Transcribing audio into text used to be hard. You wasted time typing or used bad tools that made mistakes, and you’ve suffered through poor audio quality and background noise. We're going to show you how to use an AI voice recorder (Plaud Note) or a wearable AI note taker device, the Plaud NotePin, to turn any audio into clean editable text using AI speech recognition.
This guide on how to transcribe audio to text shows you how to solve your audio transcription problem with a clear, three-step process and get accurate transcripts you can actually use.
How to Transcribe Audio to Text: Step-by-Step Guide
With Plaud NotePin, you can go from raw audio recording to accurate text in just three simple steps.
Step 1: Record Your Audio
Your first step in converting voice to text is capturing the sound. The Plaud NotePin is flexible, allowing you to record audio without disrupting your day.
- For live talk: Clip on the NotePin and push the record button. Whether you are speaking your book idea or recording a school lecture, the device will capture audio clearly, even with background noise.
- For old files: If you already have audio files, you can upload them to the Plaud App for the AI to read.
Further Reading: Read this guide if you're trying to transcribe lectures. In it, we show you everything you need to know about taking better classroom notes. And we suggest this article on using AI-powered meeting summaries to learn more about how you can make the most of meeting notes.
Step 2: Transcribe Audio to Text
To convert audio into text, connect the Plaud NotePin to the Plaud App on your phone or tablet. Once you establish a connection, your audio files will be saved securely. Only you can access them, unless you decide to share.
Next, open the audio file within the App and tap the "Generate" button to start the transcription process. Here, you'll be prompted to select your preferred transcription language, AI model, and a summary template for the text upload (if necessary).
Once your selections are made, tap "Generate." The Plaud App will begin the transcription service in your desired language and convert your audio recording into a readable text transcript.
Tips:
- If many people are talking, Plaud uses speech recognition to identify speakers and apply speaker labels automatically. This is very helpful for interviews or when transcribing meetings.
- Use the App to add tags (like "Chapter 3" or "Action Items") to the file. This simple step helps you organize big projects.
Your speech is now a clean document, ready for the final step.
Step 3: Fix and Export Your Transcription
After reviewing the transcription results, you have the option to regenerate the transcription if you need to improve the accuracy. You can also use the built in editor to polish the text manually. Additionally, the App allows you to generate summaries and mind maps. Once you’re finished, you can download files or export the final transcripts for use in Word, Docs, Google Sheets, and more.
Tips:
- For very long recordings, use the summary feature. It quickly finds the main points or key tasks. Read the summary first so you don't have to read the whole long text.
- Look over the text in the App. You can change your words to fit a written style. Remember, we talk differently from the way we write.
- Plaud has more features than most other transcription tools. You can download your transcripts directly to your computer. Or, you can export a file in multiple formats, such as WAV, .txt files, or PDFs. You can even upload in common formats, like WMA and get a transcript.
- If you want to change your language, just select your desired language from the 100+ options in Plaud, then get your transcript.
For more details, learn how to use Plaud NotePin.
Tips for Transcribing Audio to Text With Plaud NotePin
Plaud NotePin is suitable for post-event transcription and summarization, rather than live transcription. This results in more accurate text, especially for long recording sessions.
It is not a real-time speech-to-text tool like Zoom, Teams, or live captioning systems. In contrast, real-time video transcription tools are ideal for immediate on-screen display.
So it's best suited for scenarios including:
- Lectures and classes
- Long meetings, conferences, and interviews
- Situations where playback and structured text are needed (e.g., meeting minutes, interview transcripts)
In short, you can decide whether to use Plaud NotePin based on your own needs and usage context.
Further Reading: If you're trying to record Whatsapp calls, please read our guide on the topic. And make sure you know the recording laws in your jurisdiction so you don't break the law!
Our Recommendation: Adopt a Hybrid Workflow
Using an AI recorder like the Plaud NotePin is about making the creation process easier, not eliminating human skill. We recommend the following workflow for maximum efficiency:
- Creation (Device): Use the Plaud NotePin for all your initial drafting and brainstorming. Speak everything out loud and don't stop to self-edit.
- Structure (App): Immediately use the in-app tools to tag the content, separate speakers, and use AI summaries to confirm the main points of each session.
- Refinement (Human): Export the structured text to your computer and use a human editor (either yourself or a professional) to refine the language and finalize the flow.
Conclusion
Our devices: The Plaud Note and the Plaud NotePin makes it simple to turn audio to text. It is best for recording and then transcribing with high accuracy, as opposed to creating live captions. Plaud records first and then generates accurate transcripts you can review, edit, and share.
Unlike many transcription apps, Plaud is highly versatile. It can transcribe different audio formats, long audio video recordings, or mixed audio and video files.
All you need is a Plaud NotePin to get started. It’s ready to transcribe speech right out of the box with 300 transcription minutes per month as part of the Plaud App’s free tier. For heavier workloads, select manage subscription in the app to upgrade to more minutes or unlimited transcriptions.
Plaud is the audio to text transcription tool of choice for over 1.5 million professionals. Get Plaud NotePin now and easily record lectures, meetings, and ideas you don’t want to lose.
FAQ
Can Plaud NotePin transcribe in real time?
No. Plaud NotePin works best for recording first and transcribing later. This ensures higher accuracy for lectures, meetings, and interviews.
Can I transcribe existing audio files?
Yes. You can upload your files to the Plaud App, and the AI will convert them into text. No need to record again.
Can Plaud NotePin tell different speakers apart?
Yes. It can try to identify and separate multiple speakers. This is useful for interviews or group meetings.
Can I edit or export the transcript?
Yes. You can review, edit, summarize, or create mind maps in the App. Then export or share the final text easily.
Can I Convert Voice to Text For Free?
Yes, you can convert voice to text for free using free apps such as Google Docs built-in voice to text feature. With Plaud, we do have a free plan, but you must purchase the device first.
