Format comparison

DOCX vs PDF: Editable vs Fixed Transcripts

DOCX is editable and collaborative. PDF is fixed-layout and consistent across devices.

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Format snapshots

Quick definitions and best-use highlights for each format.

DOCX.docx

Word document

DOCX is Microsoft's Word document format. It keeps structure and basic formatting so you can edit, comment, and share transcripts.

Best for: Editing and polishing long transcripts

View DOCX guide
PDF.pdf

PDF document

PDF is a fixed-layout document format. It preserves the transcript's appearance so it looks the same everywhere.

Best for: Sending read-only transcripts to clients or stakeholders

View PDF guide

Key differences

  • DOCX supports comments and track changes; PDF is mostly read-only
  • DOCX layouts can shift between apps; PDF looks identical everywhere
  • PDF is ideal for sharing final transcripts

Common pitfalls

  • PDF is not ideal for copy/paste editing
  • DOCX formatting may shift between editors

When to choose each format

DOCX

Best for

Editing, revisions, and collaboration

Avoid when

Final distribution where layout must not change

PDF

Best for

Sharing, archiving, and printing

Avoid when

Heavy edits or iterative changes

Example snippets

DOCX excerpt

Client Interview Transcript Speaker 1: We need to shorten onboarding. Speaker 2: I can draft a new flow. Speaker 1: Share it by Friday. Speaker 2: Will do.

PDF excerpt

Workshop Transcript - Sprint 12 Facilitator: Let's review the outcomes. Participant: The test group preferred option B. Facilitator: We'll document the decision. Participant: I'll update the brief.

Transcribe and export

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Make the right export choice

Upload audio or video, transcribe, and download in TXT, DOCX, PDF, SRT, or VTT.

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  • 3 transcriptions per day
  • Max 35 minutes per file
  • Max 50 MB per file
  • Export to TXT, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT