Built-in timestamp search box in the top toolbar (jump to a line by its timecode)

[carlovaccariello04-dev]

Summary
Add a small timestamp search box to the main toolbar (next to the existing search field) that lets you type a timecode and jump the grid and the waveform straight to the matching subtitle line — no copy/paste, no extra dialogs.

The problem / use case
I do subtitle correction every day. A very common task is: I have a timecode (from a QC report, a client note, etc.) and I need to land on that exact line to edit it immediately.

Today the fastest path is Go to line number (Ctrl+G) — but that needs a line number, and what I have is a timecode. So I have to mentally map the timecode to a line, or scroll the grid looking for it. On long subtitles (700+ lines) this adds up over a day.

What I already tried myself
I built a plugin called "Timestamp Lupa". It opens a small window where you type a timecode — it accepts several formats (00:20:06,933, 0:10:21:667, 00:20:06, and partials like 20:06), filters the lines live, and ranks the line whose time range contains (or is nearest to) the entered timecode.

Source code: https://github.com/carlovaccariello04-dev/subtitleedit-timestamp-lupa

It works, but it hits a hard wall: a plugin cannot move Subtitle Edit's cursor, grid selection, or waveform. So my workaround is: the plugin copies the matching line number, then I press Ctrl+G, paste, Enter. Functional, but three extra steps every single time, and a separate window.

Why this should live in the core (not a plugin)
The whole value is in navigating — selecting the line and moving the grid + waveform to it. That requires access to the main window and the waveform, which only the core app has. A plugin can only open its own window and return edited text; it can't drive navigation. So this is something only the SE team can build properly.

Proposed feature
A timestamp search box in the top toolbar that:

• Accepts timecodes in common formats: HH:MM:SS,mmm, H:MM:SS:ff, HH:MM:SS, and partials like MM:SS.

• As you type, finds the line whose [start, end] range contains the timecode (or the nearest one), and selects it in the grid and moves the waveform to it, ready to edit.

• Works alongside the existing text search — same spot, just timecode-aware.

Please, take a look at the Mockup attached:

Notes
The matching/ranking logic in the prototype (see TimestampEngine.cs) can serve as a reference if it's useful. I'm happy to help test this or discuss the approach. Thanks for all the work on Subtitle Edit — v5 has been great.

[carlovaccariello04-dev]

Hi @niksedk, hope you're doing well!

Just checking in on this idea. Whenever you have a moment, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, or any update on whether it's something you might consider for Subtitle Edit.

Thanks for all your work on SE!

[carlovaccariello04-dev]

Hey @niksedk , what do you think of this idea? I think this feature could really improve the workflow. Curious to hear your take!