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Recording & transcription guide

How Grafite captures and transcribes your meetings, and how to get the best results.

How Grafite recording works

Grafite uses your device's microphone to capture audio during meetings and conversations — in the browser, in the native iOS app, or with the optional Mac desktop app for system audio. As you speak, audio is processed in real time using AI transcription. When you stop recording, an AI summary is generated automatically with key takeaways, action items, and highlights.

1

Record

Click record and Grafite captures audio from your microphone in real time.

2

Transcribe

AI transcription runs live, so you can see what's being said as it happens.

3

Summarize

When you stop, an AI summary extracts decisions, action items, and key points.

Recording scenarios

How Grafite works in different meeting setups.

In-person meetings

Everyone is in the same room.

How it works: Your device microphone picks up all voices in the room. Place your device centrally so everyone can be heard clearly.
Tip: For larger rooms or conference tables, position your device in the center of the group for the best results.

Virtual meetings with speakers

You're on a video call using your device's speakers (no headphones).

How it works: Your microphone captures your voice directly and picks up some audio from your speakers. Results vary depending on speaker volume and room acoustics.
Tip: For the best quality, install the Grafite desktop app. It captures remote participants' audio directly from your system, independent of your speakers.

Virtual meetings with headphones

You're on a video call using headphones, AirPods, or a headset.

How it works: Your microphone captures your voice clearly, but remote participants' audio goes directly to your headphones — it never reaches the microphone. Without the Grafite desktop app, only your side of the conversation will be transcribed.
Tip: Install the Grafite desktop app from Settings > Downloads. It captures system audio directly, so the full meeting is recorded regardless of whether you use headphones or speakers.

Noisy environments

You're recording in a busy office, coffee shop, or other loud space.

How it works: Grafite applies noise suppression to clean up background sounds, but heavy background noise can reduce transcription accuracy.
Tip: Use a headset or directional microphone to isolate your voice. Move to a quieter space when possible. The Grafite desktop app captures remote audio cleanly regardless of your environment.

Common issues & solutions

Troubleshooting tips for the most frequent recording and transcription questions.

Only my voice is transcribed

Why this happens

If you're using headphones during a virtual meeting, remote participants' audio is routed directly to your ears and never reaches the microphone.

Solution

Install the Grafite desktop app from Settings > Downloads. It captures system audio directly, so both sides of the conversation are recorded.

Only my voice is transcribed on iPhone

Why this happens

The iOS app (and mobile Safari) records the microphone. If you are on a video call with headphones, remote audio never reaches the mic.

Solution

That is expected. For full call audio with headphones, use the Grafite Mac desktop app from Settings → Downloads. On iPhone, speakerphone or an in-person meeting will capture other voices through the mic.

Transcript contains nonsensical or repeated text

Why this happens

This usually happens when there's significant background noise or long periods of silence. The AI transcription model can sometimes generate inaccurate text when it doesn't hear clear speech.

Solution

Record in a quieter environment, or use a headset with a noise-canceling microphone. Keep the microphone close to the speaker.

Recording seems empty or very short

Why this happens

Your browser may not have permission to access the microphone, or the wrong microphone may be selected.

Solution

Click the icon just to the left of grafite.io in the address bar (it may look like a lock, two sliders, or an i in a circle) and set Microphone to Allow. If you have multiple microphones, make sure the correct one is selected as your system default.

Poor audio quality or muffled sound

Why this happens

The microphone may be too far away, covered, or a low-quality built-in mic is being used.

Solution

Use a dedicated headset or external microphone. Position the mic closer to the speaker. Avoid covering your device's microphone with your hand or a case.

Remote participants are missing from the transcript

Why this happens

Browser-only recording captures microphone input only. Remote audio from Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams isn't accessible to the browser.

Solution

Download the Grafite desktop app from Settings > Downloads. It captures all system audio and merges it with your microphone recording for a complete transcript.

Recording doesn't start

Why this happens

This is not always a blocked microphone. A stuck tab, another Grafite tab already recording, a stale page left open, or a browser that can't reach the mic can all grey out Record with no error.

Solution

Reload Grafite first, then close extra Grafite tabs and click Record again so the browser can show Allow. If you previously clicked Block, use the icon just left of grafite.io in the address bar (lock, two sliders, or an i) and set Microphone to Allow. On Windows, also allow the mic for your browser in Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Full checklist: https://grafite.io/app/help/getting-started/cant-start-recording

Grafite desktop app

The best way to capture full meetings, especially with headphones.

The Grafite desktop app is a lightweight companion that runs in your menu bar and enhances your recording experience. It captures system audio directly from your computer — the audio that goes to your speakers or headphones — so virtual meetings through Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and any other platform are recorded completely.

What it does

  • ✓ Captures system audio from any application
  • ✓ Works with headphones, AirPods, and any audio output
  • ✓ Identifies who said what (you vs. other participants)
  • ✓ Shows upcoming meetings in your menu bar
  • ✓ Start recording with a keyboard shortcut

Requirements

  • • macOS 13 (Ventura) or later
  • • Screen Recording permission (macOS will prompt you)
  • • Windows support is coming soon

How to install

Open Grafite, go to Settings > Desktop App, and click Download Grafite. The app installs in seconds and runs quietly in your menu bar.

How it works with the browser: When the desktop app is installed and connected, Grafite automatically captures both your microphone and system audio during recordings. Your microphone picks up your voice, and the desktop app captures everyone else. After recording, the two audio streams are merged into one transcript with speaker labels.

Best practices

Tips for getting the most out of Grafite recording.

  • ✓ For virtual meetings, download the Grafite desktop app from Settings > Downloads for the most complete recordings.
  • ✓ Use a headset or external microphone for clearer audio capture.
  • ✓ Record in a quiet environment when possible.
  • ✓ If using headphones during a virtual call, the Grafite desktop app is essential for capturing the full conversation.
  • ✓ Keep your device nearby — the closer the microphone is to the conversation, the better the transcript.
  • ✓ Grant Screen Recording permission on macOS when prompted — this is how the desktop app captures meeting audio from Zoom, Meet, Teams, and other platforms.

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing issues with recording or transcription, we'd love to help.

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