Import transcript

Descript's Import transcript feature allows you to sync an existing transcript with its corresponding audio and turn it into a full-fledged Descript project without using any of your transcription time.

Import transcript is available when you have already imported a file without transcribing it. If the file is already transcribed and you wish to sync an existing transcript with the file, you will want to use Replace transcript.

Before using this feature, make sure you have added the media file to your project’s Files. You can import it without automatically transcribing by clicking the Add files button at the bottom of the Files. Once you have imported your media file:

1. Open your Project panel and make sure the media file name is selected.
2. Right-click or select the ellipsis button to the right of your file.
3. Select Import transcript.
   
4. Copy and paste in your transcript and select Sync. Once the transcript is done syncing, you'll see your imported transcript in the Script editor.

Replace transcript

Descript makes it easy to replace a media file's existing transcript. This is great for situations where you started editing an automatic transcription and now want to add a separate pre-written transcript.

Before using this feature, make sure you have added the media file to your project’s Files. Once you have imported your media file:

1. Open your Project panel and make sure the media file name is selected.
2. Right-click or select the ellipsis button to the right of your file.
3. Select Replace > Replace transcript...
   
4. Copy and paste in your transcript and select Sync.

Import and replace transcript formatting tips

Descript will automatically detect key attributes in the imported transcript, like speaker labels, and insert them using the following rules:

• Lines beginning with a name followed by a colon will be converted into speaker labels.
• Timestamps in brackets will be ignored.

There are some additional tips for getting the best results:

• Make sure the transcript matches all dialogue on the audio or video recording. If there’s speech in the audio that isn’t reflected in your existing transcript — or the transcript includes dialogue that isn’t in the audio — you may get sub-par results.
• Don’t worry if the transcript omits occasional filler (uhm, uh) or duplicate words — Descript is smart enough to work around minor discrepancies.