If you're looking to transcribe audio to text, then there are a variety of options at your service. Certain word processors have built-in voice recorders that transcribe as you speak, while specially designed apps and online editors like Transcribe allow you to upload audio files and get an automatic transcription within minutes.

Of course, you can do it manually too, listening to your file and speed-typing the transcription, but let's face it, that takes a lot of your precious time, a lot of focus, and a lot of patience.

In this guide we'll walk you through how to transcribe audio using Transcribe, whether that's a meeting, interview or lecture recording, or something completely different. We'll take a look at the other options available too, and we'll discuss the benefits of transcribing audio in case you're looking for a little extra encouragement to get you going.

Jump to:

• How to transcribe audio using Transcribe

• Other ways to transcribe audio to text

• Benefits of transcribing

1. Download the Transcribe app or launch the online editor

2. Upload your audio file

You can import audio files from any app or cloud storage system, including Google Drive and Dropbox. You can also integrate with Zoom for quick and easy transcriptions of Zoom calls. Supported file formats include mp3, m4a, wav, m4v, mp4, mov and avi. If your file is in a format that isn't supported, get in touch and we'll help you to convert your file.

The clearer your audio recording is, the more accurate the transcription will be, so take care to ensure that voices can be clearly heard, speakers don't talk over one another and there's no background noise or echo.

You can also record and review conversations in real time with our live transcription service.

3. Choose your language

Select the language of your recording from more than 120 languages and dialects.

4. Start the transcription process

Your audio transcription will be ready in a matter of minutes thanks to our speedy AI software, so make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up and we'll send you a notification when your transcription is complete.

5. Your transcription is ready!

Now that the audio transcription is ready, you can proofread and polish the text in the app, online or in your preferred file format - with or without timestamps. With our standard version you can export your transcribed text to TXT, or upgrade to our PRO service to export to PDF, DOCX, SRT and JPG.

• Transcribe in Word & Google Docs

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have built-in voice recorders that transcribe as you speak. You can also upload a voice recording to Word and get a transcript of that.

• Google Keyboard

If you're an android user, you can transcribe live or recorded audio with the free Gboard app. Download the app and record or upload a voice recording for a free transcription.

• Mac transcription

The Apple alternative is the Dictation & Speech function on Mac. You can't upload audio files to be transcribed, but you can get a live transcription while you speak.

• Manually transcribe audio

If time isn't an issue, then the good old-fashioned method of speed-typing an audio transcription is still an option, but not one that we would recommend!

• Human transcription services

Services using real-life humans to transcribe your text promise the best possible accuracy, but since real-life humans can only work so fast and, of course, need to be paid, these services are typically slower and more expensive than their automated counterparts.

Needless to say, we'd recommend using a professional automatic transcription service like Transcribe. Our AI-powered software means you get incredibly fast, high quality transcriptions at the best possible price. There are many more perks of using Transcribe too, including a high number of import and export formats, more than 120 supported languages, cloud storage, and professional support when you need assistance.

• Accessibility

The number one benefit has to be that creating a written transcription of your audio file makes the content more accessible for members of your intended audience who might be deaf or hard of hearing. From another perspective, it also makes it more accessible for members of your audience who find it easier to read than listen to the language in the recording.

• Get shareable and searchable notes

Whether you've recorded a meeting, an interview or a lecture, get written notes that you can share with colleagues, clients and peers in next to no time. Save time skipping through an audio recording and instead quickly and easily skim the document and search for keywords. Not only does this save you time; it saves them time too.

• Easier to translate

Written notes are easier to translate into other languages than audio recordings, which is ideal if you work internationally or have an international audience.

• Boost SEO

If you publish podcasts or other audio recordings on your website, then providing a written transcript alongside the audio file will boost SEO, as Google crawls written content but not audio content. This will in turn help you to reach a wider audience and increase traffic to your site.

Ready to transcribe audio to text? Download the Transcribe app or launch the online editor to get started.

Written By Katie Garrett