---
title: "Transcribe an audio or video file"
description: "Add an existing recording as a meeting and choose how Recordstead processes it."
updated: "2026-10-09"
canonical: https://docs.recordstead.app/recording/import-files
---

# Transcribe an audio or video file

Add a recording you already have and Recordstead processes it like a live
meeting. The meeting appears in the list as soon as you add it.

:::caution[Your original file]
Leave **Delete the original file after adding** off to keep your source. If
you turn it on, Recordstead moves the source to the Trash only after its own
encrypted copy is stored.
:::

## Three ways in

In **Meetings**, click the plus button below the list. You can also choose
**Recording** ▸ **Add Meeting from File…** (⌘P), or drop a file on the main
window. All three open the same sheet.

## The sheet

1. Click **Choose…** or drop files onto the sheet. Several files become
   several meetings. A pair named like `call_app.wav` and `call_mic.wav` in one
   folder stays one meeting.
2. Optionally enter a title for one meeting; otherwise the file names it
   until a summary supplies a title. Choose its workspace.
3. Check **I wasn't in this meeting** if you did not attend it. Recordstead
   then skips the speaker-naming pause; you can name speakers later.
4. Leave the original-file option off unless you want the source moved to the
   Trash. Click the Add button to store the files and start processing.


**Your result:** the meeting is listed with its current processing step. Its
own encrypted copy is stored before the transcript work begins.

## Which formats

WAV, MP3, AIFF, M4A, FLAC, MP4 and MOV are selectable without extra software.
MKV, WebM and OGG require `ffmpeg` on your Mac. If a file is refused or
processing stops, [resolve the import problem](https://docs.recordstead.app/troubleshooting/file-would-not-import).