Google Docs is capable of transcribing audio, recognizing the user’s speech and transforming it into text. The interesting thing is that with the help of a plugin, it is still possible to use the resource with audio and video files from the computer, which makes the task of transcribing recordings much easier, especially for communication professionals. So, here’s how to transcribe an audio in Google Docs.
How to transcribe an audio in Google Docs
The simplest method of using the transcription tool is through the microphone, dictating the text. This method also works for other sources, such as audio and video files.
- Connect a microphone: On your computer, connect a microphone or a headset with a microphone;
- Open a new file: In Google Chrome, open a new Google document through your email account;
- Click “Voice Typing”: In the “Tools” option on the top bar of Google Docs, click on the “Voice Typing” option ;
- Click on the microphone icon: By clicking on the microphone, start dictating the text, clearly and at a normal pace. Don’t forget to allow Google Chrome to use your computer’s microphone;
- Click on the red microphone icon: After finishing the voice recording, click the microphone icon again, now red.
How to transcribe from a file
To transcribe audio from a file (or even a YouTube video ) in Google Docs, you would normally need to place the microphone next to the speakers, or connect a P2 cable to the sound output and microphone input. Both are bad methods as they generate a loss of quality.
Fortunately, there is the VB-CABLE Virtual Audio Device plugin for Windows, which is free and works like a virtual male-to-male P2 cable, reducing the work and increasing the quality. See how to do it:
- Download the plugin Go to the plugin website ( https://vb-audio.com/Cable/index.htm ), download it and unzip the file;
- Click on VBCABLE_setup.exe With the right mouse button, select “Run as administrator” and follow the installation instructions;
- Click on the speaker icon: On the Toolbar, click on the speaker icon with the right mouse button and select “Sound Settings” ;
- Select CABLE Input (VB-Audio Virtual Cable): Under “Choose output device” (circled in red) and under “Choose input device” (circled in blue), select CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable). The PC will be silent, but this is normal;
- Open a new file: In Google Docs, open a new file, click on “Tools” on the top bar and then on “Voice Typing”, as in the tutorial above;
- Play the file you want to transcribe: When you click to play the file, immediately click the Google Docs microphone icon for the two to work together. The plugin will transfer the audio to Google Docs, which will transcribe it almost losslessly;
- Click on the microphone again: When the recording is finished, select the microphone icon, now red.
