The Complete Beginner's Guide to Cleft Notes

Introduction

Cleft Notes is an AI-powered application that transforms your spoken words into well-organized, written notes. By leveraging advanced on-device transcription and AI capabilities, it offers a seamless way to capture thoughts, ideas, and summaries through voice input, converting them into structured text for easy sharing and integration with various platforms.

Key Benefits and Use Cases

• Efficient Note-Taking: Quickly convert voice memos into organized text, saving time on manual typing.
• Enhanced Productivity: Capture ideas on the go, ensuring no thought is lost, and easily integrate notes with favorite apps.
• Accessibility: Assists individuals who prefer speaking over typing or have conditions that make typing challenging.

Use Cases:

• Students: Record lectures or brainstorm sessions and receive structured notes for study purposes.
• Professionals: Summarize meetings or project ideas verbally, with Cleft Notes organizing them into actionable text.
• Creatives: Capture spontaneous ideas or narratives without the interruption of typing, allowing for a more natural flow of thoughts.

Who Uses Cleft Notes?

• Students: For capturing and organizing lecture notes and study materials.
• Professionals: To document meetings, brainstorms, and project outlines efficiently.
• Creatives: For jotting down ideas, scripts, or stories through voice input.

What Makes Cleft Notes Unique?

• On-Device Transcription: Ensures privacy and quick processing by transcribing voice notes directly on your device.
• AI-Powered Structuring: Transforms unstructured speech into coherent, formatted notes, complete with headings and organized content.
• Seamless Integration: Allows sharing and exporting notes to various applications, including support for Markdown and integrations with tools like Obsidian and Zapier.

Pricing Plans

Cleft Notes offers both free and premium plans to cater to different user needs:

• Basic (Free):

  • Unlimited AI-generated notes across native macOS and mobile apps.
  • Ability to publish notes online.
  • 5-minute recording limit per note.
  • Full Markdown editor.

• Plus:

  • Monthly: $7/month.
  • Yearly: $39/year.
  • Includes all Basic features.
  • Advanced AI instructions for customized note formatting.
  • Integrations with third-party apps like Zapier and Obsidian.
  • 30-minute recording limit per note.
  • Ability to attach documents and images to notes.

Please note that pricing may change; refer to the official Cleft Notes Pricing Page for the most current information.

Core Features

Essential Functions Overview

• Voice-to-Text Conversion: Capture spoken words and convert them into structured, written notes.
• Markdown Support: Edit and format notes using Markdown for enhanced readability and organization.
• Integrations: Connect with third-party applications like Obsidian and Zapier to streamline workflows.
• File Attachments: Attach images and documents to notes for comprehensive documentation.

Basic Operations Tutorial

1. Download and Install: Access Cleft Notes on the App Store and install it on your device.
2. Create a New Voice Note:
   • Open the app and tap the "+" button to start a new recording.
   • Speak your thoughts; Cleft will transcribe your voice in real-time.
3. Review and Edit:
   • After recording, review the transcribed text.
   • Use the built-in Markdown editor to format and organize your notes.
4. Share and Export:
   • Share notes via a public link or export them to other applications.
   • Utilize integrations to sync notes with tools like Obsidian.

Common Settings Explained

• Custom AI Instructions: Tailor how Cleft's AI structures your notes by providing specific formatting guidelines.
• Recording Limits: The Basic plan allows up to 5-minute recordings, while the Plus plan extends this to 30 minutes.
• Privacy Controls: Manage on-device transcription settings to ensure your data remains private.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Tips for Best Results

• Clear Speech: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to enhance transcription accuracy.
• Structured Input: Organize your thoughts before recording to facilitate better AI-generated note structuring.
• Regular Updates: Keep the app updated to access the latest features and improvements.

Troubleshooting Basics

• Transcription Errors: If inaccuracies occur, ensure you're in a quiet environment and speaking clearly.
• Integration Issues: Verify that third-party apps are properly connected and updated.
• App Performance: Restart the app or device if you experience lag or crashes; contact support if problems persist.

Best Practices

Recommended Workflows

• Consistent Use: Regularly use Cleft Notes to capture ideas, ensuring no thought is lost.
• Post-Recording Review: Always review and edit transcriptions to correct any errors and enhance clarity.
• Leverage Integrations: Utilize available integrations to streamline your workflow and maintain organized notes across platforms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Transcription Review: Failing to review notes may result in overlooked errors or misinterpretations.
• Overlooking App Settings: Not customizing AI instructions can lead to less effective note structuring.
• Neglecting Privacy Features: Ensure on-device transcription is enabled to maintain data privacy.

Performance Optimization

• Optimize Recordings: Record in quiet environments to reduce background noise and improve transcription quality.
• Use AI Instructions: For more structured outputs, tailor the AI’s formatting guidelines to match your needs.
• Manage Files Efficiently: Organize exported notes and use app integrations to sync across devices seamlessly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to use effectively.
• Multifunctional: Supports voice-to-text, Markdown editing, and third-party app integrations.
• Customizable AI: Offers advanced note structuring tailored to individual needs.
• Privacy-Focused: On-device transcription ensures data security.

Cons

• Recording Limits: The Basic plan has a 5-minute recording limit, which may be restrictive for some users.
• Subscription Cost: Premium features require a paid plan, which may not suit everyone’s budget.
• Limited Offline Features: Some functionalities may require an active internet connection.

Summary

Cleft Notes is a versatile and accessible AI-powered note-taking app that caters to professionals, students, and creatives alike. With its robust voice-to-text capabilities, Markdown support, and integrations with popular productivity tools, it enhances productivity and organization. By following best practices and optimizing app features, users can fully leverage Cleft Notes to streamline their workflows and capture ideas effortlessly.

For more details, visit Cleft Notes.