DOTE - Make transcription fun again

What does DOTE stand for?

DOTE stands for Distributed Open Transcription Environment:
  • DOTE implements easy-to-use, robust, single-user checkpoint and autobackup systems based on distributed version control.
  • DOTE is open in the sense that the transcript is always accessible as a plain text file and all the formatting is transparent and non-proprietary.
  • DOTE provides an environment to support smart transcription, much like an Integrated Development Environment does for software coding. It is the first of a new breed of Integrated Transcription Environment (ITE) that enhances the craft of manual transcription of qualitative video data for research purposes.
DOTE Medida manager user interface

Use the Media Manager tool to import, activate and format your audio-visual sources

Is DOTE for you?

If you want a fully featured, easy-to-use, cross-platform desktop transcription editor that supports contemporary audiovisual media as well as the craft and complete workflow from creating and revising a script-based transcript through to exporting a publishable transcript in a recognised style (using Jeffersonian or Mondadaian conventions), then DOTE is for you.

However, if you wish to inhabit and analyse your 360 video data in a more immersive virtual environment in which transcripts as such play a minor role, then try the AVA360VR software package, our immersive tool for annotating, visualising and analysing 360-degree videos in Virtual Reality. For instance, try VolCapping, in which you can annotate your data and share your proto-analyses with others in 3D. Note that DOTE transcript projects are also straightforwardly compatible with, and importable in, AVA360VR.

If you prefer software that primarily supports CAQDAS and statistical analytics, then DOTE is not for you. If you would like to create a score-based transcript with fine-timing across subtier categories, then DOTE is not for you. Try ELAN, instead. If you would like to create a graphic comic transcript, then try Comic Life. And if you want an AI to do automatic transcription for you, then look elsewhere.
DOTE Mondada User inferface

Transcribe following Mondadaian conventions using the helpful Editor to guide you

What DOTE Editions are on offer?

We offer several Editions of DOTE:
  1. There is the free version that anyone can download
  2. There is DOTE Pro, in which all features are unlocked
  3. There is DOTE Pro Community, which allows users to be more involved in our development community and receive better quality support.
  4. There are other Editions for specific purposes, such as for internal use in Aalborg University

By purchasing a DOTE license, you will not only be getting a wonderful toolkit that supports your transcription practices, you will also be contributing financially to further development of the software. All of the money from license purchases (after tax) goes to Aalborg University, of which a substantial proportion goes straight back into BigSoftVideo development.

A brief glimpse of the Editor in action

Which platforms are supported?

DOTE has native desktop support for Windows 10 and 11, as well as for macOS, including the new Apple Silicon with M-series processor.
It cannot be installed on a smartphone nor a tablet running Android or iOS.
Export a transcript from DOTE

Export your publishable transcript with smart line numbering and formatting (in this case, Mondadaian style)

How do I try DOTE ?

If you wish to try the basic features of DOTE, you can download a free version of DOTE and install it. The free version has some limitations and the premium features are locked. Nevertheless, anyone can try our Demo Lego Project or create their own short transcripts from inception through to export. Just follow the online help guide and video tutorials.

To allow unlimited transcripts and to unlock the premium features, you will need to purchase a DOTE Pro license. Furthermore, to join the DOTE Pro Community there is an additional fee for extra benefits.

How do I cite DOTE ?

We would appreciate that you cite DOTE when you have used it to create transcripts for publication or presentation. DOTE can be cited in the following ways (in Chicago Author-Date 17th edition style):
  • McIlvenny, Paul (Producer), Davidsen, Jacob Gorm (Producer), Kovács, Artúr Barnabás (Developer), & Stein, Alexander (Developer). (2022). DOTE: Distributed Open Transcription Environment. Computer programme, Github. https://github.com/BigSoftVideo/DOTE/
  • McIlvenny, Paul (2022). Guide for DOTE Users. Software documentation, Github Docs. https://bigsoftvideo.github.io/DOTE/
  • McIlvenny, Paul & Davidsen, Jacob Gorm (2022). DOTE Video Tutorials. YouTube.