> ## 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.

# Creating Notes

> Voice and text — two ways to create notes in Cleft

## Voice Notes

Capture your thoughts instantly. Tap record, see your words — minimal loading time thanks to our optimized Whisper model.

### Starting a Recording

1. **Tap the microphone icon** to begin recording
2. **Speak clearly** into your device microphone
3. **Continue speaking** - Cleft will capture everything

<Tip>
  Position your device's microphone toward your mouth for best audio quality
</Tip>

### During Recording

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/cleft/g7JFUse1JJ28luuj/images/screenshots/cleft-v112-recording-ios.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=g7JFUse1JJ28luuj&q=85&s=aaa57c64f0980c60b0483a8f406cd815" alt="Cleft recording view on iPhone with wireframe sphere visualization, restart button in top right, pause and stop controls at the bottom, and timer showing recording progress" style={{ width: "100%", maxWidth: "300px", height: "auto", margin: "0 auto", display: "block", borderRadius: "12px" }} width="587" height="1200" data-path="images/screenshots/cleft-v112-recording-ios.png" />

* **Pause recording** by tapping the pause button
* **Resume recording** by tapping the microphone again
* **Restart your note** by tapping the restart button — discards the current recording and starts fresh without leaving the recording screen
* **Cancel recording** by tapping the X — exits without saving
* **Monitor recording time** in the interface

### Stopping a Recording

1. **Tap the stop button** when finished
2. Cleft transcribes your audio locally on your device
3. The transcript is then summarized to create your finished note
4. Your note appears — ready to edit, share, or export

See [Transcripts](/user-guides/transcripts) to view or edit the raw text.

### Audio Devices

Cleft works seamlessly with your audio devices.

#### Switch Devices Mid-Recording

On Mac, you can manually switch between audio devices at any time — even mid-recording. Cleft handles the transition without losing your recording. On iPhone and iPad, iOS routes audio automatically based on your connected devices.

* **AirPods / AirPods Pro** — Automatic detection when connected
* **Bluetooth headsets** — Full support for calls and recording
* **Built-in microphone** — Always available as fallback
* **Wired headphones** — Detected when plugged in

<Tip>
  Your preferred audio device "just works"—Cleft remembers your last choice and uses it automatically.
</Tip>

#### Other Apps Can Use Audio

FaceTime, Spotify, and other apps work while Cleft is open. You can:

* Listen to music while reviewing notes
* Take a call without closing Cleft
* Use other audio apps alongside recording

### Recording Tips

* **Speak at a moderate pace** for better transcription
* **Use quiet environments** for clearer audio
* **Pause between topics** to create natural breaks
* **Speak directly toward the microphone** for best results
* **Don't worry about silence** — Cleft filters out phantom transcription artifacts (like false "Thank you" at the end of recordings)

<Info>
  Your note is ready the moment you stop recording — transcription runs in parallel while you speak, so there's no waiting.
</Info>

## Text Notes

Can't speak? Type instead — Cleft processes text notes the same way.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create new text note">
    Select (macOS) or long press (iOS/iPadOS) the `+` button and choose new text note (`⌘ + N`)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save your note">
    When you're done, select the Save button (`⌘ + ⏎`)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Process note">
    Keep Cleft open to process and create your note
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Text notes are perfect for quiet environments like libraries or commuting, letting you quickly capture ideas when speaking isn't practical.
</Tip>