Express Scribe Transcription Software Q & A

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What do I use the Express Scribe Transcription software for?

Use the Express Scribe software to play back the digital audio file
of your interview on your computer so that you can transcribe it.
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Does the Express Scribe Transcription software convert the
digital audio file to text for me or do I type the words myself?
Express Scribe does not convert the audio to text. You must type
the words yourself.
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If I type the words myself, why do I need to use the Express
Scribe software?
Express Scribe has two very important features that make
transcribing an audio file much easier:

You can adjust the play-back speed of the audio recording. So

if the speakers talk so fast that your typing can't keep up, you
can slow down the play-back speed.

You can play the digital audio file and listen to it in Express
Scribe while you type using a different software application,
such as Microsoft Word. You don't have to physically switch
back and forth between the program that plays the audio and
the MS Word program.
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Can I just type my transcript in the Notes section of the Express

Scribe software?
You can type in the Express Scribe Notes field; however, you would
still have to copy and paste from the Notes field into your Word

Express Scribe Transcription Software Q & A (Revised 11/21/11)

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document. The Pryor Center recommends that you use the Express
Scribe software only for playback of the audio.

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Do I need to use foot pedals when I am transcribing with the

Express Scribe software?
You do not need the foot pedals to use Express Scribe. The
software application utilizes "hot keys" that allow you to stop and
start the audio, speed it up or slow it down, and so onsimply by
pressing certain keys on your computer keyboard. The Pryor
Center recommends that you use the "hot keys" on your keyboard.
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Where do I find the transcription software and how
much does it cost?
Express Scribe Transcription software is available for anyone to
use as a free download from the NCH Sofware Web site.
1. Open your Internet browser and go to
http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/index.html to display this Web
page:

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Express Scribe Transcription Software Q & A (Revised 11/21/11)


2. On the blue menu bar, click the System Requirements link
and verify that your computer meets the requirements
necessary to install the Express Scribe software.
Verify your
system
requirements.

Select the
appropriate
download for
Windows or Mac.

3. Under Download Now, select the appropriate download for

your operating system.

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Question #7

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Where can I find instructions that tell me how to install the

software on my computer?
Instructions for using the Express Scribe software are available
on the Internet. Copies of those instructions are included with
this document for your convenience.
To access instructions for Windows computers, go to
http://www.ehow.com/how_8386953_express-scribeinstructions.html - ixzz1VxbIf2ZF
To access instructions for Macintosh computers, go to
http://www.calvin.edu/admin/av/ExScribe-Mac-QuickStart.doc
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Are there any instructional videos about Express Scribe that I can
watch?
Express Scribe Online Introduction Tutorials are available at
http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/tutorial/index.html

Express Scribe Transcription Software Q & A (Revised 11/21/11)

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Is the Express Scribe software hard to use?

You can answer that question for yourself. Express Scribe
provides some practice files for you to try. Look for the Sample
Transcription files on the Web at
http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/faq.html
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What if I have questions about the software?
When you install the software, the menu across the top of
computer screen has a link to their Online Help documentation as
well as contact information for their technical support department.

Express Scribe Transcription Software Q & A (Revised 11/21/11)