Getting started
A Fieldwork Recorder entry is more than an audio file. It can include the recording, a written note, tags, photos or sketches, and a location. Start small; you can add as much context as the moment needs.
Before you record
Fieldwork Recorder asks for permissions only for the features you use. The microphone is required to create an audio entry. Location is optional and can be turned off at any time. Camera and photo-library access are used only when you choose to attach images.
| Permission | Purpose | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Capture the audio recording. | Every recording. |
| Location | Save a start/end point or a route. | Only when GPS is enabled for an entry. |
| Camera and photo library | Attach visual evidence to an entry. | Only when adding photos. |
| Notifications | Show Android recording status while background recording is active. | When using background recording on Android. |
| Network | Use maps or optional sync. | Only for those connected features. |
Create your first entry
- Open the Record tab. Choose an audio quality and a GPS mode. Start/End saves one point when recording starts and one when it ends; Track saves the route; Off collects no recording GPS. An imported photo may still have its own location data.
- Tap Start Recording. Speak naturally. You can pause and resume before saving, which is useful when one field entry includes a short interruption.
- Tap Stop + Save Entry. Fieldwork Recorder finishes the audio and saves the entry with any collected GPS information.
- Give the entry context. Add a title, select the correct date and time if needed, write notes, and add tags such as transect-3 or evening.
- Add visual material when useful. Take a photo, choose existing photos, or use Draw Note for a quick diagram, route sketch, or annotation.
- Save the diary entry. The recording and its context become one entry that you can find through the Diary or Player tabs.
Keep location with the recording
In builds with Recording GPS storage, Embed in audio is the default setting. A supported recording can carry its start/end coordinates or timed route even if it later leaves the original folder. Choose Separate GPS file in Settings if you prefer to keep the route alongside the recording instead. Written notes, tags, and photo locations remain diary details in either mode. Read the full GPS guide before sharing location-sensitive audio.
After saving
Open Diary, locations, and playback to find the entry by date, search its title, notes, or tags, review its route on a map, and play its audio. You can still edit the title, note, tags, and attachments later.
If an entry should live beyond the device, use the Sync, backup, and export guide to copy it to a cloud account you control or package it as an archive.
A simple field routine
The most durable habit is to record the observation first and describe it before you move on. Use a title that you will recognize later, one or two consistent tags, and a photo or sketch only when it adds information the audio cannot carry. That gives you a journal that is quick enough for the field but still useful months later.