FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Ardela.
Getting started
What do I need to use Ardela?
An account, a workspace invitation (or sign-up), a microphone, and a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari). Install the PWA for offline recording.
What's the difference between dictation and meeting mode?
Dictation is for one speaker with live transcription. Meeting mode handles multiple speakers with automatic speaker labels. See Recordings.
What's the difference between web recordings and the desktop app?
Web recordings create full sessions with transcripts, templates, and export. Ardela Voice (desktop) inserts text into any app via push-to-talk. See Ardela Voice.
What features require a Pro plan?
Clients, groups, transcriber queue, workflows, analytics, workspace templates, AI document drafting, REST API, and Clio native sync. See Billing & plans.
Transcription
How accurate is transcription?
Accuracy depends on audio quality, accent, background noise, and domain terminology. Use a good microphone, reduce noise, add custom vocabulary, and review transcripts before generating notes.
What file formats can I upload?
.mp3, .wav, .webm, .ogg, .m4a, .aac, .flac, .mp4, and .mov. Max size: 100 MB (Starter), 500 MB (Pro), 1 GB (Enterprise). See Upload audio.
Can I record offline?
Yes, with the PWA installed. Recordings save locally and sync when you reconnect. Status shows Awaiting Transcription until processed.
Why is my recording stuck processing?
Large files and poor connections take longer. Refresh and wait, or ask an admin to Manage recording. See Troubleshooting.
Recordings & access
Who can see my recordings?
Recordings belong to your workspace. By default, members see their own recordings. Admins and owners see all workspace recordings. Group shared visibility (Pro) lets group members read each other's recordings (not edit). Access is based on workspace role and group membership — not per-matter ACLs.
Can I edit someone else's recording?
Only if you are the author or a workspace admin/owner. Shared visibility is read-only.
Can I continue recording on an existing session?
Yes. Open a saved recording and resume from the Recorder tab to append audio.
AI & Clara
How do I generate a formatted note?
Select a template, then click Generate or press Ctrl+G / Cmd+G. See Generate & export.
Can I generate documents on Starter?
AI notes are available on all plans. AI documents (letters, reports with variables) require Pro or Enterprise.
Does Clara change my content automatically?
No. Clara shows approval cards for proposed changes. You accept or reject each one.
Can Clara review contracts?
Yes. Clara supports document review with playbooks for contract analysis and redlines.
What are Clara skills?
Skills are reusable instructions you select in Clara (/clara) before sending a message — for summaries, chronologies, risk reviews, client updates, and more. You can also create private or workspace skills. See Clara skills.
Pillars
What are Pillars?
Pillars extract structured data from PDFs and Word files into reviewable tables with source citations. Available on all plans with document limits by tier. See Pillars.
Clients & case management
How do I link recordings to cases?
Assign client and matter from the recording editor, or start a new recording from a matter page. Client management requires Pro. See Clients.
Can I sync clients from Clio?
Yes, on Pro plans. Connect Clio under Settings → Integrations. See Integrations.
Transcriber queue
How do I send work to a human transcriber?
Use Send to transcriber from the recording actions menu (Pro plan with queue enabled). See For authors.
I'm a transcriber — where is the recordings list?
Transcribers work from the Queue (/queue), not the recordings list.
Can I use a pop-out player?
Yes. Open /player/[id] to play audio in a separate window while working in the queue.
Mobile & desktop
Can I use Ardela on mobile?
Yes. The web app is mobile-friendly. Install the PWA for an app-like experience with a bottom navigation bar.
Where are keyboard shortcuts?
In the recording editor: open the gear menu → Keyboard shortcuts. See Shortcuts.
Billing & limits
What happens when I hit a usage limit?
Generation, recording, or storage may be paused until the next billing cycle or plan upgrade. Check Settings → Usage. See Billing & plans.
Does Starter include API access?
No. REST API and webhooks require Pro or Enterprise.
API & integrations
How do I connect Ardela to Clio?
Two options:
- Native sync (Pro) — Settings → Integrations syncs clients and matters from Clio. See Integrations.
- REST API filing — Poll completed recordings, fetch content, upload to Clio, mark filed. See API integrations.
How do I connect to Zapier or Actionstep?
Use the v1 REST API. Create an API key in Settings → API Keys, poll for completed unsynced recordings, fetch content, file in your CRM, then mark the recording filed.
What API key scopes do I need?
- Read recordings:
read:recordings - Mark filed after CRM upload:
read:recordings+write:recordings - Manage webhooks:
manage:webhooks
See Authentication.
What is the API base URL?
https://api.ardela.ai/api/v1Support
How do I get help?
Visit Support in the app, browse these docs, or contact your workspace administrator.