---
title: "Choose what happens after recording"
description: "Save audio only, make a transcript, label speakers, or generate a full summary."
updated: "2026-09-21"
canonical: https://docs.recordstead.app/processing/choose-processing-depth
---

# Choose what happens after recording

Recordstead defaults to **Full summary**. To choose less processing, open
**Settings…** (⌘,) → **General** → **Processing** and select a level:

| Level | What you get |
|---|---|
| **Record only** | Saved audio; no transcript, speaker labels or summary |
| **Transcript** | Audio and written speech |
| **Transcript + speakers** | A transcript labelled by speaker |
| **Full summary** | All of the above, plus an AI meeting summary |

Each level includes the ones above it. The choice applies to new recordings;
it does not erase work already done on a meeting. In an invited build, a trial
limit may temporarily cap what runs even if a higher level remains selected.
Check **Settings → Invitation** for the current access status.

**Record only** keeps the audio as the only copy of the conversation. The
normal [local-audio cleanup rule](https://docs.recordstead.app/your-data/recording-retention) does not remove
an untranscribed recording.

## Related

- [When processing waits on battery](https://docs.recordstead.app/processing/on-battery)
- [Choose who writes your summary](https://docs.recordstead.app/summaries/who-writes-your-summary)