User Manual

Overview

NaraFieldRecorder is an iOS application designed for capturing audio recordings with synchronized photo for documentation. The app is intended for field research, interviews, documentation projects, and collaborative work where you need to capture both audio narration and visual context.

  • Continuous audio recording with real-time waveform visualization
  • Photo capture during recordings with timestamp synchronization
  • Zoom by swiping left/right on the camera preview
  • Flashlight mode keep the light on between photos
  • Project organization for managing multiple recording projects
  • Connected projects that sync with your project manager
  • Standalone projects for independent work
  • Background recording put your phone on hold in your pocket and continue recording
  • Bluetooth microphone support for hands-free recording
  • GPS and orientation metadata for photos (managed projects only)

Getting Started

First Launch

Prepare for your first field recording. When you start your first recording, the app will ask you to accept permissions for:

  • Microphone
  • Camera
  • Location
  • Notification

Once accepted, take a few photos and stop the recording to return to the main screen.

You can disable GPS, orientation metadata, and background recording in Settings if you don't want them.

Quick Start

  1. Select or create a project from the project cards on the main screen
  2. Tap the large red record button to start recording
  3. Take photos using the camera button during recording
  4. Zoom by dragging left/right the bottom of the camera preview, or select the zoom factor
  5. Activate the flashlight and the flash will also be used when taking photos
  6. Mute the microphone if you don't want to record audio for a time
  7. Stop recording when finished

App Interface

Projects Screen

Top Bar

  • Menu (⋮) for "How to" and "Settings"
  • Create (+) a new project on the right

Project Cards

  • Display project name, number of recordings and workspace for connected projects
  • Tap left side to select, the red dot will light up
  • Tap right side to view project details and recordings

Bottom Controls

  • Click the big red button to start a new recording in the selected project

Project Details Screen

Access by tapping the Details area on the right side of a project card:

  • Recordings list - All recording sessions for this project
  • Project information - Manager name (for connected projects)
  • Instructions - Guidelines from the project manager (if provided)
  • Menu options (⋮):
    • Merge into another project - Consolidate recordings
    • Delete project - Remove project and all recordings permanently

Recording Screen

Waveform

  • Real-time audio visualization showing recording levels
  • Scrolling waveform that moves from right to left
  • Color-coded bars indicating audio amplitude

Indicators

  • Recording duration timer
  • Audio source indicator when using a Bluetooth microphone
  • Cardinal direction indicator when using GPS
  • Tilt indicator of the phone angle

Camera Preview

  • Live camera view showing what will be captured in photos
  • Zoom factor Touch and drag horizontally to zoom camera

Bottom Controls

  • Stop button - End and save the recording
  • Photo capture button
  • Flashlight - Flashlight and flash for photos
  • Mute microphone

Project Types

Standalone

  • Created locally on your device
  • Not connected to any server
  • Audio and video files remain on your device, stored in the Files app
  • Perfect for personal recordings

Connected

  • Linked to a project manager via activation link
  • Sync recordings on demand to the server
  • Include instructions from the project manager
  • Show upload status for each recording

Managing Projects

Creating a Standalone Project

  1. Tap the + button in the top-right corner
  2. Enter a project name or leave the default one, hit create

Connecting to a Managed Project

  • Click the SMS activation link sent by your project manager

Merging Projects

  1. Open project details
  2. Tap the menu (⋯) button
  3. Select "Merge into Another Project"
  4. Choose the target project
  5. Confirm the merge
    • All recordings will be moved to the target project
    • All media files will be relocated
    • The source project will be deleted

Deleting a Project

  1. Open project details
  2. Tap the menu (⋯) button
  3. Select "Delete Project"
  4. Confirm twice (safety measure)
    • This permanently deletes all recordings and media files
    • This action cannot be undone

Settings

Access settings via the menu button (top left) → Settings.

Recording Settings

Background Recording

  • Toggle on/off to enable recording while app is in background
  • When ON: Recording continues when screen is locked or using other apps
  • When OFF: Recording pauses when leaving the app

GPS Location

  • Toggle on/off to include GPS coordinates in photos
  • Requires location permission
  • Coordinates are saved with the photo
  • Useful for field documentation

Device Orientation

  • Toggle on/off to capture device orientation
  • Records device tilt and orientation

Microphone Settings

  • Displays the currently active microphone
  • Toggle automatic use of the Bluetooth microphone when connected
  • Manually select a microphone
  • Select preferred Built-In microphone: bottom, front facing
  • Toggle background noise cancellation
  • Refresh button to scan for newly connected devices

Note: Bluetooth devices may only appear after audio session is activated. If your Bluetooth device doesn't appear:

  1. Ensure it's connected in iOS Settings → Bluetooth
  2. Tap the refresh button in Settings
  3. Start a recording session (this activates the audio session)

Uploads & Collaboration

For connected projects, from Project Details → Recordings:

  1. Each recording card shows an Upload button (right side)
  2. Tap "Upload" to send the recording to the server
  3. Upload includes:
    • Audio file
    • All photos
    • Metadata: GPS, orientation, timestamps
  4. Progress indicator shows during upload
  5. Checkmark appears when upload is complete

Upload Status

  • Not uploaded - Recording hasn't been sent to server
  • Uploading - Transfer in progress
  • Uploaded - Successfully sent (shows timestamp)

To join a connected project:

  1. The Project manager sends you an activation link by SMS
  2. Tap the link on your iOS device
  3. Nara Field Recorder opens automatically
  4. Project is created with project name, manager info, and instructions
  5. Project appears in your projects list
  6. Start recording immediately

File Management

Accessing Files

This app is not intended for accessing files directly, but you may need to in special circumstances or if you created a recording in a standalone project. Here's how:

  1. Open the Files app
  2. Navigate to On My iPhone → Nara Field Recorder
  3. Browse projects and recordings
  4. Access audio and media files directly

Tips & Best Practices

  • Use your EarPods to record hands-free while taking photos
  • Make sure your phone has enough storage space
  • Regularly upload connected project recordings
  • Lock your screen and use background recording to save battery during long recordings
  • Phone calls may interrupt background recording

Troubleshooting

Recording Won't Start

  • Check microphone permission in iOS Settings
  • Verify sufficient storage space
  • Ensure a project is selected

No Audio in Recording

  • Check that microphone is not muted
  • Verify correct microphone is selected in Settings
  • Test with different microphone input

Bluetooth Device Not Appearing

  • Connect device in iOS Settings → Bluetooth
  • Tap refresh button in app Settings
  • Start a recording to activate audio session
  • Check device battery level

Photos Not Capturing

  • Verify camera permission in iOS Settings
  • Check camera preview is visible
  • Ensure device camera is functioning

Upload Failing

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify project is connected (has server ID)
  • Ensure recording has completed (not in progress)
  • Contact project manager if server is unavailable