> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://superwhisper.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# File transcription

> Transcribe audio and video files with Superwhisper. File transcription is a Pro feature and uses your active mode.

> [!NOTE]
>
> File transcription is a **Pro** feature. Without Pro, **Transcribe File...** in the menu shows a lock icon. See [plans](https://superwhisper.com/docs/billing/plans.md).

## Overview

Superwhisper can transcribe external audio and video files: meeting recordings, lectures, interviews, voice memos, and more. The file processes through your **currently active mode**, so the result uses that mode's voice model and AI formatting.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **For the best results, use:**
>
> * MP3 audio files
> * MP4 or MOV video files
> * Opus audio files (Windows)
> * Mono WAV files with a 16 kHz sample rate

***

## Transcribe from the menu bar

![Transcribe with Superwhisper Menu Bar](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF/images/screens/mac/menu-bar-transcribe-file.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF\&q=85\&s=2dc1753606b4c6703a04609778e26a51)

**1. Verify the active mode**

Make sure your preferred Superwhisper mode is active

**2. Open the menu**

Click Superwhisper's menu bar icon

**3. Select Transcribe File...**

Choose **Transcribe File...** from the menu

**4. Choose the file**

Browse and select the audio or video file to transcribe

> [!NOTE]
>
> On Windows, click the Superwhisper tray icon and choose **Transcribe File**. You can also right-click a file in File Explorer and choose **Transcribe with Superwhisper** (under **Show more options** on Windows 11) or **Open with → Superwhisper**. The two methods below are macOS only.

***

## Transcribe from Finder (macOS)

![Transcribe Finder Files using Superwhisper](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF/images/screens/mac/finder-open-with.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF\&q=85\&s=d50911319ead523fe997892210dc258d)

**1. Locate the file**

Find the audio file in Finder

**2. Right-click it**

Right-click the file to open the context menu

**3. Open with Superwhisper**

Select **Open With → Superwhisper**

* If Superwhisper isn't listed, choose **Other** and select the application

***

## Transcribe from the command line (macOS)

You can also transcribe files from the terminal:

```bash theme={null}
open /path/to/your/audiofile.mp3 -a superwhisper
```

If you installed the [Superwhisper CLI](https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/cli.md), you can run this instead:

```bash theme={null}
superwhisper transcribe /path/to/your/audiofile.mp3
```


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