Transcribe Faster with Express Scribe FREE Transcription Software | Audio to Text Tutorial

Jennifer Marie
19 Jan 202115:15

TLDRIn this tutorial, Jennifer Marie VO introduces Express Scribe, a free transcription software that allows working offline, perfect for transcribing audio files without internet access. She guides viewers on how to install and use the software, including features like adjusting playback speed, volume, and hotkeys. Jennifer also covers the use of Grammarly for editing and proofreading transcripts, ensuring accuracy and professionalism. The tutorial is aimed at aspiring transcriptionists and freelancers looking to enhance their skills and efficiency.

Takeaways

  • 🌐 Express Scribe is a free transcription software that can be downloaded for offline use.
  • 🔍 It is particularly useful for transcriptionists working in areas with unstable internet connections.
  • 📚 The software allows for transcribing multiple files simultaneously and editing them within the same interface.
  • 🎧 Users can adjust the playback speed and volume to match their typing pace.
  • ⏮️ Hotkeys are available for easy navigation through the audio file while transcribing.
  • 🕒 The software includes a feature for inserting timestamps, which can be customized based on client requirements.
  • 🔍 A speech-to-text feature is available, but it may not be accurate and requires significant editing.
  • 📋 Once transcribed, files can be exported in various ways, including copying to a clipboard or saving as a DCT file.
  • 👣 Express Scribe can be used with a foot pedal for hands-free operation.
  • 📝 The video recommends using Grammarly for proofreading and editing the transcribed text to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • 👩‍💻 The tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install, use, and get the most out of Express Scribe for transcription work.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the Express Scribe software mentioned in the video?

    -Express Scribe is a transcription software that allows users to transcribe audio files into text. It is particularly useful for transcriptionists who want to type what they hear from various audio files and is beneficial for working both online and offline.

  • How does Express Scribe differ from oTranscribe?

    -While both Express Scribe and oTranscribe are transcription software, Express Scribe can be downloaded and used on a computer, allowing users to work on transcriptions without an internet connection, which is an advantage for those with unreliable internet access.

  • What are some features of Express Scribe that can help improve transcription speed?

    -Express Scribe offers features such as adjustable playback speed, hotkeys for playback control, and the ability to work on multiple files simultaneously. These features help transcriptionists to work more efficiently.

  • How can users adjust the playback speed in Express Scribe?

    -Users can adjust the playback speed in Express Scribe by going to the options, selecting playback, and then changing the speed setting as desired.

  • What is the speech to text feature in Express Scribe?

    -The speech to text feature in Express Scribe is an option that uses a speech recognition engine to automatically create a draft transcript of a dictation. However, it may not be entirely accurate and could require significant manual correction.

  • How can you add timestamps to your transcription in Express Scribe?

    -To add timestamps in Express Scribe, you can go to the 'notes' menu, select 'insert', and then 'time'. This will insert a timestamp at the current point in the audio.

  • What is the recommended approach to proofreading the transcribed text?

    -The video suggests using the free version of Grammarly, a writing assistant tool, to help with proofreading the transcribed text. Grammarly can assist with punctuation, grammar, and spelling corrections.

  • How can you download audio files for transcription using Express Scribe?

    -The video mentions a tutorial on how to download audio files from any website, which can be helpful when using Express Scribe for transcription purposes, especially when working with files from transcription platforms.

  • What is the process for exporting a transcribed file in Express Scribe?

    -To export a transcribed file, you can highlight the text, right-click and select 'copy', and then paste it into a text editor or word processing software like Microsoft Word. Alternatively, you can use the 'notes copy' or 'export notes' options to save the file.

  • Can Express Scribe be used with a foot pedal?

    -Yes, Express Scribe can be used with a foot pedal. Users can enable the foot pedal controller by going to 'options', then 'controller', and following the controller setup wizard.

  • What are some advantages of using Express Scribe for non-commercial home use?

    -Express Scribe is advantageous for non-commercial home use because it is free, allows offline work, and provides features like speed control and hotkeys that can enhance the transcription process.

  • How does the presenter feel about the speech to text feature in Express Scribe?

    -The presenter does not recommend using the speech to text feature in Express Scribe, as it did not accurately transcribe her clear voice and would require a lot of manual correction.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Express Scribe for Online Transcription Work

Jennifer Marie VO introduces her channel, which focuses on teaching online money-making strategies, particularly transcription. She explains that Express Scribe is a free, downloadable software ideal for transcribing audio files without an internet connection, beneficial for those with unstable internet or who work in various locations. The software allows working on multiple files simultaneously and is user-friendly for clients, YouTube content, or transcription platforms. Jennifer provides a link to download Express Scribe and guides viewers through the installation process, emphasizing the free, non-commercial, home-use version.

05:02

🔧 Navigating Express Scribe's Features for Efficient Transcription

The tutorial continues with an in-depth look at Express Scribe's functionalities. Jennifer demonstrates how to adjust volume and playback speed, use hotkeys for playback control, and insert timestamps as needed. She also covers the customization of hotkeys to fit user preferences and the ability to work on multiple files at once. A feature that uses speech-to-text to create a draft transcript is explored, with a demonstration of its accuracy and potential usefulness. Jennifer highlights the convenience of having all transcription tools in one dashboard and the advantage of adjusting playback speed to match typing pace.

10:03

🚀 Finalizing Transcripts with Express Scribe and Grammarly

Jennifer concludes the tutorial by showing how to export and save transcripts using Express Scribe, with options to copy to clipboard, use file export functions, and manage the transcription list. She also discusses using a foot pedal for hands-free operation and emphasizes the software's offline capabilities. To polish the transcripts, Jennifer recommends Grammarly, a tool that helps correct grammatical errors and improve the quality of the text. She illustrates how to use Grammarly with the transcribed text and suggests saving the final version in a text editor or Microsoft Word before submitting to clients or platforms. The video ends with an encouragement to download Express Scribe for efficient transcription work and a prompt to subscribe for more tutorials.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Transcription

Transcription refers to the process of converting spoken language into written form. In the context of the video, it is the primary activity that the viewers are learning to perform using Express Scribe software. The script mentions, 'how to get paid for typing what they hear or for transcribing different audio files,' which highlights the commercial aspect of transcription as a skill.

💡Express Scribe

Express Scribe is the name of the free transcription software being discussed in the video. It is a tool designed to facilitate the transcription process by allowing users to play audio files and type out the content simultaneously. The script describes it as 'an excellent tool if you want to transcribe different clients files, or if you're working on multiple files at once.'

💡Free Version

The free version of Express Scribe is the specific iteration of the software that the video focuses on. It is mentioned as being suitable for non-commercial home use, which makes it accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford paid transcription tools. The script states, 'So we are going to make sure we install the free version.'

💡Non-commercial Home Use

This term refers to the intended use case for the free version of Express Scribe, indicating that it is designed for personal use rather than for business or commercial purposes. The script specifies, 'So you should be able to use this unlimited the free version. If we go to help, then about Express Scribe it says unlicensed version non commercial home use only.'

💡Hotkeys

Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that perform specific actions within a software application. In the video, hotkeys are used to control the playback of audio files within Express Scribe, allowing for a more efficient transcription workflow. The script provides examples, such as 'you press f9 to play it or just press the play button.'

💡Playback Speed

Playback speed refers to the rate at which audio is played back. The ability to adjust playback speed is a feature of Express Scribe that can help transcribers keep up with the audio or slow it down for clarity. The script mentions, 'And let's say you want to really slow down the file because it was you know, I'm talking way too fast or the person's talking way too fast.'

💡Speech to Text

Speech to text is a feature that attempts to automatically transcribe spoken words into written text using voice recognition technology. The video discusses this feature in Express Scribe, noting its limitations and potential usefulness. The script states, 'Express Scribe can use a speech to text engine to automatically create a draft transcript when you receive a dictation.'

💡Grammarly

Grammarly is a writing tool mentioned in the video that helps users correct grammatical errors and improve the quality of their written text. It is used in conjunction with the transcription work to ensure the final transcript is polished and error-free. The script recommends, 'I'll teach you how to edit and proofread your transcript to ensure it is free from punctuation and grammatical errors using the free version of Grammarly.'

💡Foot Pedal

A foot pedal is an optional accessory that can be used with transcription software like Express Scribe to control playback with foot movements, allowing hands to remain on the keyboard. The video suggests that this can enhance the transcription process by providing another level of control. The script mentions, 'You could also use Express Scribe with a foot pedal.'

💡Transcription Platform

A transcription platform refers to an online service or marketplace where transcription work is offered, often involving audio files that need to be transcribed. The video implies that Express Scribe can be used in conjunction with such platforms to facilitate the transcription work. The script includes, 'Or if you're using this software for your own purposes for your YouTube videos. Or if you're using this to transcribe files from a transcription platform.'

Highlights

Introduction to Express Scribe, a free transcription software for audio to text conversion.

Express Scribe is beneficial for transcriptionists working on multiple files or clients' audio files.

Difference between Express Scribe and oTranscribe, with the former being downloadable for offline use.

Express Scribe's suitability for use in areas with unstable internet connections.

Tutorial on downloading and installing the free version of Express Scribe.

Instructions on how to load and transcribe audio files using Express Scribe.

Features of Express Scribe, including volume control and playback speed adjustment.

How to use hotkeys for playback control in Express Scribe.

Adding timestamps to transcripts within Express Scribe.

Ability to work on multiple audio files simultaneously in Express Scribe.

Express Scribe's speech to text feature and its limitations.

How to export and save transcriptions from Express Scribe.

Using a foot pedal with Express Scribe for hands-free operation.

Combining Express Scribe with Grammarly for editing and proofreading transcripts.

Recommendation to download Express Scribe for non-commercial home use.

Advantages of Express Scribe for transcriptionists, including speed and volume control.

Final thoughts on the effectiveness of Express Scribe and its speech to text feature.