Otter Voice Meeting Notes is an innovative application that offers seamless recording and transcription of oral content with an impressive accuracy rate of 90%. Powered by advanced AI technology, Otter.ai recognizes and tags speakers automatically, allowing easy navigation and search within transcripts. This user guide aims to walk you through the basic functions of Otter.ai, providing detailed instructions on how to make the most of this powerful tool on your computer.
Getting Started with Otter.ai
To get started with Otter.ai, follow these steps:
- Sign Up or Log In: Visit the Otter.ai website at https://otter.ai/ and click on “Sign Up” to create a free account. If you already have a paid version, click “Log in.” If you prefer, you can also choose to link your CSU email by selecting “Continue with Microsoft.”
- Download the Mobile App: Alternatively, you can download the “Otter Voice Meeting Notes” app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Your account will be linked using your email address.
- Explore the Home Page: After signing up or logging in, you will land on the home page. Here, you’ll find a menu bar with various options, such as “Record” or “Import,” which we’ll explore in the following sections.
Recording and Transcribing with Otter.ai
- Recording Notes: To begin recording notes, click on “Record” from the home page or choose “Start recording” on the “My Conversations” page. When recording, you’ll see a timer at the bottom of the screen. Use the pause button to pause the recording and the microphone icon to resume recording.
- Inserting Photos: Otter.ai allows you to insert photos during transcription. Click the photo icon and select an image from your device. The image will appear inline with the transcription text.
- Stopping the Recording: Click the stop icon to stop the recording. The note will be transcribed automatically. Depending on the recording’s length, transcription may take a few minutes. You’ll be notified when your note is ready on the home page.
- Importing Files: If you want to transcribe a file already on your device, click “Import.” Browse your device for the file, select it, and click open. Otter.ai will show the progress of the transcription.
Reviewing and Editing Transcriptions
- Listening to Notes: You can listen to your note while reading the transcription by clicking the play button at the bottom of the screen. Otter.ai highlights each word as it is played back, allowing you to check for accuracy.
- Searching the Conversation: Use the “Search the Conversation” option to search the transcription for keywords. If a word appears multiple times, use the arrows to navigate through the transcript.
- Editing Transcriptions: After reviewing your note for accuracy, you can edit the title and content of your transcription.
- Exporting Transcriptions: To export the transcription or audio, click the more options icon and choose “Export Text” or “Export Audio.” The free version allows you to export and save as a text document or copy to the clipboard. The paid version supports DOCX, PDF, and SRT file formats.
- Sharing Notes: Click the share icon to share your notes. You can either type the contact in the “Share with people and groups” box or choose to enable a link and copy it for sharing. You can also choose the starting point of the transcription to share specific portions of the notes.
Settings for Improved Viewing, Listening, and Organization
- Collapsing the Sidebar: To maximize screen space, click the arrow next to the Otter logo at the bottom of the menu to collapse the sidebar.
- Adjusting Playback Speed: Customize your listening experience by adjusting the playback speed. Click “1x” to open the Playback Options menu and select your desired playback speed.
- Pairing Speakers: Identify speakers by clicking on the number beside “Speaker.” You can also use the more options icon to rematch speakers if needed.
- Organizing Notes: Keep your notes organized by using folders. Select “Folders” from the menu bar, click “New Folder,” and create a folder with a custom name.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Audio Playback and Transcription Editing
| Action | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Play or Pause | Esc | Ctrl Space |
| Rewind 5 Seconds | Left Arrow | Ctrl R |
| Slow Down | F3 | Ctrl 3 |
| Speed Up | F4 | Ctrl 4 |
| Insert a Paragraph Break | Return | Enter |
| Delete Paragraph Break | Backspace or Delete | Backspace or Delete |
| Undo an Action | Command Z | Ctrl Z |
| Redo an Action | Command Y | Ctrl Y |
Conclusion
Otter.ai offers a convenient way to record, transcribe, and organize your voice conversations. With its advanced AI technology, you can effortlessly create accurate transcriptions and easily navigate through your notes. Whether you’re a student, professional, or anyone in need of reliable transcription services, Otter.ai is a valuable tool to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. Start using Otter.ai today and experience the benefits of efficient speech-to-text conversion.