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• Best Mac Specs For Final Cut Pro
• Best Mac For Final Cut Pro
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Plug-ins, devices, and content.

Learn more about the wide variety of plug-ins, content, and devices that extend the power of Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Pro Ten (FCPX) Final Cut Pro is one of the best known and most widely used alternatives to Premiere Pro, and has been used to cut some Hollywood feature length films. X (or 10) is Apple’s latest upgrade, which includes 360 degree editing, motion graphics, advanced color grading, and ProRes RAW (a high-quality video compression feature).

1. The Best Free Transcription Software for Mac and PC 2021 This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure for more info. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for the best free transcription software based on my experience as a professional audio transcriptionist.
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3. MacX Video Converter Pro is the No.1 fast video processing software for Mac 2020 that can convert & compress 4K/HD videos (e.g. HEVC to H.264, MKV to MP4, MTS to iTunes, etc) in a flash with Intel QSV/Nvidia/AMD support. Also a 4K UHD downloader, video editor and resizer, screen recorder and slideshow maker.
4. Final Cut Pro Virtual Summit. View all the presentations from the 2020 virtual conference hosted by Future Media Concepts. Featuring seven full days of cutting-edge sessions presented by top industry professionals who are well versed in the latest versions Final Cut Pro, Motion and Compressor, plugins, and editing techniques.

Documentation

Explore online user guides for Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor:

Final Cut Pro User Guide
Motion User Guide
Compressor User Guide

Download the user guides as PDFs:

Final Cut Pro User Guide (PDF)
Motion User Guide (PDF)
Compressor User Guide (PDF)

You can also get the user guides from Apple Books:

Final Cut Pro User Guide
Motion User Guide
Compressor User Guide

Learn about the latest updates to Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor:

What's New in Final Cut Pro 10.5
Final Cut Pro release notes
What's New in Motion 5.5
Motion release notes
What's New in Compressor 4.5
Compressor release notes

Ripple Training

Learn the fundamentals and discover advanced tips from the Final Cut Pro experts at Ripple Training.

What’s New in Final Cut Pro 10.4.9

Explore the powerful new features in Final Cut Pro 10.4.9 with free tutorials led by Ripple Training's Steve Martin and Mark Spencer.

What’s New in Motion 5.4.6

Mark Spencer provides an in-depth overview of the new features in Motion 5.4.6, including support for 3D objects and the new Stroke filter.

Getting Started in Final Cut Pro

Learn from Ripple Training founder Steve Martin in this free 10-lesson tutorial series for new users.

Core Training

This foundational six-hour curriculum covers the essentials, from import to final delivery and everything in between.

In-Depth Training

Learn techniques for media management, audio editing, color grading, and more in this deep-dive series designed for pros.

iJustine Teaches Final Cut Pro

Follow along with popular YouTuber iJustine, as she teaches you her complete workflow for creating and delivering videos using Final Cut Pro.

Video Encoding in Compressor 4.4

Master the process of video encoding. Learn how to create custom presets, use droplets to save time, and leverage distributed processing with other Macs on your network.

Getting Started in Motion 5.4

Learn the foundations of building beautiful motion graphics.

Advanced Motion Training

Learn advanced motion graphics techniques including working with particle emitters, replicators and cameras, as well as how to rig and publish your compositions to Final Cut Pro.

Free Quick Tips for Final Cut Pro and Motion

Learn useful tips and tricks to make you faster and more proficient in Final Cut Pro and Motion.

Web Tutorials

Whether you’re new to Final Cut Pro or just looking to pick up some tips, you can get up to speed quickly by viewing online tutorials from leading video training developers.

FCP from PremiumBeat

Visit The Beat blog for news, tips, and tricks on Final Cut Pro. Then download Final Cut Pro Editor Kits to learn key Final Cut Pro techniques — such as 3D titles and speed effects — with accompanying tutorials and free PremiumBeat music and Shutterstock footage.

LinkedIn Learning

Final Cut Pro Essential Training is a video-based tutorial series that covers all aspects of Final Cut Pro. Instructor Nick Harauz helps you get up and running, cut a story, mix audio, and deliver a final project. You can also learn new Final Cut Pro editing techniques every Friday in Final Cut Pro Weekly with Nick Harauz and Jeff Greenberg.

macProVideo.com

The Mac Training Specialists at macProVideo.com bring you tutorials for Final Cut Pro and Motion. Stream them in your web browser or download HD videos to your Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Get started with nearly an hour of free Final Cut Pro First Look tutorials.

Hawaiki Motion Tutorials

Learn advanced visual effects and compositing techniques from Simon Ubsdell using Motion.

PowerUp Training

Larry Jordan provides comprehensive training to video editors covering Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor. His conversational style, in-depth techniques, and extensive resources help media pros find work, improve their skills, and keep clients happy.

POST-PROfessionals

Robin Kurz’s best-selling German language Final Cut Pro training includes nearly 15 hours of instruction, starting with the basics and going all the way to project delivery. Learn tips and tricks designed for the beginning editor and experienced professional.

AV Ultra

Free high-quality and professional Motion 5 training from Stanislaw Robert Luberda. Learn the basics of animation using Behaviors and Keyframes, and go further with lessons covering rigging and publishing titles, effects, and transitions in Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Pro Virtual Summit

View all the presentations from the 2020 virtual conference hosted by Future Media Concepts. Featuring seven full days of cutting-edge sessions presented by top industry professionals who are well versed in the latest versions Final Cut Pro, Motion and Compressor, plugins, and editing techniques. Sign up at a reduced rate using the promo code APPLE2020 from here.

Pixel Film Studios

Watch hundreds of tutorials on the basics of Final Cut Pro.

Books

Apple Pro Training Series

Learn more about Final Cut Pro and Motion from the official guide of the Apple Training and Certification program.

Motion Cookbook

Take full advantage of the deep features in Motion. Author Nick Harauz takes you through dozens of tutorials with downloadable content and descriptive text and images that are easy to follow.

Final Cut Pro: Pro Workflow

Proven feature-film techniques from Michael Matzdorff, first assistant editor on the Warner Bros. film Focus starring Will Smith, which was edited entirely in Final Cut Pro.

Motion: How It Works

This 300-page interactive ebook by author Edgar Rothermich teaches Motion using rich illustrations and diagrams that make it easy to comprehend complex concepts, features, and workflows in a very intuitive way.

White Papers

The ProRes White Paper and ProRes RAW White Paper include detailed technical and workflow information about the Apple ProRes codec. Visit the ProRes Authorized Products page to view Apple-certified ProRes products.

The Final Cut Pro Media Management White Paper describes how to manage media with libraries in Final Cut Pro.

The iTunes Store Package Quick Start Guide describes how to use Compressor to turn your movie into an iTunes Store package and use Apple-certified delivery partners to submit to the iTunes Store for sale.

Working with Wide Color Gamut and High Dynamic Range in Final Cut Pro offers a deeper look at High Dynamic Range (HDR) and wide color workflows with Final Cut Pro, so you can get the most from your RAW and Log C footage.

The Final Cut Pro Transition White Paper includes detailed information to help editors transition from previous versions of Final Cut Pro.

The Audio Roles White Paper explains how to use the power and flexibility of roles for editing, audio adjustments, and mixing.

The RED Workflows White Paper outlines various options for RED-based post-production workflows with Final Cut Pro.

The Final Cut Pro Shared & Remote Solutions White Paper published by frame.io describes best practices in shared and remote workflows for individuals and teams. It includes up to date information on third party hardware and software for storage, collaboration and review and approval.

Support

Apple Support Pages

Find up-to-date information about key topics and basic troubleshooting tips for all three apps.

AppleCare Professional Support

AppleCare Professional Support offers IT department–level support for deploying and managing professional video workflows that include Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor.

Best Mac For Final Cut Pro X

Apple Support Communities

Participate in online forums for Final Cut Pro, Compressor, and Motion hosted by Apple.

Pro Video Formats

Pro Video Formats

The Pro Video Formats package is a free download available to all Mac users. It provides support for a range of video codecs used in professional video workflows.

Communities

Tap into a rich source of information sharing and support by visiting a Final Cut Pro blog, participating in a web forum, or attending a user group in your area.

Blogs

Alex4D

Curated blog of news and notes about the Final Cut Pro ecosystem.

FCP.co

The most comprehensive resource for Final Cut Pro news.

FCPWORKS

Workflow advice and events from Final Cut Pro experts.

FCPX.tv

Final Cut Pro news, articles, tutorials, and reviews.

LumaForge

Read about collaborative video editing from the company behind the Jellyfish shared storage device.

The Beat

Discover the latest video editing tutorials and tips for Final Cut Pro, delivered by the video experts at PremiumBeat.

Podcasts

Final Cut Pro Radio

Helpful tips, tricks, and commentary on Final Cut Pro.

MacBreak Studio

Final Cut Pro veterans discuss video production on Mac computers.

Web Forums

Apple Support Communities

Forums for Apple applications, hosted by Apple.

Creative Cow

Forums for discussing Final Cut Pro tips and techniques.

FCP.co Forum

The forum companion to the comprehensive FCP.co website.

Final Cut Pro Editors

Facebook group for Final Cut Pro tips and discussions.

Final Cut Pro on Facebook

Read posts about new products and plug‑ins related to Final Cut Pro.

User Groups - USA

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In today’s post, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for the best free transcription software based on my experience as a professional audio transcriptionist. Whether you’re transcribing medical, legal, academic (qualitative research), post-production, or other content, you’ll find something here that fits the bill.

Transcription software speeds up the process of converting audio files to text. Using hotkeys or a foot pedal, you can quickly and easily navigate the audio and re-listen to hard-to-hear phrases. The software runs in the background, so you don’t have to keep switching between the audio player and your word processing software.

Note that this post is about transcription software that’s designed to help you transcribe audio recordings manually. Professionals in many industries can benefit from this type of software, including audio transcriptionists, journalists, researchers, and filmmakers.

This isn’t a post about speech recognition or dictation software like Dragon NaturallySpeaking, although you can use these tools with the software I recommend here if you choose to.

This also isn’t a post about tools that auto-magically do the typing for you – as in, you upload a dictation and out pops a transcript. In many cases, it’s actually faster to transcribe from scratch than to edit an error-laden rendering from an auto-transcription tool.

This is a pretty long post, with detailed info on the features of each program. If you’d rather just skip to the end for my recommendation for the best free transcription software (and get a discount on pro software), click here.

If you’re a professional transcriptionist looking for work, check out my other blog posts for tons of work-from-home resources, or browse online jobs on FlexJobs here (note: you can currently get 30% off by using promo code Save30 at checkout). FlexJobs is my top-recommended resource for higher-paying remote jobs from top-rated employers like Apple, SalesForce, and Capital One.

Onward!

Choosing the best transcription software for audio and video transcription

There are three things to keep in mind when choosing a transcription player:

• Compatibility. Your transcription software must be compatible with your computer’s operating system and word processing software as well as your transcription foot pedal. (View my recommendation for the best transcription foot pedal.)

• Functionality. While all of the transcription software below lets you control audio playback with hotkeys or a foot pedal, different programs offer different features – for instance, automatic timestamps, audio enhancement, or video subtitling.

• Pricing. All of the transcription players that I recommend offer a free version of their licensed software. To play back longer files, work with less common audio and video formats, or use advanced features, you may need to upgrade to the licensed software. The transcription players listed here all have affordable upgrades.

Express Scribe (NCH Software)

• Compatible with PC and Mac

Express Scribe is highly popular and versatile transcription software that’s compatible with a wide range of setups, including Mac systems.

Express Scribe was the first transcription player I ever used, and I still use it regularly – particularly for its audio cleanup features, which I’ve covered in more depth further down.

The makers of Express Scribe, NCH Software, have a suite of other tools designed to help audio transcriptionists and other digital media professionals be more productive. A couple of these include:

• FastFox Text Expansion Software. Text expander software can reduce your transcription time by an average of 30%. You can use it to expand medical and legal terms, complete phrases, or the most commonly used words in the English language.

• KeyBlaze Typing Tutor Software. Learn speed typing, 10-key, and touch typing with practice exercises and typing games. Dictations are included for transcription practice. Track your progress with personal WPM speed goals.

What audio and video formats is Express Scribe compatible with?

The free version of Express Scribe is compatible with MP3, WAV, WMA, AIFF, MP2, VOX, and DCT audio files.

Express Scribe Pro is compatible with most audio and video file formats.

What word processing software is Express Scribe compatible with?

Express Scribe works with Microsoft Word and all other major word processing and text editing software, including WordPerfect and Lotus Word Pro.

If you’re a professional transcriptionist, I recommend subscribing to Office 365 Home or Personal to get all the latest updates of Microsoft Word, since many online transcription services will require you to have a current version of this word processing software.

What foot pedals are compatible with Express Scribe transcription software?

The AltoEdge USB foot pedal is the only pedal that can be used with the free version of Express Scribe. AltoEdge pedals are compatible with Windows and Mac OS X.

The licensed version of Express Scribe is compatible with several widely used transcription foot pedals, including:

• AltoEdge
• Olympus RS-27
• vPedal
• Infinity USB

To connect your foot pedal to Express Scribe, go to Options > Controller… in Express Scribe and click on the Controller setup wizard… button. The wizard will guide you through foot pedal setup and configuration.

Express Scribe free vs. Express Scribe Pro

The free version of Express Scribe works with MP3, WAV, WMA, AIFF, MP2, VOX, and DCT audio files. To play videos and additional audio formats and get access to technical support, you’ll need to upgrade to Express Scribe Pro.

Express Scribe Pro works with most audio and video file formats.

Upgrading from the free version of the software to the licensed version costs $70 USD for a lifetime license. Express Scribe runs regular promos, so it may cost less.

What features are included in Express Scribe transcription software?

Some of the features included in the free and/or licensed versions of Express Scribe include:

Audio bookmarking. This feature lets you mark positions in the audio so you can skip back and re-listen to them later. You can also include notes with your bookmarks. I use this feature to make a note each time a new speaker is introduced so I can easily identify those speakers later in the transcript.

Custom timestamps. Use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + T to insert timecodes into your document. Alternately, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut for your timestamps in Express Scribe – learn how in my transcription tutorial. You can style your timestamp the way you want; for instance, [inaudible 00:15:29] or _unclear 15:29_.

Adjustable playback speed. Speed up the audio to cut down your transcription time, or slow it down to make out difficult phrases. Pitch stays constant – no chipmunk voices!

Adjustable rewind and fast-forward speed. Express Scribe lets you fine-tune your rewind and fast-forward preferences to navigate audio more efficiently. You can set how far the audio jumps back (if any) when you press stop, adjust rewind/fast-forward speed, and choose whether you want these controls to gradually increase or stay constant.

Typing interface. If you don’t have a word processor, you can type your transcript directly into Express Scribe’s Notes Window. Optionally, you can use the window to make notes for the currently selected dictation.

Word and line counter. Express Scribe’s Word / Line Counter is a convenient feature for medical and legal transcriptionists who bill clients by the word or line. You can define the number of characters per line.

Archived dictations. When you finish transcribing a file in Express Scribe, you have the option to mark the file as Done to move it to a list of archived dictations. You can recover archived dictations to the active list or clear them whenever you want. I use this feature to double-check the list of files I’ve completed since the beginning of a billing period.

Audio cleanup tools. Express Scribe offers a range of audio processing tools to make poor-quality audio more intelligible. I’ve described these features in more depth further down.

Control playback with hotkeys. If you don’t have or want to use a transcription foot pedal, you can assign keys or key combinations to specific functions, such as play, stop, rewind, fast-forward, and others. Hotkeys are system-wide, which means they can be used in your word processing program even when Express Scribe is minimized.

Video playback. It can be helpful to view a video as you transcribe it. To do this in Express Scribe, go to View > Float Above Other Windows. Under View, you can also select Show Express Scribe Mini Control to make the Express Scribe window smaller and less intrusive.

Load multiple files at a time. Select multiple audio or video files on your local drive by holding Ctrl or Shift and clicking on them, and then drag the files into the main Express Scribe window.

Switch foot pedal rewind and fast-forward. If you prefer your rewind and fast-forward controls in reverse positions, you can do this in Express Scribe by navigating to Options > Controller… and clicking on Command map / test… From there, you can map the right, left, and middle pedals to your chosen actions.

Multi-channel control. On stereo recordings, you’re given the option to adjust the volume of each channel to increase audio clarity. The Channels feature is displayed by default when you select a stereo audio file, but you can toggle it on and off under View.

File management. Express Scribe offers many options for managing incoming and outgoing files. You can load audio into Express Scribe manually from a local folder or CD. You can also dock most portable analog and digital recorders to load recordings into the program. Alternately, you can set Express Scribe to sync with and automatically download recordings from a folder on your computer network (LAN) or an email attachments folder or the Internet using an FTP server. You can email your completed transcripts to clients, forward them to a folder on your computer or local area network, or send them directly to an Internet server.

Speech-to-text. Express Scribe has an automatic speech recognition engine if you want to attempt to run it on a dictation and then edit the resulting document. In my experience, auto-transcription tools don’t produce great results and it’s usually faster just to transcribe from scratch. But it’s there if you want it.

Audio cleanup tools in Express Scribe transcription software

When you open a file in Express Scribe, it converts the file, slightly reducing its quality. This is different from The FTW Transcriber, which harnesses Windows Media Player to play most files in their original format, preserving the integrity of the audio.

However, Express Scribe does provide a range of features to help improve the clarity of recordings that are worth mentioning in more detail. These include:

• Special Audio Processes. Under File > Special Audio Processes, you’ll find three special audio settings: Background Noise Reduction, Extra Volume Boost, and High Pass Filter. The volume boost increases volume of the original audio by 10%. The noise reduction feature filters out all sound below a specified volume threshold, which can help reduce ambient background noise. The high-pass filter is an EQ function that filters out frequencies below a specified pitch threshold, which can make voices sound more intelligible. If this all sounds Greek, don’t worry – all you have to do is click on the setting you want and Express Scribe does the rest.

• Volume Auto-Adjust (Range Compression). This feature can be found under Options > Playback. According to the developer’s website, “Dynamic range compression amplifies quiet passages in the audio without making loud passages any louder.” Any transcriptionist who’s had their eardrums assaulted by a loud and unexpected cough into the microphone in an otherwise quiet recording will appreciate the usefulness of such a feature!

• Channels Control. This multi-channel control feature is available on audio files that have been recorded in stereo. It lets you adjust the volume of each channel to increase audio clarity. You can toggle Channels Control on and off under View.

I recently discovered a nifty feature that I’ve since used to calculate the aggregate length of a batch of audio files for billing clients. To do this, select any group of files in the Express Scribe playlist by holding Ctrl or Shift and clicking on them. You can then go to File > Dictation information… and Express Scribe will display the total duration (in minutes) for just the selected files.

A final thing I want to mention about Express Scribe is that you can adjust the Auto backstep on stop feature to millisecond precision. Auto backstep is the amount of time the audio jumps back when you press stop. The same function in FTW only lets you adjust by increments of a full second. My preference is to set auto backstep to 500 ms: I find that a setting of 0 seconds isn’t enough and results in missed words in the transcript, but 1 second wastes too much time relistening to audio. I’ll often press stop hundreds of times in a single file, and those seconds add up! So I appreciate this extra detail in Express Scribe.

The FTW Transcriber (Tyger Valley Systems)

• Compatible with PC
• According to the company website, “you can use the FTW Transcriber on a Mac if you install a Windows environment using software such as WMWare Fusion.”

The FTW Transcriber is another popular transcription program that offers a wide range of features and customization options.

In particular, I find that The FTW Transcriber’s automatic timestamping feature is a huge time saver when clients want timestamps at every speaker change.

Additionally, The FTW Transcriber doesn’t convert most file types when you open them, resulting in optimum audio quality.

What audio and video formats is The FTW Transcriber compatible with?

The FTW Transcriber plays most audio and video file formats.

What word processing software is The FTW Transcriber compatible with?

The FTW Transcriber is compatible with all word processing software.

What foot pedals are compatible with The FTW Transcriber?

The FTW Transcriber is compatible with several popular foot pedals, including:

• Infinity USB
• AltoEdge
• Philips ACC series
• vPedal
• Some Olympus and Grundig pedals

To install most pedals in The FTW Transcriber, first unplug any pedals you’re not using and close down any other transcription software. Then plug the pedal into your computer and restart The FTW Transcriber.

The FTW Transcriber free vs. licensed software

The free version of The FTW Transcriber lets you use any of the compatible foot pedals. However, free mode has limited features and only plays back files of 15 minutes in length.

The licensed mode of the software is ad-free and lets you play full-length files, minimize the player window, and access all the premium features.

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Instead of a one-off payment, the FTW Transcriber offers subscription-based pricing for its licensed transcription software. You can try it out for one month for $10, or you can get access for two years for $24 – that is, just $1 per month.

Licensed users of The FTW Transcriber get a bonus product: “If you have a valid license key for the FTW Transcriber, you can use it to get a free license key for our file conversion software Generic File Converter (GFC), which converts a huge number of file types.”

Generic File Converter converts audio, video, and image files. A full license key for this program normally costs $35. Transcriptionists and other professionals who work with digital media will no doubt get a lot of use out of this tool.

What features are included in The FTW Transcriber transcription software?

Some of the features included in the free and/or licensed versions of The FTW Transcriber include:

Automatic timestamps. The FTW Transcriber offers two types of automatic timestamps: You can set the program to automatically insert timestamps at specified intervals (for instance, every 30 seconds), or you can insert timestamps at the start of every paragraph. (View an example of each type of transcript.)

Custom timestamps. If you don’t want to use the automatic timestamping feature, you can insert timestamps whenever you want by assigning a hotkey of your choice. The FTW Transcriber lets you insert timestamps in just one keystroke instead of a triple-key combination. If you’re transcribing a video, you can add frames to your timestamps if you know the frames per second. FTW offers a wide range of customization options for your timestamps – you can even make them bold or italicized.

Start timestamps from a position other than 00:00:00. Some video transcription projects require you to sync the timestamps in your transcript with an on-screen timecode. This is common in post-production transcription, where it usually makes more sense to preserve the on-screen timecode rather than start from zero. Using FTW’s Timestamps Start From feature, you can easily offset the starting position of your timestamps to sync them with the timings onscreen.

Save custom configurations. You can save all your preferred settings for timestamps into configuration files and send them to other team members or transcription staff. In a configuration, you can save your automatic timestamp settings, the appearance of the timestamps, and other transcript markup (e.g. [unclear], [inaudible], etc.).

Create keyboard shortcuts for common transcription phrases. The FTW Transcriber lets you create five different custom tags for marking up your transcripts – for example, you could create shortcuts for [unclear], [overtalking], [inaudible], Speaker 1, and Speaker 2 tags. (These are in addition to your standard timestamp hotkey, making for a total of six custom tags per project.) You can also save different sets of markup for different clients into configuration files. If you want to have FTW insert a timestamp into any or all of these phrases, such as [inaudible 01:12:44], you can do that, too.

Audio bookmarking. FTW’s bookmarking feature is similar to Express Scribe’s. You can bookmark as many play points as you want (with optional comments), so you can easily navigate to them again later.

Video playback. When you open the FTW Transcriber, it “floats” by default unless you minimize the window, so you can watch videos while you transcribe them into your word processing software.

High audio quality. The FTW Transcriber harnesses Windows Media Player to play most files in their original format, resulting in optimum audio quality. This is different from some other players like Express Scribe, which convert files when you open them, slightly reducing their quality. FTW also offers you the option of converting certain types of files automatically. You can find this under Settings > Conversions menu.

Load multiple files at a time. To do this in FTW, click on Open Playlist. Select a group of audio or video files on your local drive by holding the Ctrl or Shift keys and clicking on them, and then drag the files into the playlist window. However, unlike in Express Scribe, you can’t clear specific files from the playlist – you have to clear them all at once.

Control playback with hotkeys. If you don’t want to use a transcription foot pedal, you can map keys on your computer keyboard to specific actions, such as play, rewind, fast-forward, timestamp, and bookmark audio. These hotkeys can be used in your word processing program even when The FTW Transcriber is minimized.

No loading time. The FTW Transcriber plays files without downloading them. Local files play instantly, so you don’t have to wait several minutes for large files to load.

Adjustable playback speed and balance. Like Express Scribe, The FTW Transcriber lets you speed up or slow down audio at a constant pitch. There’s also a balance control so you can isolate the audio more in one ear or the other (you can also achieve this effect in Express Scribe using the Channels control).

Switch foot pedal rewind and fast-forward. To switch the rewind and fast-forward functions on your foot pedal, go to Settings and tick the box next to Switch pedal FF/Rew.

InqScribe (Inquirium)

• Compatible with PC and Mac

While InqScribe isn’t as widely known as Express Scribe and The FTW Transcriber, I’m covering it briefly here because it’s the best transcription software I know of for post-production and entertainment transcription – if you’re transcribing TV shows, documentaries, films, or YouTube videos, InqScribe can save you a lot of time. For instance, you can click on timecodes right within your transcript and it’ll take you to that spot in the video.

Additionally, if you want to create subtitle files and/or export subtitled videos, InqScribe is the tool for the job. You can export your subtitles in several common formats, including Subrip (SRT), Final Cut Pro XML, Spruce STL, and WebVTT.

What audio and video formats is InqScribe compatible with?

InqScribe is compatible with most audio and video formats.

What word processing software is InqScribe compatible with?

InqScribe doesn’t currently support other word processing software. Instead, you type directly into the program, from which you can optionally paste your transcript into a program like MS Word.

InqScribe free vs. licensed software

The licensed version of InqScribe is a one-time payment of $99 for an individual license. By default, when you download and install InqScribe, it runs in free mode. You can add a 14-day trial of a full license.

The main restriction of free mode is that you can’t save or print your transcripts or create and export subtitled QuickTime movies.

What foot pedals are compatible with InqScribe transcription software?

InqScribe works with most USB foot pedals, including Infinity USB and vPedal. It doesn’t work Olympus pedals, the Philips LFH2310 pedal, or pedals that use a serial port.

You can configure your foot pedal in InqScribe using the Set up Foot Pedal… wizard in the Edit menu.

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My recommendation for the best free transcription software

Didn’t have time to read the whole article? If you’re just looking for the best free transcription software, these tips should help you choose:

• For transcribing basic audio formats of longer than 15 minutes, use the free version of Express Scribe. If you don’t have an AltoEdge foot pedal, you’ll have to use hotkeys to control audio playback. To play back videos, you’ll need to upgrade.

• If you need to transcribe video or less common audio formats, go with the free version of The FTW Transcriber. Free mode lets you use most popular foot pedals. However, you’ll need to upgrade to play back files of longer than 15 minutes. Click here to get 7% off the licensed software.

• If you’re a Mac user, use the free version of Express Scribe.

If you’re ready to upgrade to premium transcription software, I’ve compared the main strengths (in my opinion) of each of these programs below:

• Express Scribe: Includes a suite of helpful audio processing tools for cleaning up lower-quality audio.

• The FTW Transcriber (7% off): Highest-quality audio by default. Automatic timestamping. Lowest upfront cost with pay-as-you-go pricing.

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• InqScribe: Best software for post-production transcription. Easily create subtitles and sync them to the video. Note that you can’t use other word processing software with InqScribe – you have to type directly into the program.

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If you’re a professional transcriptionist, I recommend using more than one transcription player. Often, a phrase that’s unclear in one player will become intelligible when you listen to it using another player (or even a different pair of headphones, for that matter).

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For example, I might transcribe a file in Express Scribe after running some special audio processes on it. Then, I’ll do a second pass using The FTW Transcriber and noise-canceling headphones. (Check out my recommendations for the best headphones for audio transcription.) This cuts down on the number of inaudibles in my transcript, resulting in a cleaner final product.

Now it’s your turn. What’s your vote for the best transcription software, and why? Or what new features would you like to see added to your favorite transcription program? Leave a comment below!