Import and export

Turn a recording you already have into a transcript and notes on your Mac, then review a Markdown file before you save it.

Before you begin#

• Use a build with the local AI bundle. To check readiness, open Settings → Local tools. A base build can lack the speech and notes package. For details, see How local AI is prepared.
• Choose a recording you have permission to process.
• Check that the file is a local WAV, CAF, M4A, MP3, AIFF, or FLAC file. Decoding depends on the macOS decoder.
• Check the file's size and length. The importer accepts regular files up to 2 GB and four hours, with one to eight channels. Damaged or unsupported media reports an error.

Import a recording#

1. Choose Meetings → Import recording.
2. In the native file picker, select the local audio file.
3. Wait while Lumen decodes the file in bounded chunks and prepares the transcript and notes with its local tools.
4. Read the session's status and any error before you use its output.

Importing doesn't request microphone or screen-recording access. The original file stays where it is, unchanged. Lumen labels imported audio separately from microphone and call tracks.

If you cancel an import, Lumen doesn't save an incomplete meeting. If processing fails later, Lumen keeps its saved copy of the input so you can retry.

Review the notes#

1. Switch between Notes and Transcript.
2. To see the segment that supports a decision or action, select its violet timestamp.
3. Edit rough notes and next steps as needed, including text, owner, due date, and completion.
4. Check important names, numbers, dates, and action owners against the original context.

Note: Track labels identify the recording source, not a person. Speaker labels are estimates and don't verify who spoke; to name speakers, see Meetings and recordings.

Export notes to Markdown#

1. In the meeting or its actions menu, choose Export Markdown.
2. Review the preview. Include transcript starts on. To export notes without the transcript, turn it off.
3. Choose Save Markdown, then select a local destination.

The export is a new file, and Lumen doesn't send it to anyone. Audio isn't included. A destination inside a synced folder follows that folder's sync behavior. Exports of the sample meeting keep the sample warning.

Retry or reprocess a recording#

• To retry an unfinished session: use Show saved audio to inspect the input, then choose Retry preparation.
• To run the current tools on a completed meeting that still has its audio: choose Meeting actions → Reprocess a copy. Lumen creates a labeled copy and keeps the original session available.

What's next#

• Meetings and recordings: live capture, nudges, meeting search, and recovery.
• Settings and storage: why Lumen keeps failed or unprepared input even when original-audio retention is off.