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An accessible guide for transcribing spoken words into written format through various methods
Essential Information
- If you're subscribed to Microsoft 365, utilize the 'Dictate' and 'Transcribe' features within the 'Dictate' dropdown menu.
- The 'Transcribe' function is accessible on Word for Windows and web platforms. Mac users will only have access to the 'Dictate' feature.
- Explore free platforms such as Happy Scribe or Descript for audio transcription.
Procedure
Transcribing with Word (Windows & Web Exclusive)
Access Word either through the app or website. Log in to https://www.office.com/ via Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Note that non-Chromium-based browsers won't support the features mentioned.
- Transcription functionality is unavailable on Word for Mac.
- A Microsoft 365 subscription is required to utilize this feature.
Open a document in Word. You can start a new document or open a previously saved one.
Select the Transcribe
option. A panel will appear on the right-hand side of your screen.
Click on Upload audio. Your file manager will open, allowing you to locate and double-click the audio file for upload.
- You can adjust the transcription language through the dropdown menu.
- Supported file formats include .wav, .mp4, and .mp3.
- Once transcription is complete, you'll find speaker dialogue written in the panel on the right side of your screen.
- Locate transcribed files in the Transcribed Files folder on OneDrive. Additionally, you can insert the written dialogue into your Word document by selecting Add to document.
Dictation Made Easy with Word
Access Word through the app or website. Log in to https://www.office.com/ using any browser, or launch the Word app on your Windows computer. The Dictate feature is accessible on Mac, Windows, and the web.
- If you lack a Microsoft 365 subscription, this option may not be visible.
Open a document in Word. Start a new document or open a previously saved one.
- Grant permission for your web browser or Word app to access your microphone if you haven't already.
- A keyboard shortcut, Alt + ` by default in Windows, is provided as an alternative to clicking with your mouse.
- While the Office 365 website suggests Option + F1 as the keyboard shortcut for dictation in Word for Mac, this shortcut may not function on all Mac computers, depending on your Word version or macOS.
Speak, and Word will transcribe your speech. The dictation appears wherever your cursor is located in the Word document.
- Command 'Pause dictation' or click the blue mic icon on your document to pause or stop audio transcription.
- Access mic settings, language preferences, or other options by clicking the gear icon on the left side.
- For dictating during a voice call or meeting, avoid using headphones. Word should capture other participants' voices through your speakers.
- You can close the document when finished dictating.
Exploring Alternative Resources
Discover a website providing transcription services. Numerous online platforms offer free transcription services for the initial 10 minutes of audio. Additional minutes can be unlocked through payment. Websites such as descript.com, happyscribe.com, and veed.io are available. Alternatively, services like rev.com offer human-generated transcriptions starting at $0.25 per minute.
Upload your file. Initiate the transcription process by clicking Convert audio to text or Upload file. You can upload files directly from your computer or utilize cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
Retrieve your transcribed document. Upon uploading the audio file, automated transcription software will generate a written document based on the audio content.
- Despite being free, these services may not provide 100% accuracy, necessitating proofreading and editing to ensure correctness.
- Some platforms offer human editors who review your content and make necessary adjustments, typically within a day.
Guidance
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To transcribe audio using the mic on Android, iPhone, or iPad, utilize the Word mobile app. Simply tap the microphone icon and start speaking to initiate transcription!
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Another option for smartphones and tablets is Google Translate.
