f4 Online Manual

Quick introduction to the use of f4

Possibilities

You have two options for using our software:

  • A: Download the f4 software
    • Automatic transcription, simple correction, manual transcription and qualitative data analysis of texts
  • B: Alternatively directly via browser
    • For automatic transcription only

A: Use of the f4 desktop software for transcription, correction and analysis

You will use our desktop software f4 for comprehensive work ranging from automatic or manual transcription to the correction of texts and qualitative analysis:

  1. Visit https://www.audiotranskription.de/downloads/ and download the f4 software for your operating system (Windows 10+, macOS 14+, or Linux at your own risk, no iPad version).
  2. Install and start the software.
    • You can initially use the demo mode, which is limited to 5 minutes playback time, 10 texts and 10 codes, but is unlimited in time.
  3. For the full version, enter a valid license key when restarting the program (which you can purchase in our store, for example).
  4. Switch to transcription mode by clicking on “Transcription” in the top right-hand corner.
  5. For automatic transcription:
    • Click on “Login” in the lower left area.
    • Log in with your account or create a new one (free of charge).
    • If necessary, enter a quota code by clicking on the three dots next to your credit.
    • Upload files by clicking on the plus sign next to “Automatic transcription”.
  6. After completion of the automatic transcription:
    • Click on the “Apply” button.
    • The file is downloaded and is now stored locally on your computer. It is visible in the list of texts on the left.
    • You can have many texts in one project at the same time. Important: Save this file carefully, there is no online data backup.
  7. Correction:
    • Open the desired text by clicking on it.
    • Use the F4 key (often Fn+F4 on laptops) to play or pause the audio file and read the transcript at the same time.
    • Adjust the playback speed if necessary (via the cogwheel next to the playback bar)
  8. For manual transcription:
    • Create a new text in f4 and link the appropriate media file to it.
    • You can also use the F4 button, the playback tempo and other available functions.
  9. For the evaluation work:
    • Click on “Analysis” at the top right.
    • Read your texts, create codes, code text passages, write memos on different parts of the text and comments on your texts and codes.

B: Use of automatic transcription via browser

If you only need automatic transcription, without correction options and qualitative data analysis, our web service is the right choice for you.

  1. Open your web browser and go to https://f4x.audiotranskription.de/
  2. Register for a new account or log in if you already have one.
  3. After registering, you will see your available quota for automatic transcription.
    • New registrations automatically receive one hour of coverage.
    • After a purchase you will receive a contingent code. Enter this on the interface to use it.
  4. Click on “Upload audio or video file” and select your file.
  5. Select the desired settings for your transcription and start the process.
  6. As soon as the transcription is finished, you can download the result as a Word file.

Regardless of the option selected, automatic transcription is always GDPR-compliant despite data transfer to our server(https://www.audiotranskription.de/f4/f4-dsgvo/). When registering, you can optionally take out a free AVV. The functions for manual transcription and evaluation, on the other hand, work completely locally and do not transfer any data.

Additional resources