How to Transcribe Audio in Premiere Pro 

Manually transcribing audio in Premiere Pro can be time-consuming and tedious. It requires careful listening, typing each word, and ensuring the text matches the audio perfectly.

It is important to create video content using accurate and efficient transcription. Captions and subtitles make videos more accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments or those watching in sound-sensitive environments.

Fortunately, advancements in AI technology have made the transcription process in Premiere Pro faster and more accurate than ever. With the right tools, you can easily convert your audio to text, saving time and effort.

Key Takeaways

• Adobe’s transcription feature, powered by Adobe Sensei, allows quick audio conversion to text, though it often requires manual edits for accuracy.
• Tools like Wave offer higher accuracy with multiple language support, real-time transcription, and advanced features like speaker identification and noise handling.
• AI transcription tools save time by handling complex audio efficiently, allowing you to focus more on editing and content creation.

Premiere Pro’s Built-in Transcription Feature

Premiere Pro offers a built-in transcription feature that uses Adobe Sensei, an AI and machine learning technology, to convert spoken words into text. While this feature is helpful, it has some limitations:

• Limited language support: Premiere Pro currently supports a limited number of languages, which may not be sufficient for users with multilingual content.
• Accuracy issues: The accuracy of the transcription depends on audio quality, background noise, and accents. Premiere Pro’s built-in feature may struggle with complex audio, creating the need for manual editing.
• Time-consuming editing: While automatic transcription saves time compared to manual transcription, users still need to review and edit the generated text for accuracy.
• Lack of customization: Premiere Pro offers limited options for customizing the output, such as speaker identification or summary generation, and may not meet the needs of all users.

AI-Powered Alternatives for Faster and More Accurate Transcription

To overcome Premiere Pro’s limitations, you can explore AI-powered alternatives such as Wave, which offers advanced features for faster and more accurate results.

These advanced AI transcription alternatives leverage state-of-the-art technology to cater to diverse user needs. They support multiple languages and seamlessly adapt to a wide array of content. 

They can handle complex audio and can accurately transcribe recordings with background noise, multiple speakers, and different accents, minimizing the need for manual corrections. 

Real-time transcription is another powerful feature that significantly speeds up the workflow. Additionally, customization options, such as speaker identification, specialized vocabulary, and summary generation, offer users more control over their transcription output for a polished, precise result.

Common Challenges with Transcribing Audio in Premiere Pro

Transcribing audio in Premiere Pro can be a frustrating experience, especially when dealing with long videos or complex audio. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Time-consuming manual transcription: Typing every word spoken in a video is tedious and time-consuming, particularly for longer videos. It can significantly slow your workflow and take time away from other important tasks.
• Inaccuracies due to background noise and accents: Background noise, multiple speakers, and varying accents make it difficult for Premiere Pro to accurately convert speech to text. 
• Limited language support and customization options: Premiere Pro supports a limited number of languages, which may not be sufficient for users with multilingual content. Additionally, the lack of customization options can result in less accurate transcriptions.
• Difficulty integrating transcripts with the video editing workflow: Once you have a transcript, integrating it with your video in Premiere Pro can be a challenge. Synchronizing the text with the audio, creating captions, and formatting the transcript to match your video’s style requires additional time and effort.

These challenges can make transcribing in Premiere Pro a bottleneck, taking valuable time away from creating engaging content. However, AI-powered transcription tools can help you overcome these challenges and streamline your workflow.

How to Use an AI-Powered Transcription Tool with Premiere Pro

Step 1: Enable Speech-to-Text in Premiere Pro

To start transcribing audio in Premiere Pro, navigate to Window > Workspace > Captions. This will open the Captions and Graphics workspace, which contains the tools you need for transcription.

In the Text panel, look for the “Transcribe Sequence” button. Click on it to access the transcription settings.

The “Transcribe Sequence” button will open a dialog box where you can configure the transcription options, such as the audio track to transcribe and the language of the audio.

Enabling Speech-to-Text in Premiere Pro is the first step towards creating accurate transcriptions for your video projects.

Step 2: Choose Audio and Language Settings

In the “Create Transcript” panel, select the audio track you want to transcribe. If your sequence contains multiple audio tracks, choose the one with the clearest speech for the best results.

Next, choose the audio language from the drop-down menu. Premiere Pro supports a variety of languages, so select the correct one for your audio. If you’re working with content in multiple languages, you may need to transcribe each language separately.

Customizing Transcription Options

Premiere Pro offers additional options to customize your transcription, such as:

• In and Out Points: Set specific start and end points for your transcription by checking the “Transcribe In to Out” checkbox and adjusting the In and Out points on your timeline.
• Identify Speakers: Enable the “Identify Speakers” option to detect and label different speakers in your transcription.
• Merge with Existing Transcription: If you already have a partial transcription, you can merge it with the new one by selecting the “Merge with existing transcription” checkbox and choosing the existing file.

Step 3: Start the Transcription 

Once you’ve selected your audio track and language settings, click the “Transcribe” button to begin transcribing your audio.

Premiere Pro will analyze your audio and generate a transcript using AI-powered speech recognition technology. The process may take some time, depending on the length of your footage and the complexity of the audio.

Factors That Affect Transcription Speed

Several factors can impact the speed of the transcription in Premiere Pro:

• Video Length: Longer videos take more time to transcribe than shorter ones. If you’re working with a lengthy video, consider breaking it up into smaller sections for faster transcription.
• Audio Complexity: Videos with clear, high-quality audio and minimal background noise generally transcribe faster than those with complex audio, multiple speakers, or heavy accents.
• Computer Processing Power: The speed of your computer’s processor and the amount of available RAM can also affect transcription time. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Premiere Pro for optimal performance.

Monitoring Transcription Progress

As Premiere Pro transcribes your audio, you can monitor the progress in the Text panel. The transcript will appear in real-time, allowing you to see the text as it’s generated.

If you need to pause or cancel the transcription process at any point, simply click the “Pause” or “Cancel” button in the Text panel.

Step 4: Edit and Refine the Transcription

After Premiere Pro generates the transcript, review the text for accuracy and make necessary edits. While the AI-powered transcription technology is advanced, it may still make occasional errors, especially with complex audio or specialized terminology.

Editing the Transcript in Premiere Pro

1. In the Text panel, double-click on any word in the transcript to enter editing mode.
2. Make corrections by typing directly in the text panel, just as you would in a word processor.
3. Use the playback controls in the Text panel to listen to the audio while following along with the transcript. This makes it easier to spot and correct any discrepancies.
4. If you need to add, delete, or merge transcript segments, right-click on the segment and choose the appropriate option from the context menu.

Tips for Efficient Transcript Editing

• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Speed up the editing process by learning and using keyboard shortcuts for common actions like play/pause, next/previous segment, and split/merge segments.
• Focus on Key Sections: If you’re on a tight deadline, prioritize editing the most important sections of your video, such as the introduction, key talking points, and conclusion.
• Collaborate with Others: If you’re working on a large project, divide the transcript among team members for faster editing and proofreading.
• Utilize Spell Check: Run Premiere Pro’s built-in spell checker (Edit > Check Spelling) to quickly identify and correct spelling errors in the transcript.

Step 5: Export the Transcript

Once you’ve reviewed and edited your transcript, you can export it from Premiere Pro for use in other applications or to create captions for your video.

Exporting Your Transcript as a Text File

1. In the Text panel, click the “…” menu in the upper right corner.
2. Select “Export” from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose “Text Document (.txt)” as the file format.
4. Select a destination folder for your exported file.
5. Click “Save” to export your transcript as a plain text file.

Exporting your transcript as a .txt file allows you to use the text in other applications, such as word processors or subtitle editing software.

Creating Captions with Your Exported Transcript

To create captions or subtitles for your video using your exported transcript:

1. In the Text panel, click the “Create Captions” button.
2. In the “Create Captions” dialog box, select the appropriate caption format (e.g., SRT, CEA-708) from the “Format” dropdown menu.
3. Adjust the caption settings, such as the maximum number of characters per line and the duration of each caption.
4. Click “Create” to generate captions from your transcript.

Based on your exported transcript, Premiere Pro will create a new caption track for your sequence. Using the Caption panel, you can then fine-tune the timing and appearance of the captions.

Exporting Captions as a Sidecar File

If you need to use your captions in other applications or platforms, you can export them as a sidecar file:

1. In the Captions panel, select the captions track you want to export.
2. Click the “…” menu in the upper right corner of the Captions panel.
3. Choose “Export” from the dropdown menu.
4. Select the desired file format (e.g., SRT, SCC) and destination folder.
5. Click “Save” to export your captions as a standalone file.

Exporting your captions as a sidecar file allows you to use them in other video players and online platforms or create accessible content for viewers with hearing impairments.

Streamline Your Workflow with an AI-Powered Transcription Tool

While Premiere Pro’s built-in transcription feature is helpful, AI-powered transcription tools offer a more efficient and accurate alternative for streamlining your workflow.

Faster, More Accurate Transcription

AI-powered transcription tools use cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to quickly and accurately convert speech to text, even with complex audio or multiple speakers.

Some tools offer real-time transcription, allowing you to see the text as the audio plays, saving time in the editing process. Moreover, many AI-powered tools support a wide range of languages, making them suitable for transcribing diverse content.

Customizable Features for Enhanced Efficiency

Advanced tools can automatically identify and label different speakers, making it easier to follow the conversation and edit the transcript.

Some AI-powered tools allow you to add custom terms or names to improve the accuracy of your content. Control the audio playback speed within the transcription tool to make it easier to follow along and make edits.

Seamless Integration with Premiere Pro

Easily export your audio from Premiere Pro, transcribe it using an AI-powered tool, and import the transcript back into your project.

Most AI-powered tools support common audio and text file formats, ensuring smooth integration with Premiere Pro. Export your transcripts in caption and subtitle formats like SRT for easy integration with your video content.

Improved Collaboration and Workflow

Many AI-powered tools store your transcripts securely in the cloud, making them easy to access and share with team members.

Some tools offer collaborative editing features, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same transcript. By using a dedicated transcription tool, you can focus on editing your video in Premiere Pro while the AI handles the time-consuming task of transcribing audio.

Incorporating an AI-powered transcription tool into your Premiere Pro workflow can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create accurate transcripts, captions, and subtitles.

Reasons to Use Wave for Transcribing Audio

Transcribing audio can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with lengthy recordings, multiple speakers, or technical jargon. Wave’s AI-powered transcription tool offers a reliable solution to these common transcription hurdles. 

Here’s a detailed look at why Wave is a top choice for transcribing audio for professional, academic, or personal use.

1. Time-saving Transcription

One of the most significant advantages of using Wave for transcribing audio is the time it saves. Traditional transcription methods can be painstakingly slow, often taking hours for even a short recording. 

Wave uses advanced artificial intelligence to transcribe in real-time, allowing users to instantly capture spoken words and convert them to text. This feature is a game-changer for those who need fast turnaround times, such as journalists working on tight deadlines, students recording lectures, or business professionals needing quick meeting notes. 

2. Accurate Results

Accuracy is critical in transcription. Errors or misinterpretations in a transcript can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect data, or even credibility issues, especially in professional or legal settings. 

Wave leverages advanced speech recognition technology to handle complex audio accurately, providing high-quality transcripts that capture every detail. Whether your audio includes multiple speakers, accents, or background noise, Wave’s AI can distinguish between these elements to create a clear and accurate text version. 

3. User-Friendly Tool

A tool is only as good as its usability, and Wave excels in this area with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Unlike other transcription tools, Wave is designed with the user in mind. 

Its straightforward layout and clear functions make it accessible to users of all experience levels, whether you’re new to transcription tools or an experienced professional. Every feature within Wave is geared toward simplifying the transcription process, from uploading files to reviewing the transcript and making necessary edits. 

4. Enhanced Features

Wave goes beyond basic transcription by offering enhanced features that add value and versatility. For example, the platform provides customizable summaries, allowing users to quickly highlight the main ideas within lengthy transcripts. 

This primarily benefits students or researchers who need to condense information without losing context. Additionally, Wave supports multiple languages, making it ideal for international teams or users who work with multilingual content. 

5. Ideal for Various Use Cases

Wave’s combination of time-saving transcription, accuracy, user-friendliness, and advanced features makes it highly adaptable to various transcription needs. 

Journalists, academics, corporate professionals, content creators, and anyone who regularly deals with audio content can benefit from Wave’s capabilities. Whether capturing a one-on-one interview, transcribing a team meeting, or documenting a lecture, Wave has the versatility and efficiency to streamline your workflow.

Final Thoughts

Transcribing audio in Premiere Pro is a practical way to make your content more accessible and engaging. However, Wave is a more advanced option with its efficient, accurate, and feature-rich transcription capabilities. 

This AI-powered system with a user-friendly design simplifies your workflow, ensuring high-quality results.

Wave can streamline your transcription process, providing an accurate, fast, and user-friendly solution. Simplify your transcription process with Wave AI Note Taker.

Download Wave now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Premiere Pro Have a Built-in Transcription Tool?

Yes, Premiere Pro has a built-in transcription feature powered by Adobe Sensei AI. However, it may require manual editing for accuracy due to limitations with language support, background noise, and speaker identification.

What Are the Limitations of Premiere Pro’s Transcription Feature?

The built-in tool may struggle with complex audio, supports only a few languages, and lacks advanced customization options, such as speaker identification and summary generation.

Are there AI-Powered Alternatives for Transcription Outside of Premiere Pro?

Yes, AI-powered tools like Wave offer more accurate transcription, handle complex audio, support multiple languages, and provide real-time transcription with enhanced customization options.

How Do I Start a Transcription in Premiere Pro?

In Premiere Pro, open the Captions workspace by navigating to Window > Workspace > Captions. Then, select “Transcribe Sequence” in the Text panel to configure your audio and language settings.