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InqScribe
InqScribe · Chicago, Illinois, United States · founded 2001
What it is
InqScribe is digital media transcription software for annotating, transcribing, and analyzing audio and video on macOS and Windows. Automatic speech-to-text runs on the user’s computer rather than in the cloud. InqScribe says user data stays on that computer and is not used to train AI models. Its editor combines transcript editing, free-form notes, clickable timecodes, custom snippets, and search-and-replace. Playback works through keyboard shortcuts or a USB foot pedal. Captions can be exported in SRT, WebVTT, SCC, XML, and other formats for Premiere, Final Cut Pro, YouTube, and broadcast systems. Automatic transcription supports dozens of languages with full UTF-8 Unicode support. Media support includes H.263, H.264, MPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, QuickTime, Windows Media, AIFF, WAV, AAC, M4A, MP3, and many AVI formats. Transcript files are saved locally where specified, and the app does not save copies of source audio or video. Plans include a free viewer, a $10 one-time 10-day license, and a $79 one-time perpetual license with two years of free updates.
For and against
For
- Local automatic speech-to-text processing
- Editor includes notes and clickable timecodes
- Keyboard or USB foot-pedal playback
- Exports captions in multiple formats
- Supports dozens of transcription languages
Against
- Runs only on macOS and Windows
- Perpetual license costs $79 one-time
- 10-day license lasts only 10 days
- Site licenses require at least five licenses
The verdict
InqScribe combines local transcription with media-aware editing, playback controls, and caption exports. Its free viewer provides basic access, while paid one-time licenses cover short-term or perpetual use.
Who it suits
InqScribe suits researchers, translators, filmmakers, journalists, transcriptionists, educators, and other professionals working with recorded media. Local processing and broad caption export options fit users who want files kept on their computers.
Plans and prices
Free Viewer
view InqScribe transcripts and other caption formats
Read 1 Oct 2026 · inqscribe.com
7-Day Trial
one trial per user
Read 1 Oct 2026 · inqscribe.com
10-Day License
use for 10 days · unlimited AI transcription
Read 1 Oct 2026 · inqscribe.com
Perpetual License
2 years free updates · no expiration · unlimited AI transcription
Read 1 Oct 2026 · inqscribe.com
On the record
- Caption exports
- Captions can be exported in SRT, WebVTT, SCC, XML, and other formats for Premiere, Final Cut Pro, YouTube, and broadcast systems.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- Version 3.0.1 is available for Windows and macOS.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Editor
- The media-savvy editor combines free-form notes, transcript editing, clickable timecodes, custom snippets, and search-and-replace.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Labs uploads
- InqScribe Labs can process voluntarily uploaded transcript files for format conversion and says those uploads are not stored on its servers.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Languages
- InqScribe supports automatic transcription in dozens of languages and uses full UTF-8 Unicode support.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- A single license can be installed on one laptop and one desktop when the user is the only user.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Local AI
- Automatic speech-to-text transcription runs on the user's computer rather than in the cloud.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Media support
- Supported media includes H.263, H.264, MPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, QuickTime, Windows Media, AIFF, WAV, AAC, M4A, MP3, and many AVI formats.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Offline storage
- Transcript files are saved locally where specified, and the app does not save copies of users' audio or video content.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Playback control
- Users can control playback with keyboard shortcuts or a USB foot pedal.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- InqScribe says user data never leaves the computer and is never used to train AI models.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Site licenses
- Site licenses require a minimum purchase of five licenses, with volume discounts available.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is provided through a knowledge base, user guide, blog, Whisper FAQ, and direct contact.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Target users
- The product is presented for researchers, translators, filmmakers, journalists, transcriptionists, educators, and other professionals.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- What it does
- InqScribe is digital media transcription software for annotating, transcribing, and analyzing audio and video files.docs.inqscribe.com · read 1 Oct 2026
