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Do you know that you can automatically transcribe audio to text for free using Microsoft Word?
Microsoft Word has a built-in audio-to-text converter that you can use for free.
It doesn’t require any additional software and it is compatible with both PC and Mac. It also supports a variety of audio formats and can transcribe them all into text.
The Microsoft Word automatic transcription tool is an excellent option for those who want to save time on transcription but don’t have the budget for professional transcription services.
However, you are currently limited to five hours of transcription time per month. It’s more than enough if you are using it for simple purposes though.
Besides, only English (US) is available as a language option.
Requirements:
- Reliable Internet access.
- Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browsers.
Now, we’ll show you how to convert audio to text for free using Microsoft Word 365.
How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Microsoft Word
Note: Make sure you are signed in to your Microsoft 365 account before following the methods below.
Use an Audio File
The first method to transcribe audio to text using Microsoft Word is by uploading an audio file. It could be audio from your own recording or you got it from the internet.
Currently, you are limited to five hours of transcription time per month.
Here’s what you need to do to convert audio to text:
1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Select Home > Dictate > Transcribe.
3. Click Upload audio. The audio format should be in .wav, .mp4, .mp3, and .m4a.
4. Select the audio that you want to transcribe.
Depending on how fast your internet is, transcription could take a while. It could also take as long as the length of the audio file to get it done.
It’s OK to do other work or switch browser tabs or applications while the transcription is taking place. You can come back to the transcription later.
Record Directly on Microsoft Word
It is also possible to record directly on Microsoft Word and then transcribe the recording to text. As you record, Word transcribes in the background.
You won’t see text on the page as you would when you were dictating, but you’ll still be able to read what you write. After you save and transcribe the recording, you’ll be able to see the text.
Do the following to convert your recording to text:
1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Select Home > Dictate > Transcribe.
3. Click Start recording.
4. If this is your first time transcribing, your browser will ask for permission to use your mic. You might see a notification in your browser. Or, you can set it up in your browser settings.
- Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Site permissions > Microphone > Allow “https://[your name].sharepoint.com”
- Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone > Allow “https://[your name].sharepoint.com”
5. A blue outline around the pause button and the start of a timestamp will tell you that the recording has begun.
6. Start talking or having a conversation with your partner. Remember to speak clearly.
7. Keep the Transcribe pane open while you record.
8. When you want to pause the recording, click the pause icon.
9. Click the microphone icon to resume your recording.
10. Click Save and transcribe now when you’re done recording. This will save your recording to OneDrive and start the transcription process right away.
You might have to wait a while for the transcription to finish, depending on how fast your internet is. During the transcription, keep the Transcribe pane open so that you can see what is going on. Take a break and come back later. You can do other work or switch browser tabs or apps.
Make sure you don’t use your headset when you want to record and write down a virtual call. In this way, the recording will be able to pick up the sound that comes from your computer or phone.
It’s important to note that the recordings or uploaded audio will be stored in the Transcribed Files folder on OneDrive. Open your recording folder in OneDrive to remove them.
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