Download Express Scribe transcription software
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Express Scribe is a transcription software tool you can download for free. It works with Windows and Mac.
You can download Express Scribe to transcribe audio recordings with little effort. It can transcribe pedals, so you can adjust your tempo without even touching the PC.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a pedal or you’re not a fan of these devices, you can use hotkeys. Express Scribe also comes with a series of additional features that can simplify your work and supports several formats.
Check out our Express Scribe review below.
Express Scribe system requirements
Before you download Express Scribe, check for these prerequisites:
- OS: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
- Audio: Sound card or integrated sound support
- Optional:
- Foot pedal controller*
- SAPI Speech Engine
- Internet connection for receiving files automatically
*Using a foot pedal requires Express Scribe Pro. Supported foot pedals:
- 3 Pedal Waterproof Foot Control
- Wireless SpeechMike Air
- USB Philips Speechmike Controllers
- VPE USB Foot Pedal
- Infinity USB Foot Pedal
- USB Dictation Controller
- AltoEdge USB Foot Pedal
- Olympus RS27 Foot Pedal
- USB vDictate
Screenshots
Our Review
- Pros
- Accessible shortcuts for playback functions
- Handy "auto backstep on stop" feature lets you rewind a bit from where you stopped the recording
- Easy to install, intuitive interface
- Express Scribe supports transcription foot pedals
- Cons
- Lack of auto-correct feature in the writing section
- Express Scribe's shortcuts sometimes interfere with other apps' shortcuts
How to install Express Scribe
If you’re in a hurry and need to download Express Scribe and install it on your PC as quickly as possible, don’t fret. Like many other NCH software solutions, this tool is also installed in a two-step manner.
Assuming you’ve already downloaded the installer, launch it, accept the EULA, and you’re done. You don’t need to perform any additional steps or any advanced configuration, as the wizard takes care of everything. Granted, the fact that you can’t even decide on the destination path can be a bit of a nuisance.
How to use Express Scribe
You don’t need to be a computer genius to learn how to use Express Scribe. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls teamed up to offer you a streamlined experience. Everything you need to get going is readily available on the main screen.
To get started, select a dictation file. Express Scribe can handle both audio and video files, but it can also open audio CD tracks to transcribe song lyrics.
Download Express Scribe dictation files
You can set this tool to retrieve content automatically from a local server, Express Delegate, or FTP. This can come in extremely handy if you’re working in a collective and are continuously receiving tasks. Furthermore, you can configure deadlines and bookmarks for each and every dictation file you’re working on.
However, you must configure the incoming section of Express Scribe’s Options. You need to choose from the three receiving methods available in the menu, and configure each of them, according to your needs.
You can load new content in three ways: manual (one at a time), manual (all files), and automatic (all files). You can also set a check interval value in minutes, or modify the default one.
Optimize audio tracks with ease
As it usually occurs, some files might be easier to understand than others. For those documents you can’t really make anything from, you can apply some audio optimization effects on them.
From the list of loaded dictation files, right-click your desired item and head to the Special Audio Processes option in the context menu. Here you can reduce background noise, give it an extra volume boost, apply a high pass filter or undo any modifications.
Express Scribe free download
Express Scribe has multiple versions for you to use. First, there’s the evaluation version, which we still have to figure out in terms of limitations. After using it for a while, we couldn’t exactly spot anything limited about it.
Second, we’ve got the Basic and Professional versions listed in the NCH shop. These versions don’t shine a light over limitations either, but we can certainly tell that the professional version can be used for commercial (professional purposes). It’s even mentioned in the shop listing.
Last, but not least, we’ve seen mentions of a Mini version, but again, we’re not able to locate it. We only know of its existence, but know nothing about its capabilities or limitations whatsoever.
FAQ: Learn more about Express Scribe
- Where is my activation code in Express Scribe?
You receive the 13-digit Express Scribe registration code after buying a license. It’s displayed on the screen and sent to your email address. To activate Express Scribe, use this form. In the Express Scribe program, go to File > Register Express Scribe and enter your registration code.
- Where does Express Scribe save files?
You can save files anywhere on your hard disk. However, Express Scribe saves program files in:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\NCH Software\Scribe
- C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp
- C:\Windows\Prefetch
Use tools that monitor file and folder changes to see the exact files affected by Express Scribe.
- How to uninstall Express Scribe?
In Windows 10, right-click Start, select Apps and Features, then find and uninstall Express Scribe. Or you can use uninstaller software.
Full Specifications
- License
- Free trial
- Keywords
- transcribe, audio, recording