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# Call summaries vs. call transcripts: what's the difference

When you enable call transcriptions in Nimbata, each processed call has two ways to review what was said: a **transcript** and a **summary**. 

They serve different purposes.

* **Call transcripts** are the full text of the conversation, word for word.
* **Call summaries** are shorter overviews derived from the transcript.
* Both let you understand calls without replaying the audio.

||| Both transcripts and summaries are generated only after you enable the call transcriptions feature. They are not retroactive. See: [AI call transcriptions: how to activate transcriptions and summaries](https://help.nimbata.com/en/article/ai-call-transcriptions-how-to-activate-transcriptions-and-summaries-bmjguu/).

### Call transcripts

A call transcript is the **full written version** of a conversation. 
Nimbata converts the spoken words from the call recording into readable text.

Use transcripts when you need:

* The complete wording of a conversation
* To perform a deep review or audit
* To search for specific words or phrases

| Transcripts are generated directly from the call audio recording.

You can access transcripts from [Activity > Calls](https://app.nimbata.com/activity/calls) by opening any call's details.

### Call summaries

A call summary is a **brief overview** generated from the full transcript. 
It highlights the key points of the conversation.

Use summaries when you need:

* A quick read of what happened without reviewing the full transcript
* To scan large volumes of calls efficiently
* A high-level view of intent, outcome, or follow-up required

| Summaries are derived from transcripts, which in turn come from the audio recording.

You can access summaries from [Activity > Calls](https://app.nimbata.com/activity/calls) by opening any call's details.

### When to use each

Use **transcripts** when you need exact wording, want to audit a call, or are searching for specific language. 
Use **summaries** when you just need to understand what happened without reading every line.
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Detailed Guide: [**AI call transcriptions: how to activate transcriptions and summaries**](https://help.nimbata.com/en/article/ai-call-transcriptions-how-to-activate-transcriptions-and-summaries-bmjguu/) 
Detailed Guide: [**How to listen to, read, and download call recordings and transcripts**](https://help.nimbata.com/en/article/how-to-listen-to-read-and-download-call-recordings-and-transcripts/) 
Detailed Guide: [**How to set up Nimbata AI for automatic call analysis**](https://help.nimbata.com/en/article/how-to-set-up-nimbata-ai-for-automatic-call-analysis-183hu0b/)