How to Transcribe OGG Audio Files in Microsoft Word 365
Question details
The user wants to transcribe an OGG audio recording into text using the built-in transcription feature in Microsoft Word 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to upload and transcribe an audio file in the OGG format into a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word 365 does not natively support the OGG audio format for transcription, requiring the user to convert the file into a compatible format first.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, as transcription is a premium feature, and download a reliable audio converter like VLC Media Player.
Convert OGG to a Supported Format using VLC Media Player
Since Word 365 cannot process OGG files, you must first convert the audio to a compatible format such as MP3, WAV, or M4A.
VLC Media Player is a free, widely-used application that not only plays media but also includes a robust built-in file converter. This makes it an ideal tool to prepare your OGG files for Word 365.
Launch VLC Media Player, click on the 'Media' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Convert / Save' from the dropdown menu.
In the Open Media window, click the 'Add' button under the File tab. Browse your computer to locate and select the OGG audio file you want to transcribe, then click the 'Convert / Save' button at the bottom.
In the Convert window, locate the 'Profile' dropdown menu and select 'Audio - MP3' or another format supported by Word 365, such as WAV or MP4.
Click 'Browse' to choose where the converted file will be saved and give it a name. Click 'Start' to begin the conversion process. Wait a few moments for VLC to finish.
Upload the Converted File to Word 365
After successfully converting the OGG file to a supported format, you can upload it to Word 365 for transcription.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Word 365 natively support OGG files for transcription?
Word 365's transcription engine is optimized for the most widely used media formats in professional environments, specifically WAV, MP3, M4A, and MP4. The OGG format, while open-source and efficient, is less common in standard business workflows.
Is there a file size limit for uploading audio to Word 365?
Yes, Microsoft Word 365 allows you to upload audio files up to a maximum of 300 MB per file. If your converted WAV file is too large, consider compressing it to MP3 format.
Is there a monthly limit on how much audio I can transcribe in Word 365?
Yes, Microsoft 365 subscribers are typically limited to 300 minutes of uploaded audio transcription per month. Live dictation, however, does not usually count towards this limit.
Can I use an online converter instead of VLC Media Player?
Yes, there are many reputable web-based audio converters that can safely change your OGG file into an MP3 or WAV. Just ensure you use a trusted site to protect the privacy of your recordings.
