---
name: afk-transcription
description: Use AFK's local CLI when an agent needs a transcript from a local audio file or an MP4 video with an audio track.
---

# Transcribe with AFK

Detect the executable before using it: prefer `afk` from `PATH`, otherwise locate the bundled `AFK.app/Contents/MacOS/AFK` executable and use that path directly. Run `<afk> --help` to confirm the command and options. A bundled executable can install this skill with `<afk> install-agent-skill`; add `--force` only to replace a different installed copy.

Pass one quoted local path to `transcribe`:

```bash
afk transcribe "$HOME/Recordings/meeting.m4a"
```

Read the transcript from **stdout**. AFK writes model-loading and transcription progress to **stderr**, so stdout can be redirected or piped without mixing status text. Use `--srt` for subtitles, `--json` for structured output, `--lang <code>` for a language hint, and `--v2` for the English v2 model. An MP4 must contain an audio track. Multi-hour recordings are streamed in chunks; let one invocation run to completion.

Transcription is local and on-device. Do not pipe the transcript to a network service unless the user explicitly authorizes that separate disclosure. Do not promise diarization or summaries, and do not claim support for formats AFK does not support.