Audio comments
An audio comment is a voice recording attached to a viewpoint. Dictating an observation takes seconds where typing it takes far longer, which makes it the fastest tool when your hands are full.
Two rules to know
Section titled “Two rules to know”- One audio comment per viewpoint. The add button is disabled once there is one. Delete the existing one to replace it.
- Five minutes maximum. A longer file is refused.
Recording from the browser
Section titled “Recording from the browser”- Open a viewpoint, then click Record.
- Allow microphone access if your browser asks.
- Speak, then click Stop.
- Click Save audio to keep it, or Cancel to discard it.
If you deny microphone access, or change your mind, re-enable it in your browser settings for the dashboard site.
Adding an existing file
Section titled “Adding an existing file”Add audio lets you choose a file on your computer. The .m4a format is recommended: it is what the mobile apps produce and it plays everywhere, including on iOS.
A file that cannot be read, or is too long, is refused with the reason.
Listening
Section titled “Listening”The built-in player offers Play and Pause, with a progress bar. It appears in the viewpoint’s panel, below the media gallery.
Deleting
Section titled “Deleting”Delete this audio comment asks for confirmation.
In reports
Section titled “In reports”An audio comment cannot be “printed”. So it follows reports in three ways:
- In the HTML report and the online shared report, a player lets people listen to it directly.
- In the ZIP archive, the audio file is included as is.
- In the PDF, a line notes its presence with a microphone icon and the length of the recording, without being able to play it.
If an observation absolutely must be readable in the PDF, back the audio up with a written comment.
To filter on the presence of an audio clip at export time, see Create a report.