Add Karaoke-Style Lyrics to Your Music Collection With LRC Format

Use an app or plug-in to sing along with your music

By
Mark Harris
Mark Harris
Writer
  • University of Wolverhampton
Mark Harris is a former writer for Lifewire who wrote about the digital music scene and streaming music services in an easy to understand, no-nonsense manner.
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Updated on May 12, 2020
Microphone with stage lights in the background
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You may have already added lyrics to your songs using an MP3 tagging tool or a software media player that has a built-in metadata editor such as iTunes. Each of these tools display the entirety of a song's lyrics. If you would rather display the words in sync with the music, karaoke style, then you'll need to use separate files that are in the LRC format, either via a plug-in or an app.

LRC Karaoke-Style Format

LRC is a special format that not only contains song lyrics but also has timing information to correctly synchronize the words with the music that is playing. Separate files ending in .lrc normally have the same name as the song they provide lyrics for, and they consist of a few text lines of alphanumerical information. Using LRC files isn't limited to jukebox software. Most computers, mobile devices, and music players support the LRC format so you can sing along in karaoke style while on the go.

Lyric App

You can download LRC files for some songs, but a more practical approach is to download an app for your smartphone or tablet. One example is the free Lyrics Mania app for iOS and Android. This app displays scrolling lyrics that you can follow along as the vocals are sung. Download the app and view the lyrics on your device as you play any song in your music library. You can also use the app with external music players.

Another option, Lyrics Plugin, is a free plug-in that synchronizes lyrics with audio files in conjunction with Windows Media Player, Winamp, and iTunes. Just start listening to your music and the lyrics are displayed automatically. With the Lyrics plug-in, you can add your own lyrics if the database does not already contain them.

LRC Format Types

The LRC file format synchronizes song lyrics with an audio file, but different versions of the format are available. Check to see which format your music player takes. They include:

  • Simple LRC format, which displays a line at a time, rather than one word at a time
  • Simple LRC format extended, which gives the user the ability to change the gender in the lyrics
  • Enhanced LRC format, which displays lyrics one word at a time when applicable.
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