# Export a recording as PDF or Markdown

> Turn any recording into a shareable PDF or a Markdown file with notes and the full speaker-labelled transcript, on iOS, Android, and the web.

Updated: 2026-08-16 · Canonical: https://usecanto.com/help/export/export-pdf-markdown/

Every transcribed recording can be exported as a formatted PDF or a plain Markdown file. Both include the title, the notes, and the full transcript with speaker names and timestamps — using any speaker renames and transcript edits you've made.

## On iOS

1. Open the recording and tap the **⋯** menu.
2. Choose **Export…**.
3. Pick **Transcript PDF** or **Markdown**.
4. The share sheet opens with the file — send it to Mail, Messages, Files, or any app that accepts documents.

## On Android

1. Open the recording and tap the menu.
2. Choose **Export…**, then **Transcript PDF** or **Markdown**.
3. Share or save the file through the Android share sheet.

## On the web

1. Open the recording and click the **⋯** menu.
2. Choose **Download PDF** or **Download Markdown**.

**Download Markdown** saves a `.md` file named after the recording. **Download PDF** opens your browser's print dialog with the formatted document — choose **Save as PDF** as the destination (that's the standard way browsers produce PDFs; nothing is sent to a printer unless you pick one).

## What does the PDF contain?

A clean A4 document: the recording's title, its date and duration, the notes, then the transcript as speaker-labelled paragraphs — each with the speaker's name and the timestamp where the turn starts. Renamed speakers appear under their names; see [Rename speakers in a transcript](https://usecanto.com/help/transcription/rename-speakers/).

## What does the Markdown file contain?

The same content as structured Markdown, ready to paste into Notion, Obsidian, a wiki, or a repo:

- `# Title` at the top.
- The notes, with their sections as headings — on the web export this includes the overview, your own notes, and action items as Markdown checkboxes reflecting their checked state.
- A transcript section where each turn is a bold speaker name with a timestamp, followed by the text.

If you want the content on your clipboard rather than in a file, copying is quicker — see [Copy transcripts and summaries](https://usecanto.com/help/export/copy-content/).

## What can't be exported?

- **Recordings without a transcript** — the PDF and Markdown options stay disabled until transcription finishes. See [How does transcription work in Canto?](https://usecanto.com/help/transcription/how-transcription-works/)
- **Locked recordings** — a recording that's locked behind the free-plan limit can't be exported until it's unlocked. See [Why is my recording locked or not transcribed?](https://usecanto.com/help/transcription/locked-recordings/)
- **AI chat conversations** — exports cover notes and transcript; chats aren't included.

The audio itself is a separate export — see [Download the original audio](https://usecanto.com/help/export/download-audio/).

Related articles:

- [Download the original audio](https://usecanto.com/help/export/download-audio/)
- [Copy transcripts and summaries](https://usecanto.com/help/export/copy-content/)
- [Rename speakers in a transcript](https://usecanto.com/help/transcription/rename-speakers/)