Short answer: Bot-free meeting recording captures a call's audio directly from your device — through the system audio and microphone — so no bot ever joins the meeting as a visible participant. It's the alternative to bot-based note takers, where a named bot enters the call to record it.
What does bot-free mean?
Most AI note takers record meetings one of two ways. The bot-based approach sends a named participant (a "notetaker" bot) into the call to capture it server-side. The bot-free approach records the audio your computer is already playing — the call's system audio plus your microphone — so nothing joins the meeting. On the call, no one sees a bot; the recording happens locally on your device.
Why choose bot-free recording?
- No visible bot: clients and colleagues don't see a "notetaker" join the call, which can feel less intrusive or more discreet
- Fewer platform hurdles: because it records at the system level, it works with whatever is playing on your screen — Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Slack Huddles — without integrating per-app
- No admin approval: some organizations block third-party bots from joining calls; bot-free capture sidesteps that
The trade-offs
Bot-free capture depends on the device and browser. It typically works on desktop apps and Chromium-based browsers, where system-audio capture is available, but not on mobile, where the operating system restricts capturing other apps' audio. For mobile or for recording a meeting you're not attending, a bot is still the practical option. That's why many tools offer both.
How CraftNote does bot-free recording
CraftNote records bot-free on Mac (capturing system audio and microphone together) and in Chromium browsers like Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Arc — so nothing joins your Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet call. When bot-free isn't available (on mobile, Safari, or Firefox, or to capture a call you're not in), you can send an optional bot instead. See CraftNote for Mac or CraftNote for Microsoft Teams.
Common Questions
Does bot-free recording work on any device?
It works on desktop apps and Chromium browsers, where capturing system audio is possible. On mobile, operating system restrictions prevent capturing other participants' audio without a bot, so a bot is used there instead.
Is bot-free recording better than a bot?
It depends. Bot-free is less intrusive and avoids admin bot-blocking, but a bot works on any device and can record a meeting you're not attending. Many tools offer both so you can pick per meeting.
Do other participants know they are being recorded?
Bot-free recording does not show a bot in the call, so it is discreet — which makes getting recording consent your responsibility. Always confirm recording is allowed and let participants know, per your jurisdiction and policies.
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