# PlaudFree: My Recordings, My Models

A native Mac app for turning recordings into transcripts and useful notes, with local models or your own API key.

Author: Anson Ho
Published: 2026-10-01
Canonical: https://anson.im/blog/why-i-built-plaudfree
Language: en

I use a Plaud recorder for work. The hardware fits my routine. The transcription allowance was the part I wanted to change.

I wanted to take an audio file, choose a model, and turn it into notes on my Mac. So I built [PlaudFree](https://plaudfree.com/en/).

![PlaudFree website showing its download, processing options, and illustrative recording workspace.](/screenshots/plaudfree-website.jpg)

*The PlaudFree website, captured October 1, 2026. The product preview uses fictional content.*

## A short path from audio to notes

The workflow is straightforward: export a recording, import it, transcribe it, review the text, and generate notes from a template. You can play back transcript segments to check a name, a number, or a decision before saving the result.

Recordings and notes live in a local library. You can organize, search, and export them. The Mac app does not require a website account.

PlaudFree is an independent tool. It imports audio manually and does not connect to your Plaud account.

## Choose where the work runs

Local Whisper handles transcription. Local Ollama can generate notes. If you prefer a cloud model, bring your own API key and choose the service for each stage.

That choice has a clear boundary: local processing keeps the model work on your Mac; cloud processing sends the relevant content to your selected provider. Cloud calls follow that provider's pricing and terms.

Version 0.8.1 is free to download, with no software subscription. Local models do not incur cloud API charges, but still use your Mac's memory, storage, and compute.

## Make it feel like a Mac app

The current client uses SwiftUI, AppKit, and AVFoundation. An earlier Electron client remains as a compatibility reference; the website download is the native app.

The useful part is the review loop. A transcript needs corrections. A summary needs judgment. Keeping playback, editing, and templates together makes those steps easier to finish.

## Available now

PlaudFree 0.8.1 is available as a signed and notarized download for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later. The Mac App Store version is still being prepared.

[Download PlaudFree](https://plaudfree.com/en/download/) · [All projects](/projects)