There are so many uses for text-to-speech software and speech-to-text software. Whether you want to narrate stories, give dictation or use voice search, these apps help. You may also need to convert an audio file to text. It could be about documenting the text notes of an interview or transcribing a video to upload on YouTube. This guide provides several options to help you convert audio files to text in quick and easy steps.
How to Convert Audio to Text Online
There are many online tools that help convert audio to text without requiring you to install additional software. You can see the top choices below, but remember that free online tools can’t provide professional results.
1. TinyWow
TinyWow is a premium service that provides free conversion tools for PDF, audio, and text to help you solve problems of all types. The software is free, has no limits, and doesn’t require you to sign up, all the while offering tools that make your life easier.
Follow these steps to use TinyWow to convert audio to text:
- Go to TinyWow and select “Upload from PC or Mobile.”
- Select the file you wish to transcribe and hit “Open.”
- Wait for the process to finish.
2. 360Converter
If you’re looking for an excellent online converter, 360Converter offers straightforward tools and features, supporting both audio and video. You can download the results as a Word file or PDF, but there are some limitations, such as a maximum of 180 seconds of conversion.
Follow these steps to use 360Converter to convert audio to text:
- Go to 360Converter and select “Choose Local File.”
- Select the file you wish to transcribe and hit “Open.”
- Click “Continue” and wait for the process to finish.
Good to know: easily shorten your text with these online summarizer tools.
3. Sonix
If you’re looking for a premium service, Sonix offers automated transcription, translation, and subtitles at $10/ hour.
The software easily converts your audio to text in over 40 languages and has millions of users worldwide.
Follow the directions below to use Sonix to convert audio to text:
- Go to Sonix and sign up for a 30-day trial account.
- Click “Select from computer” to upload an audio file.
- Pick the file you wish to transcribe and hit “Open.”
- Select a language, hit “Transcribe in [language],” and wait for the process to finish.
4. Google Docs
Change audio to text using Google’s free cloud-based word-processing software, Google Docs.
Play your audio files on your PC or nearby devices, and the software will convert them to text in seconds.
Follow these instructions to use Google Docs to convert audio to text:
- Open a document in Google Docs, then select the “Tools tab -> Voice typing.”
- When ready, click on the “Microphone” icon and start speaking.
5. Flixier
Flixier is another online service that offers advanced transcription software to convert audio files to text in a few clicks.
The software has a built-in text editor and supports various file formats, including MP3, M4A, WAV, and others.
Go through these steps to use Flixier to convert audio to text:
- Go to Flixier and click “Transcribe.”
- Select “Click to upload” to select an audio file.
- Choose the file you wish to transcribe and hit “Open.”
- Click “Generate” to start transcribing.
How to Convert Audio to Text on a PC
The Speech Recognition feature in Microsoft Windows conveniently transcribes audio to text. If you’re not a fan of online tools and services, this built-in tool can help you convert audio files to text without third-party software.
Here’s how to convert audio files to text on a PC:
- Right-click on the “Start Menu” and open “Settings.”
- Go to the “Time & language” section and click “Speech.”
- Select “Get started” under “Microphone.”
- The “Speech wizard” will walk you through a few steps to set up your microphone.
- Press the Windows + Ctrl + S keys to access the “Speech Recognition” wizard.
- Follow the on-screen guideline to set up the software.
- Access “Speech Recognition” by pressing the Windows + Ctrl + S keys.
FYI: we can show you how to combine text in Microsoft Excel.
How to Convert Audio to Text on a Mac
Similar to Windows, Mac owners can utilize preinstalled software on macOS to convert audio files to text. The Dictation feature on Mac lets you transcribe audio and video using any text editor and save the results in the desired format.
Follow these steps to convert audio files to text on a Mac:
- Click on the Apple Logo in the top-right corner and select “System Settings.”
- Scroll to the bottom of the list, go to the “Keyboard” section, and turn on the toggle next to “Dictation.”
- Confirm the process by clicking “Enable.”
- Open a text editor, press the “Control” key twice, and start transcribing.
How to Swap Audio to Text on Android
Smartphones perform many asks. They can even transcribe audio files to text using an Android device.
However, you’ll often need a third-party audio-to-text app that uses your device’s microphone to transcribe files.
The following list includes the best audio-to-text tools on Android:
1. Gboard
Gboard is the all-in-one keyboard by Google that offers conventional and voice typing with a user-friendly interface.
If you’re an Android user, Google’s Gboard is an excellent replacement for your traditional keyboard, allowing you to turn audio into text.
Proceed through the steps below to convert audio files to text using Gboard:
- Download and install Gboard on your device.
- Open any text editor, tap and hold the “Microphone” icon, and start talking when you see the “Speak Now” prompt.
2. Speechnotes and SpeechTexter
If you’re looking for more than a keyboard, Speechnotes provides voice typing, auto-save capability, and an instant translator, all for free. SpeechTexter is another free multilingual speech-to-text assistant and is more than 90 percent accurate, depending on the language and the speaker.
Download and install either app, then tap the “Microphone” button to start transcribing.
Tip: need to extract text from an image on iPhone? Follow these easy methods.
How to Convert Audio to Text on an iPhone
Similar to Android, iOS devices offer powerful utilities for users to accomplish almost anything in the palm of their hands.
In addition to third-party audio-to-text apps, iPhones come with a built-in Dictation feature that allows you to convert voice to text.
Follow these steps to convert audio files to text using an iPhone.
1. Apple Voice Control
Apple provides its users with a robust native dictator built into iOS, easily accessible through the Microphone icon on your keyboard. While there are hundreds of audio-to-text apps, Apple Voice Control remains among the most accurate with excellent capabilities.
To convert audio files to text using Apple Voice Control, open any text editor on your device and tap the “Microphone” icon to start dictating.
2. Transcribe And Otter
Alternatively, you can opt for an effective third-party tool like Transcribe or Otter to automatically transcribe audio or video in seconds. Transcribe offers a straightforward interface and is a massive help for note-taking, interviews, and converting audio to text. Otter offers a high-end dictation service, allowing you to create templates, add custom words, and instantly dictate anything to text.
For either of the two apps, download and install them, then tap the “Microphone” button to start transcribing.
FYI: learn how to extract audio clips from your videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my transcriptions more accurate?
First, get rid of any background noise. Move to a quiet place before transcribing your files, or utilize a microphone with noise-canceling technology built into it. Background noises are the primary reason for inaccurate transcription results.
Secondly, opt for a transcription program (paid or free) with a real-time conversion option. The feature lets you edit the text as you go, making it easier to revise the final results rather than go through a lengthy text looking for tiny typos.
Finally, despite heavy advances in AI technology and transcription software, nothing beats the accuracy of a professional transcriptionist. If you’re looking for the best results, hire one and let them do the work.
How can I transcribe audio files to text using Python?
While Python is not the most convenient way to convert audio files to text, a tech-savvy user can still use it. There are quite a few ways to create a transcription program in Python, but below is the most straightforward approach:
- Copy the following program text to Python:
import speech_recognition as sr
from os import path
from pydub import AudioSegment
convert mp3 file to wav
sound = AudioSegment.from_mp3(“transcript.mp3”)
sound.export(“transcript.wav”, format=”wav”)
transcribe audio file
AUDIO_FILE = “transcript.wav”
use the audio file as the audio source
r = sr.Recognizer()
with sr.AudioFile(AUDIO_FILE) as source:
audio = r.record(source) # read the entire audio file
print(“Transcription: ” + r.recognize_google(audio)
- Save the program as “transcribe.py.”
- Run the software you created, then “Upload” an audio file to convert it to text.
What's the safest way to store audio Information?
The safest and often most convenient way to store audio information is to transcribe it into text. Accordingly, text files consume less storage and are less prone to corruption and software glitches, making them even more convenient to back up. This makes audio file transcription the safest method to save, edit and review your meetings, voice notes, interviews, audiobooks, and podcasts.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Farhad Pashaei.
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