Focus on the conversation, not taking notes.
Shorthand transcribes meeting audio on your computer and takes notes live. It works with the Claude or ChatGPT subscription you already pay for.
Free and open source · Bot-free meetings · Windows tested · macOS and Linux builds need testers
Shorthand · live conversation
The no-sad-snacks pilot
The pitch
- Use AI to end disappointing office snacks
What happened
- 400 blueberry muffins for a six-person pilot
- Janet clicked “surprise me” 40 times
Decisions
- Cap repeat clicks
- Run a three-office pilot Friday; launch Monday
To do
- Alex: fix the agent
- Maya: line up three offices
- Find homes for 394 muffins
How it works
Catch the whole conversation
Shorthand records your mic and computer audio together. Zoom, Meet, Teams, or any other call is transcribed on your computer, with speakers kept separate.
Use the AI you already pay for
The guide in Notes helps you connect Claude Code or Codex. Your Claude or ChatGPT plan turns the transcript into context, decisions, and next steps.
See the note take shape
The Obsidian plugin updates your note while people talk. It edits only its own section, so everything you write stays exactly where you put it.
Your current plan can write the notes.
Connect the account you already use, or choose an API or local model. Your current plan handles the note-writing.
Keep the notes. Lose the recording.
Shorthand transcribes locally, then sends only the transcript and your note to the AI you chose. By default, the recording, transcript, and AI session are deleted when the meeting ends.
Handy is built in.
Shorthand started as a fork of Handy and includes its local transcription and hotkey dictation. You do not need to install Handy separately. Shorthand adds computer audio and live meeting notes.
Start with the app.
Download Shorthand, then open Notes. The setup guide walks you through connecting Claude or ChatGPT and adding the Obsidian plugin.
View the Obsidian plugin on GitHub →Questions
Do I need another AI subscription?
No. Sign in through Claude Code with Claude Pro or Max, or through Codex with ChatGPT Plus or Pro. You can also use an API key or a local model.
What do I install?
Start with the Shorthand desktop app. Open Notes inside the app for the setup guide, which covers your AI connection and the Obsidian plugin.
Do I need Handy?
No. Shorthand is built on Handy and includes its recording, local transcription, and dictation features.
Does it work without an AI connection?
Recording, transcription, and dictation do. Live note-writing needs Claude, ChatGPT, an API, or a local model.
Will it overwrite my note?
No. Shorthand edits its own marked section and leaves everything else untouched.
Why does my computer warn about the download?
The builds are not code-signed yet, so Windows and macOS may show a warning. The release notes include the short steps to open the app.
Can I use it for solo thinking, not just meetings?
Yes. Assisted notes mode organizes an idea, plan, or rough draft while you talk it through.
Help keep Shorthand free.
Shorthand is open source and built by one person. Donations help cover code signing and the work of shipping dependable builds.