- Installing Descript or using it in a browser
- Your first Descript project in seven steps
- Three ways to start a project
- Editing by text
- Scenes, captions and the AI helpers
- Getting your project out of Descript
- Small print worth reading first
- Is Descript the right editor for you?
- My take on learning Descript
- Frequently asked questions
To use Descript, install the Mac or Windows app or open the web version, then record or import your media. Descript transcribes it automatically, so you edit the video or audio by editing the text, add scenes and captions, and finally export a file or share a publish link.
Descript describes itself as an all-in-one editor for video and audio: you bring in media, edit it like text, add polish with AI and share it. Everything you add is transcribed, and when you delete words or sentences from that transcript, the media changes to match.
This guide follows Descript's own help centre. You'll get the setup, a seven-step first project, the features the getting-started page describes, and the small print on installs and transcription.
Installing Descript or using it in a browser
The help centre says the desktop app runs on macOS and Windows, and there's also a web version at web.descript.com that runs in a browser. On a Mac, you download the installer, unzip it, drag Descript into Applications, open it, then sign in or create an account.
On Windows, the help centre warns that the installer can take a while depending on your connection speed and shouldn't be interrupted. Once installed, Descript checks for updates while it's running and applies them the next time you open it.
Your first Descript project in seven steps
- Download Descript for Mac or Windows, or open the web version, and sign in or create an account.
- Start a project by recording, importing a file, or generating speech from typed text.
- Let the automatic transcription run, so your media shows up as editable text.
- Edit the transcript like a document: delete, cut, copy and paste text to change the media underneath.
- Add scenes, a layout pack and captions to give the project structure and style.
- Try the AI tools, such as Studio Sound or Underlord, to polish the result.
- Export a file to your computer, or share a publish link to collect timestamped comments.
Three ways to start a project
The help centre lists three starting points. You can record in the built-in recorders or Rooms, import files you already have, or generate speech from typed text with AI Speakers. Whichever you pick, everything you add is transcribed automatically, so it's ready to edit as text.
If you're importing, the help centre gives three routes for getting a file transcribed: drag it into the Script editor, use the options menu in the Project panel, or import it into a sequence.
Editing by text
This is the core of how Descript works. Deleting words or sentences from the transcript edits the media to match, and cut, copy and paste rearranges audio or video. So removing a section of a recording means deleting its text, and moving a section means cutting and pasting it.
Regenerate goes a step further. The help centre says it can re-create part of a narration from the script without re-recording.
| Feature | What the help centre says it does |
|---|---|
| Automatic transcription | Transcribes all media you add so you can edit it as text |
| Editing the transcript | Deleting words edits the media; cut, copy and paste rearranges it |
| Regenerate | Re-creates part of a narration from the script without re-recording |
| Scenes and layout packs | Break a project into sections and control how each looks, with smart transitions by default |
| Captions | Pick a style in the Captions panel in the sidebar, then customise it |
| Studio Sound | Removes background noise and improves clarity |
| Underlord | The AI co-editor |
| Export and share | Save as MP4, MP3, WAV or GIF, or share a publish link for timestamped comments |
Scenes, captions and the AI helpers
Scenes break a project into sections, and layout packs control how each scene looks, with smart transitions applied by default.
Captions come from the Captions panel in the sidebar: choose a style, then customise it. Studio Sound removes background noise and improves clarity. Underlord is the AI co-editor, and the newer help centre has a Home tab where you can chat with it.
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Getting your project out of Descript
When you're done, you can save locally in formats such as MP4, MP3, WAV and GIF, or share a publish link where viewers leave timestamped comments. That means anyone reviewing the project can attach a comment to a point in the timeline rather than describing it separately.
Small print worth reading first
- The desktop app supports macOS and Windows, and the web version runs in a browser.
- You need an account to start using the app.
- The help centre says transcription isn't tracked or metered on current plans, while Legacy and Sunset plans still track transcription hours.
- The Windows installer can take a while depending on your connection, so don't interrupt it.
- The help centre also mentions SquadCast and an API and MCP connection, so you may spot references to them as you explore.
Is Descript the right editor for you?
Descript's help centre puts the transcript at the centre of editing, so the main question is whether that fits the way you work. If you need a different kind of editor, compare it with the best AI video editors before you commit. YouTubers can weigh it against the tools in my guide to video editing software for YouTube, and if your laptop's on the older side, check the video editors that run on low-end PCs too.
My take on learning Descript
Start with a short recording. Let it transcribe, cut it down by editing the words, add captions and export. That covers the import, edit and export loop the help centre's getting-started page describes, and the AI tools can come after.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a web version of Descript?
Yes. The help centre says there's a web version at web.descript.com alongside the desktop app for macOS and Windows.
How does Descript transcribe my files?
All media you add is transcribed automatically. You can drag a file into the Script editor, use the options menu in the Project panel, or import it into a sequence.
Can I edit video by deleting text in Descript?
Yes. Deleting words or sentences from the transcript edits the media to match.
What can I export from Descript?
The help centre lists formats such as MP4, MP3, WAV and GIF, or you can share a publish link.
What is Studio Sound?
It's a Descript feature that removes background noise and improves clarity.
Do I need to re-record if I fluff a line?
Not always. Regenerate can re-create part of a narration from the script without re-recording.
