> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.cleftnotes.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Start using Cleft in 60 seconds

## What Cleft Does

Speak your thoughts, get organized notes. Cleft transforms verbal rambling into structured, usable text.

**What Cleft is:**

* Personal thought processor for your ideas
* Voice-first note-taking with AI formatting
* Privacy-focused (transcription happens locally)
* Built for verbal thinkers who process ideas out loud

**What Cleft is not:**

* Meeting transcription service (use your meeting platform's built-in transcription)
* AI assistant replacement — but works great *with* ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others
* Team collaboration tool
* Generic transcription service

<Tip>
  **The idea:** You talk, Cleft listens and formats your ideas exactly how you want them. Not transcription. Not AI chat. Thought transformation.
</Tip>

## Your First Note

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download">
    Get Cleft from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/cleft-notes/id6479458038) and sign in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record">
    **iOS:** Tap **+** and start talking.

    **macOS:** Press `Cmd + N` and start talking.

    Just let your ideas flow—no need to organize.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Stop">
    Tap stop — your note is ready almost immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Done">
    Your note is ready. Edit if needed, export anywhere.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How It Works

1. **You speak** — Voice recorded locally on your device
2. **Whisper transcribes** — Audio converted to text on-device (private)
3. **AI structures** — Text sent to AI for formatting (audio never leaves device)
4. **You get organized notes** — Clean, structured output

<Note>
  **Privacy:** Your voice never leaves your device. Only the text transcript goes to the AI for formatting.
</Note>

## Find Notes with Spotlight

Your Cleft notes appear in system search (iOS 18+, macOS 15+):

* **iOS:** Swipe down from home screen, type to search
* **macOS:** Press `Cmd + Space`, start typing
* Tag names are searchable too, and Spotlight works offline

## First Week Tips

**Days 1-2:** Build the habit

* Morning brain dump while having coffee
* Capture tasks throughout the day
* Try one meeting's notes

**Days 3-4:** Organize

* Create folders (Work, Personal, Ideas)
* Add tags (#meeting, #project, #idea)

**Days 5-7:** Explore

* Try custom instructions (Plus)
* Set up Apple Shortcuts
* Export to Notion, Obsidian, or Apple Notes

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How accurate is transcription?">
    Very accurate for clear speech. Tips: speak at normal speed, use a quiet environment. You can always edit the text.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does it work offline?">
    Recording works offline. Notes sync when you're back online. Transcription and AI processing need internet.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I edit the output?">
    Yes. Tap any text to edit. The transcription and formatted note are both editable.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Custom Instructions" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/user-guides/custom-instructions">
    Control how AI formats your notes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrations" icon="plug" href="/user-guides/integrations/apple-notes/overview">
    Notion, Obsidian, Zapier, Shortcuts
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need Help?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/user-guides/faq">
    Quick answers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Support" icon="life-ring" href="/user-guides/contact-support">
    Talk to Jonathan or Justin directly
  </Card>
</CardGroup>