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How do I use the Custom Dictionary?

This article provides guidance on how to enhance the accuracy of transcripts by adding specific words and phrases using Custom Dictionary.

Richard Tampus avatar
Written by Richard Tampus
Updated this week

Important Notes

  • You need an active Sonix account.

  • A basic understanding of the Sonix interface is required.

  • Familiarity with the vocabulary used in your audio/video content is beneficial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Log into Your Sonix Account:

    • Open your web browser and go to the Sonix login page.

    • Enter your login credentials and click "Sign In."

  2. Access the Custom Dictionary:

    • Click the "Home" button.

    • Under the "Customize" section, click "Custom Dictionary."

  3. Add Specific Words or Phrases:

    • In the "Custom Dictionary" area, type each word or phrase you want Sonix to recognize.

    • Press the "Enter" key after each entry to add it to the list.

  4. Save Your Changes:

    • Once you have added all the necessary terms, click the "Save" button located at the bottom of the page.

    • You can create multiple custom dictionaries for different topics. Click "New Custom Dictionary,” name your dictionary, and add the relevant terms. This new dictionary will be available for selection when you upload a file.

  5. Upload Your Audio for Transcription:

    • Navigate back to the main dashboard and upload your audio file following the usual process.

    • After uploading, you will be presented with an option to select from your saved custom dictionaries. Choose the dictionary that is most relevant to your audio content.

  6. Review Your Transcript:

    • Once the transcription is complete, carefully review the transcript, paying close attention to the accuracy of the words and phrases you added to the Custom Dictionary.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Added words are still being misrecognized in my transcripts. What should I do?

Double-check the spelling of the words and phrases you entered in your Custom Dictionary. Ensure they exactly match how they are spoken in your audio. Also, consider the context in which these words are used; the Custom Dictionary helps, but the AI still relies on the surrounding audio.

I am unable to save the changes I've made to my Custom Dictionary. What can I try?

Try refreshing the web page and then attempt to save your changes again. If the issue persists after refreshing, it might be a temporary technical problem. In this case, contact Sonix support for further assistance.

I've added numbers and acronyms to my Custom Dictionary, but the transcriptions are still inconsistent. What could be the problem?

Currently, the Custom Dictionary doesn’t fix this issue. This is something that is on the roadmap for future implementation. In the meantime, it needs to be manually fixed within the transcript.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words can I add to the Custom Vocabulary?

You can add a maximum of 400 entries, with one word or phrase per line. This limit applies to all supported languages.

Will adding specific terms guarantee perfect accuracy?

While using the Custom Dictionary significantly improves transcription accuracy, it does not guarantee perfect results. Complex audio, background noise, or heavy accents can still lead to occasional errors.

Does the Custom Dictionary in Sonix apply to translations?

The Custom Dictionary feature in Sonix is designed to improve transcription accuracy by recognizing user-defined terms during the transcription process. However, it does not apply to translations. Any words added to the Custom Dictionary will influence the original transcription only and will not affect how transcripts are translated into other languages.

Is it possible to edit the words or phrases in my Custom Dictionary?

Yes, editing your Custom Dictionary is simple. Go to the Custom Dictionary page, which will take you to the default dictionary. From there, you can easily add or remove words. Just make sure to hit Save once you’re done. The same process applies to any of your Other Custom Dictionaries, if you have them.

How do I rename or delete a Custom Dictionary?

The main/default Custom Dictionary cannot be renamed or deleted. If you wish to delete it, you can simply remove all the terms and click ‘Save’. However, for other custom dictionaries that you may have added, you can rename or delete them at any time by clicking its name. Enter the new name in ‘Custom dictionary name’ or click the ‘Delete’ button.

Can I import terms from a CSV?

Importing CSVs to the custom dictionary is not supported at this time. As a workaround, you can copy and paste the words or phrases from your CSV directly into the custom dictionary field. Just make sure each entry is on a separate line, as our system accepts one word or phrase per line.

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For further assistance, please contact Sonix support at [email protected] or through the chatbox located in the bottom right corner of our website.

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