On-device transcription
Record a thought and let Cleft turn it into text on the device rather than sending audio out for transcription. The site says transcription has run locally since the first builds.
Cleft
BeanspruchenCleft is a voice-first note-taking app for Apple devices that turns speech into structured notes with offline capture and secure sync.
Overview
Cleft is a voice-first note-taking app for Apple devices that turns spoken thoughts into structured notes. It is positioned as a fast capture layer before tools like Notion, Apple Notes, Obsidian, and other apps where people already organize their work.
The product’s core workflow is simple: record a thought, let Cleft transcribe it on the device, and choose an output format such as structured bullets, flowing prose, or a cleaner transcript. The site emphasizes offline capture, secure sync, and a Markdown-ready handoff so notes can move into an existing workflow without requiring a separate workspace.
Features
Offline capture and sync
Keep working when Wi-Fi is unavailable. The product pages say Cleft works offline and can capture, transcribe, and later sync notes securely.
Multiple output styles
Choose how the finished note should read, with built-in Structured, Structured Prose, and Clean Transcript styles. Plus users can also save custom output styles and add reusable AI instructions.
Workflow handoff options
Move from a note to the rest of your workflow with auto-copy, Markdown editing, tags, search, export, share sheet support, and local folder sync. The pricing page also lists Notion and Zapier integrations.
Apple platform coverage
Capture and review notes across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and CarPlay. The pricing page also calls out widgets, Lock Screen access, the Action Button, Siri, and Shortcuts.
Sharing and plan extras
Use attachments, password-protected links, and Family Sharing on the paid plan. Cleft Plus also includes preview access to new features through TestFlight.
Use cases
Rapid idea capture
Capture a rough idea quickly, then let Cleft turn it into a cleaner note you can read back or move into another app.
Action-item notes
Dictate to-do lists, checklist items, or reminders and use the structured output to make the result easier to scan.
Offline field notes
Record longer spoken thoughts on the move, including when you are away from Wi-Fi, and review them later on your Apple devices.
Handoff to an existing system
Send finished notes into tools like Notion, Obsidian, Bear, Drafts, or other downstream apps through Markdown export, local sync, or integrations.
Hands-free capture on Apple devices
Use CarPlay, Watch, widgets, Siri, or the Action Button for hands-free capture when typing is impractical.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- On-device transcription keeps audio local during capture.
- Works offline, so recording does not depend on Wi-Fi.
- Offers multiple output styles for different note formats.
- Supports Apple devices and several capture surfaces, including Watch and CarPlay.
- Includes workflow handoff options such as Markdown, local sync, Notion, and Zapier.
Cons
- The source does not show a desktop or web version beyond Apple devices.
- Advanced features such as custom AI, attachments, and integrations are limited to the paid plan.
FAQ
What devices does Cleft support?
Cleft is designed for voice-first capture. You can record on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or CarPlay, then review or edit the note on Apple devices after it is transcribed.
What kind of note output does Cleft create?
The source describes three built-in output styles: Structured, Structured Prose, and Clean Transcript. It also says Plus users can save custom output styles and use custom AI instructions.
What is included in the free plan versus Cleft Plus?
The pricing page says Basic is free and includes 5-minute recordings, on-device transcription, structured notes, auto-copy, local sync, tags, search, export, widgets, Siri, and Shortcuts. Cleft Plus adds longer recordings, custom AI, custom output styles, attachments, Notion and Zapier integrations, password-protected links, Family Sharing, and preview access.
How does Cleft handle privacy?
Yes. The trust center says Cleft uses on-device processing for transcription, does not sell data, and does not use content for AI training. The transcription blog also says the audio stays on the device and only the text is sent for the summary step.
Is Cleft built for team collaboration?
The source does not describe a team workspace or multi-user collaboration system. It does mention Family Sharing for up to five people, but each person keeps their own notes.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity / Note-taking
- Platform
- iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay
- Core workflow
- Speak a note, transcribe locally, then format and sync it
- Website
- cleftnotes.com
- Plan model
- Free Basic plan and paid Cleft Plus plan
- Primary users
- People who prefer speaking thoughts instead of typing