Source: https://mactoolbox.app/how-to-transcribe-audio-on-mac

# How to transcribe audio on Mac

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

macOS dictation handles live speech but does not transcribe a saved file. Drop an audio or video file into Transcribe in Toolbox and it writes out what was said with timestamps, using speech recognition on your Mac. You can export plain text or an SRT subtitle file.

## The built-in options

Dictation turns what you say into text as you speak, so it suits typing by voice, not transcribing a recording you already have. Some apps, such as Voice Memos and Notes, can transcribe recordings made in them on recent macOS versions. Availability depends on your macOS version and language, and it only covers recordings made in those apps.

## The Toolbox way: Transcribe

Drop an audio or video file into Toolbox and it writes out what was said, with a timestamp for each segment. Recordings are not uploaded anywhere.

1. Open Transcribe and drop an audio or video file onto the window.
2. Pick the language that is spoken in the recording.
3. Wait for the transcript to fill in, segment by segment.
4. Click Copy, or use Export to save plain text, text with timestamps or subtitles (SRT).

## Tips and troubleshooting

- Choose the spoken language before you start. Results are best when the recording is clear and mostly one language.
- Clean up a noisy recording first with Clean Up Audio.
- To add the result as captions, export an SRT and use it with Burn In Subtitles.
- To record and transcribe in one place, Record Audio can record your voice and transcribe it on device.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I transcribe an audio file on a Mac for free?**

macOS dictation does not transcribe saved files. Transcribe in Toolbox handles recordings and video files on device and is included in the one-time purchase, with no per-minute fees.

**Can I make SRT subtitles from a video on Mac?**

Yes. After transcribing, choose Export and then Subtitles (SRT).

**Is my audio uploaded when I transcribe it?**

No. Transcription uses Apple's on-device speech recognition, so the file stays on your Mac.

**Can I transcribe a recording that is not in English?**

Yes. Choose the spoken language from the Language menu before you start.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Transcribe**: Turn speech in audio and video into a timestamped transcript.](https://mactoolbox.app/transcribe-audio-mac)
- [**Clean Up Audio**: Reduce background noise and hum in voice recordings and videos.](https://mactoolbox.app/remove-background-noise-from-audio-mac)
- [**Record Audio**: Record your voice, then transcribe it on device.](https://mactoolbox.app/voice-recorder-mac)
- [**Burn In Subtitles**: Add captions to a video from an SRT file or automatic transcription.](https://mactoolbox.app/burn-subtitles-into-video-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Transcribe](https://mactoolbox.app/transcribe-audio-mac)
- [All guides](https://mactoolbox.app/guides)