Using the iDictate platform

 Getting Started:

1 . Make sure you have Microsoft Word on your computer before you ask for a file. 

2. Also, most transcribers use free software called Express Scribe. This software enables you to pause your audio file, as well as slow down and speed up the audio to match your typing speed.

3. Log in to your account, click on "Edit Profile" and subscribe to mailing lists for all languages or specialties that you type.

4. Transcribers must proof their own files when finished typing. Even though we call our Assignors "Proofers", they will not proof your files.

To log in and retrieve a file:

1 . Log in at https://typists.quicktate.com/ (from here you can type both iDictate and Quicktate files)

2.  Your "Welcome Back" page will look like something this:

3. Contact an assignor (sometimes referred to as "Proofer") via "Chat with Admin" on your typist screen to request a file. You should also check the box entitled "I am available to type".  The Proofers may then offer you a file if one is available. This check box stays checked for only 10 or 15 minutes, so you will need to re-check the box if you still want a file.

4. If there are 3 iDictate files being offered to you, you will see:

You have (3) iDictate job assignment(s) Click here to begin

5. A message will pop up with the expected TAT (turn-around-time) along with instructions on what to do if you don’t believe you are able to complete the file in a timely manner.

6. Click "Ok".

7. To download the audio that you will type, click Download  (which is to the right of “File to be Transcribed”), which will appear as follows:

File to be Transcribed:

Download

 8. Then, select the appropriate Template from the drop down box.  

• Default Template is the Word document that gets downloaded by default to type into. Usually the document is blank, but it's possible that it contains text and/ or formatting.

• If the customer requested that we use a customized template, you will be able to select it from the drop-down list. In some cases the requested template will be the default template.

• In all cases you will select either the Default template or one of the other templates in the drop down list.  

• All the templates have names.

9. After you select the template, it will download the specially formatted Word document to your desktop.

Use this Word document to type your file. Again, Never change the file name.  Downloading a template from this page is essential.

10. You will now have on your desktop (i) an audio file, and (ii) a specially formatted Word doc.

11. You're now ready to listen to the audio file in an application such as Express Scribe and type the transcript into the Word doc.

12. Stay logged into your account while you type. This way you can be reached if necessary.

13. When you are finished typing and proofing your file, it will be time to submit it.

14. Be sure you are logged into your account . Click Transcribe and you will see the job you are working on. You will see:

Upload Transcript:
No. of Words:

Submit Completed Document:   

15. Click “browse” under “Upload Transcript”, locate the completed document on your computer, enter the word count and click “Submit Transcript”.

16. Upload your finished transcript and enter the number of words. For any word count under 100, enter 100.

17. If you wish, you may type a brief message to the Proofer in the text box. Do NOT paste your transcript into the text box.

18. Your file will then be sent to a Proofer, or to the customer, depending on your account privileges.

19. Make sure iDictate has a copy of the completed file before you delete the transcript from your computer (approximately 1 week).

20. Each of your files will receive a star rating (1-5 stars). Your score is based on accuracy, quality, formatting, spelling and punctuation. Punctuality is also important. Typists with higher star ratings will be given priority when jobs are assigned. Typists submitting poor quality jobs will not be offered future assignments.