How to Use Descript

Getting started with Descript

In this guide, you'll learn how to use Descript to edit your audio and video files by simply editing the text. After reading this, you'll be able to upload your media, transcribe it, and make quick edits effectively.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Descript's website.
2. Click on the “Get Started for Free” button.
3. Fill in your email and create a password, or sign up using Google or Microsoft.
4. Once signed in, you’ll be taken to your Descript dashboard. If prompted, choose the free plan, which allows for 1 hour of transcription per month.

Step 2: Your first project

1. Click on the “New Project” button on your dashboard.
2. Name your project and select “Create Project”.
3. In the new project window, click on “Import” and choose “Upload File” to upload your audio or video file.
4. After the upload, click “Transcribe” to start the transcription process.
5. Once transcription is complete, you will see the text appear. You can now edit the text directly. For example, to remove filler words, simply delete them from the text, and the corresponding audio or video will adjust automatically.

Step 3: Get better results

• To improve the accuracy of your transcription, ensure your audio is clear and free from background noise.
• Use the “Filler Words” feature found in the toolbar to remove common filler words like “um” or “uh” with one click.
• For better editing control, explore the “Overdub” feature under the “Audio” menu, which allows you to generate AI voiceovers from your text.

Pro tip

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing process. For example, press “Cmd + K” (Mac) or “Ctrl + K” (Windows) to quickly delete selected text and the corresponding audio.

Common mistake to avoid

A common mistake is not checking the transcription for errors before editing. Always review the text for accuracy, especially if the audio quality is less than ideal, as this can lead to incorrect edits in your final media.