Chapter 1 Overview

1.1 What is OCTRA?

OCTRA - Orthographic Transcription

Figure 1.1: OCTRA - Orthographic Transcription

OCTRA is a modern web application for the orthographic transcription of audio files. Because it runs in a web browser you do not have to install it like common desktop applications. You find OCTRA here.

1.2 What makes OCTRA special?

You can use OCTRA in connection with a database or with audio files on the user’s computer. Furthermore, it offers three transcription editors, auto-saving, support of various file formats for export and import, logging of the transcription process, inline-validation due to transcription guidelines, shortcuts, and cutting of audio files. The WYSIWYG text editor allows you to insert noise markers in the form of icons between text.

OCTRA saves your proceedings automatically after you stop typing. When your computer or your browser crashes you can continue your transcription without data loss.

1.3 What is the goal of OCTRA?

Because orthographic transcription can take a lot of time, OCTRA tries to optimize this process by optimizing the transcription tools and the transcription workflows.

1.4 What is the structure of this manual?

The first chapters explain the GUI and the general workflow. Chapter 4 shows the differences between the modes. Chapter 5 is about the three annotation editors Octra provides and how to use them. Following by chapter 6 which explains the tools that are used e.g. for cutting audio. Chapter 7 is about configuring the Octra installation or setting project specific options. Chapters 9 and 10 are about giving feedback or contributing to Octra.