have bad stroking. Windows interpolates incorrect font strokes (which is actually the wrong behavior and out of spec) but freetype2 and other 'correct' renderers will invert these defects in the font file. You will only notice this if you are using outlines in .ass though, and previewing in a freetype2 renderer, such as libass, as used in mplayer or the ancient version used in vlc.