Getting started
What is the Notability desktop app?
It's Notability for Mac and Windows. It records the audio from your meetings, turns it into a transcript, and combines what was said with the notes you typed.
How is this app different from the Notability app in the Mac App Store?
On Mac, you can use either app. Notability in the Mac App Store is our native Mac app. The desktop app available for download from our Website is our newer app for Mac and Windows, and it can record and transcribe your meetings. Both connect to the same account.
On Windows, the desktop app is the only option.
How do I get it?
The Notability desktop app can be downloaded from
The desktop app is not available from the Mac App Store or the Microsoft Store, so downloading from our site is the only way to install it.
Does it work with my existing Notability account?
Yes. Sign in with the same account you use everywhere else and your library comes with you. Notes you create on the desktop app show up on notability.com and on your other devices.
Permissions and setup
Which calendars can I connect?
Google Calendar. Support for other calendar services is on the way.
On iPhone and iPad, Notability reads the calendars already on your device, which can include Apple, Google, and Microsoft accounts.
Why does Notability need calendar access?
So it knows when a meeting is about to start and can offer to record it. That's what makes hands-free capture possible.
Do I have to connect a calendar?
For now, yes. The app requires calendar and audio permissions before you can start using it. We're working on a way to skip the calendar step for people who don't use Google Calendar.
Why does it need microphone and system audio access?
Your microphone picks up your voice and anything else in the room. System audio picks up everyone else on the call. Without both, you'd only capture half the conversation.
I approved the permissions, but the setup screen won't go away.
Quit Notability and reopen it. If the setup screen is still there, contact support and include your operating system and version.
Recording meetings
How does meeting capture work?
Notability needs to be open, or running in the background, for this to work. Shortly before an event on your connected calendar starts, you'll get a notification. Select Record, and Notability opens, starts recording, and opens the meeting link if there's one on the invite.
You can also start a note from any event on your home screen.
Does a bot join my meeting?
No. Notability records the audio playing on your own computer. Nothing joins your call, and no one else in the meeting sees Notability.
Do I need to tell people I'm recording?
Recording laws vary by state and country, and many require consent from everyone involved. Check the rules where you and your participants are, and let people know before you record.
Does recording stop on its own when the meeting ends?
Not yet. Stop the recording yourself when you're done. Automatic stop is planned.
What happens if I plug in headphones mid-meeting?
The app follows your system audio settings, so it switches to the new input and output automatically. You can change which devices it uses in Settings.
Finish notes
What does Finish notes do?
When you stop recording, Finish notes combines the notes you typed with what was said in the meeting, so you get one complete note instead of a transcript sitting next to a set of fragments. Your own writing stays bold so you can see what came from you.
How long does it take?
It depends on the length of your recording. An hour-long meeting takes a minute or two. Leave the app open while it works.
Finish notes is spinning and won't complete.
Your recording may still be transcribing. Wait a moment, then try again. If it still doesn't finish, contact support with the note title and roughly how long the recording was.
Does the transcript show who said what?
Not yet. Transcripts don't label individual speakers.
Plans and limits
Do I need Pro to use the desktop app?
No. The desktop app is available on every plan.
Is there a limit on how much I can transcribe?
Yes, and the amount depends on your plan. You can see how much transcription time you have left in the app.
Is there a limit on how many notes I can create as a starter user?
Starter users can create 5 notes.
Updates and troubleshooting
How do I update the app?
It updates itself. New versions download in the background and install the next time you quit and reopen the app. If you keep the app open for days at a time, you'll see a banner when a new version is ready.
Windows says the download isn't safe and I encountered a blue screen after installing the app.
Check that you downloaded the app from notability.com, then select More Info > Run Anyway.
The app crashed, or something isn't working.
Contact support and include:
- Your operating system and version
- The app version
- What you were doing when it happened
- The title of the note, if a specific note is affected
Updated