What's the best way to learn to make a podcast with Descript?
We highly recommend spending a few minutes with our interactive tutorial videos. They'll walk you through everything you need to know to make a podcast with Descript, including loading in files, editing via the script and the timeline, adding music, and more. You can open the tutorial from the Drive View.
How can I fine-tune edits and remove silence?
When word-based editing isn't fine-grained enough, use Descript's full-featured Timeline Editor. This article is a good overview of the basics, including selecting / cutting / pasting / deleting ranges, adjusting clip trim, adding fades / crossfades, or using the Wordbar to adjust the space between words.
How can I add music, sound effects, or ambience to my Composition?
Simply drag audio into your script where you want it to play, and then fine-tune with the Timeline Editor.
How do I work with simultaneous tracks of voice audio?
Use a Sequence to groups tracks into a single Clip with a combined transcript. Sequences are created automatically when you create a multitrack recording, or if you import multiple tracks that were recorded outside of Descript. Watch the below video for the basics, or visit the Sequences help page for a deeper dive.
How do I adjust volume levels?
There are several ways to adjust levels in Descript. You can change the volume of individual clips in the Timeline. You can change the volume of tracks in the script. Or you can add volume automation. Finally, you can boost the levels of an entire file using volume normalization.
How does Descript organize my files inside a Project?
All of your original files are listed in the Project Sidebar - the sidebar tab with the icon that looks like a stack of books. You can then edit, combine, and arrange those files using Compositions, the sidebar tab with the icon that looks like a sheet of paper.
Compositions are incredibly powerful - podcasters use them to access raw files, create highlight reels, save story drafts, and more.
If you work with lots of interview footage, we have incredible tools for helping you stay organized and pull highlights. Watch this video to learn about Clip to Composition and Copy Highlights:
Does Descript work with my original uncompressed audio?
Yes! When you add a file to Descript, we upload the original to the Cloud so it can be used for the highest quality export, and then create a high quality optimized version to use for high performance editing. More: File Quality Settings
How do I add effects?
You can add compression and EQ effects to any track or your master composition. Click here for an overview.
How do I recover something I deleted by mistake?
Editing in Descript is "non-destructive" - that means the original unedited files are all available to restore from the Project Sidebar. Right click on a file and "Create a New Composition from file" to find whatever you want to restore and copy/paste it into your main Composition.
Descript also automatically saves new versions of your Project every few seconds - use Version History to review and restore old versions.
Can multiple people edit a Project at the same time?
Yes.
Can I move material between Projects?
Yes. Just by opening two windows and copying/pasting text - Descript will magically make sure all the references media files are brought along for the ride. Short video here.
Can I record remote interviews with Descript?
Yes.
Can I use Descript in tandem with another audio editor like Pro Tools or Adobe Audition?
Yes - many professional podcasters use Descript to compose their story and get feedback from collaborators, and then export to a different editor that they use for final mastering. Timeline Export lets you export and open your Project in another editor with all the tracks, clips, and fades in tact.
What's the difference between the app version of Descript and the version that works in a Web Browser?
You need the app to edit and to work offline. The web version is for playback and commenting only.