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Joplin Audio Transcriber

by Jordan Voets
productivity integrations editor
Install Plugin
Audio file selected in a Joplin note with the option to transcribe using the plugin Transcribing audio file and creating a new note with the transcription results. Transcription results displayed in a new Joplin note, showing the transcribed text and metadata. Plugin settings page where users can configure their OpenAI or Google Gemini API keys and transcription options.

Description

Transcribes attached audio files using the OpenAI or Google Gemini APIs and creates a transcription note with the press of a button.

Additional Information

Links:
Maintainers: jordanvoets
Version:1.0.0
Minimum app version:3.5
Downloads: This version:5
Last updated:2026-02-26T16:38:41Z

Joplin Audio Transcriber

A Joplin plugin that transcribes audio files attached to your notes using AI-powered transcription services.

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3c169203-0e95-4f92-b1e1-d0c37e41fe71

Features

  • 🎙️ Audio Transcription - Transcribe attached audio files directly from your Joplin notes
  • 🤖 Multiple AI Providers - Support for OpenAI Whisper and Google Gemini transcription APIs
  • ⚙️ Customizable Settings:
    • Select from multiple transcription providers
    • Configure API keys securely
    • Optional: specify a custom model
    • Optional: set language for transcription
    • Optional: add custom instructions via prompt
  • 🔧 Extensible Architecture - Easy to add new transcription providers
  • 📝 Seamless Integration - Transcribed text is appended directly to your notes

Installation

From Joplin Plugin Marketplace

[!IMPORTANT] This plugin is not yet available in the official Joplin Plugin Marketplace. You can only install it from source for now.

From Source

  1. Clone this repository
  2. Install dependencies: npm install
  3. Build the plugin: npm run dist
  4. The built plugin will be in the publish/ directory
  5. Install the .jpl file in Joplin via Tools > Options > Plugins > Gear icon (top left next to Manage your plugins) > Install from file

Configuration

After installation, configure the plugin in Joplin settings:

  1. Open Tools > Options > Preferences
  2. Go to the Audio Transcriber section
  3. Configure the following:
    • Transcription Provider: Choose between OpenAI or Google Gemini
    • API Key: Enter your API key (stored securely)
    • Model (optional): Specify a model (e.g., whisper-1 for OpenAI, gemini-1.5-flash for Gemini)
    • Language (optional): Set language code for transcription (e.g., en, es, fr)
    • Custom Prompt (optional): Add custom instructions for the transcription

Obtaining API Keys

OpenAI:

  1. Visit OpenAI API Platform
  2. Create an account and go to API keys
  3. Generate a new API key
  4. Copy and paste it into the Joplin settings

Google Gemini:

  1. Visit Google AI Studio
  2. Click Get API Key and create a new API key
  3. Copy and paste it into the Joplin settings

Usage

  1. Attach an audio file to a Joplin note
  2. Select the audio file link in your note (highlight the entire link e.g. [filename](:/resourceId))
  3. Press the Transcribe Selected Audio button in the toolbar, or use the command palette (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+P) and search for "Transcribe Selected Audio"
  4. Wait for the transcription to complete
  5. The transcribed text will be appended to your note

Development

Interested in contributing? Start with the CONTRIBUTING.md guide.

For advanced topics like architecture and adding new transcription services, see the project wiki.

Quick Start

npm install      # Install dependencies
npm run dist     # Build the plugin
npm test         # Run tests
npm run lint     # Format and lint code

Troubleshooting

"Please select a valid audio file"

  • Make sure you've attached an audio file to the note
  • Select the file link (the [filename](:/resourceId) markdown link)
  • Audio formats supported: MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AAC

"API error"

  • Verify your API key is correct and has sufficient credits
  • Check if your API key is still valid (not expired)
  • Ensure your network connection is stable

"No transcription result"

  • Try with a different audio file
  • Check the Joplin console (Help > Toggle Console) for error messages
  • Verify the audio file quality and duration

[!NOTE] For further assistance, please open a new issue on the GitHub repository.

License

MIT © Jordan Voets

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines on how to contribute to this project.