FAQ

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.

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 up to 500 MB. 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 belong to your workspace. By default, members see their own recordings. Admins see all workspace recordings. Group shared visibility 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. 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.

Does Clara change my content automatically?

No. Clara shows approval cards for proposed changes. You accept or reject each one.

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.

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.

API & integrations

How do I connect Ardela to Clio or Zapier?

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. See Integrations.

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/v1

Support

How do I get help?

Visit Support in the app, browse these docs, or contact your workspace administrator.