Your first timed lyrics

Prepare a local audio file and the lyrics for the same recording. Different recordings or edits can have different timing.

1. Open or import lyrics

In Start, choose Open project to resume a TTML project. To begin with existing lyrics, choose the matching format under Import lyrics: Apple Syllable (TTML), Lyricify Syllable, Lyricify Lines or LRC.

When opening TTML, Bystree may offer a choice between opening it as a project and importing its lyrics into a new project. Review the import result and any diagnostics before continuing.

2. Load your audio

Use the audio controls to choose Open audio file and select the recording you will time against. Play a short section to confirm it is the right version.

Adjust Playback speed when needed. When a waveform is available, use it to seek back to the part you want to hear again. A missing or unloaded audio file will not produce a usable waveform.

3. Prepare lines and syllables

Open Edit. Check line breaks, punctuation and the words or syllables that should receive individual timestamps. Split or merge syllables as needed, keeping spaces where the language requires them.

For word-by-word lyrics, use syllable timing. Changing to line timing can merge existing syllables and remove their internal timing; read the conversion notice before applying it.

Add translations, transliteration and background vocals when needed. Keep each translated line associated with its original lyric line.

4. Set timestamps

Open Timing and select the syllable you want to begin with. Check your configured controls in Settings before recording timings: playback, set start, end and continue, and end and advance are separate actions.

Listen to the recording, mark each syllable’s start and end, then move through the line. Use a slower playback speed or waveform seek to revisit difficult sections. If your input consistently lands late or early, use latency calibration and review the result again.

Avoid assigning a universal shortcut from a tutorial: your bindings are customizable. The names in Settings tell you which action each key performs.

5. Review in Preview

Switch to Preview and play through the passage. Check that the highlighting follows the voice and that translations, transliteration and background vocals appear with the correct lines. Return to Edit or Timing to fix text or boundaries.

6. Save your working project

Open the project menu in the title bar and choose Save project or Save project as. Keep a TTML working copy so you can return to the project later. Saving your project and exporting a player file are separate steps.

7. Export for your player

Open Export, choose the target format and its options, then review the diagnostics. Some formats represent only line timing or fewer language and vocal layers.

Write the export to a separate file. Open it in your intended player to verify timing and supported features against the same recording.