VoiceQ crashes when I open it after a macOS upgrade
This is a known issue after major macOS updates. Download the latest version of VoiceQ from the releases page — compatibility patches are included in each release. If you're already on the latest version and still seeing crashes, contact support with the macOS version you've updated to.
VoiceQ is freezing or unresponsive
Force-quit (Cmd+Option+Esc on Mac) and relaunch. If it keeps happening, contact support with your macOS or Windows version, your VoiceQ version (Help > About), the size of the project file, and whether it happens on one specific project or all of them — that detail speeds up diagnosis considerably.
VoiceQ feels slow after updating
Make sure you're on the latest release (9.2.1 or newer) — it includes performance fixes for issues reported in 9.1.1. If performance is still poor after updating, contact support with your system specs.
Audio plays in the app but I can't hear anything
In VoiceQ go to Preferences > Audio and confirm the correct output device is selected — not 'Built-in Output' if you're using an external interface. Try toggling the device off and on. If you're running Pro Tools or another DAW alongside VoiceQ, check the audio device isn't locked by the other application.
Script text is showing in the wrong colour
A known display bug affecting certain script imports. Select all (Cmd+A) then Format > Clear Formatting to reset text colour — this won't affect your timing data. If it recurs, send support a screenshot plus the original script format (.vqd, .docx, .fdx).
The Rythmoband isn't rendering correctly
Restart VoiceQ and reopen the project. If you're using a Blackmagic output device, update Blackmagic Desktop Video to the latest version, then try View > Rythmoband > Reset Display Settings. Still broken? Tell support which output device you're using and include a screenshot.
I can't save or sync my project to VoiceQ Cloud
Check you're signed in (File > VoiceQ Cloud > Sign In), then try File > VoiceQ Cloud > Force Sync, and confirm your internet connection is stable. If syncing appears to load but never completes, log out and back in to refresh your session. If Force Sync returns an error, send a screenshot to support@voiceq.com and we'll check the server side.
Only the demo media plays — my project audio/video won't
Usually a media URL issue. Close the project and reopen it from the Cloud project list. If you're using a direct media link, check the URL hasn't expired (some cloud storage links are time-limited), or relink via File > Media > Relink Media. If the demo plays but your project doesn't, send support the media URL so we can check the format is supported.
VoiceQ shows a Cloud login prompt but I only want the desktop app
Press Cancel on the prompt — VoiceQ Writer opens normally as a standalone desktop app and no Cloud account is needed. To stop the prompt appearing, go to Preferences > General and untick 'Connect to VoiceQ Cloud on startup'.
Can multiple users work on the same Cloud project at once?
Yes — VoiceQ Cloud supports real-time collaboration. Multiple Cloud Collaborators can view and edit the same project simultaneously, with the Cloud Manager controlling access and roles. Best practice: assign different script sections to each collaborator to avoid conflicts on the same lines.
I'm not receiving the MFA email code
Check your junk/spam folder first, and confirm the email address on your account is correct. Log out and back in to trigger a fresh code. If codes still don't arrive, contact support@voiceq.com and we'll check MFA status on your account. Note MFA is not available in some European territories.
I've moved to a new computer — how do I transfer my iLok licence?
Deactivate on the old machine first: open iLok License Manager, right-click your VoiceQ licence and choose Deactivate. Then on the new machine, the licence appears under Available — right-click and Activate to Computer. If you no longer have access to the old machine, contact support and we can revoke and reissue the licence.
My iLok licence isn't showing in iLok License Manager
Make sure you're signed in to the correct iLok account, click the sync/refresh button to pull the latest status, and check under 'Available' — the licence may be there but not yet activated to your machine. If it's missing entirely, send support your iLok username and we'll check on our end.
Can I get a temporary licence while my iLok dongle is repaired?
Yes — contact support with your iLok username and we can set up a short-term cloud licence while your dongle is being repaired or replaced.
Does VoiceQ support the .PAC file format?
Not natively at present. Convert your .PAC file to a supported format before importing — free online converters handle .PAC to .SRT well. Supported import formats include .vqd, .docx, .fdx, .srt, .itt, .ttml and .xml. If .PAC is central to your workflow, let us know — format requests are logged for future development.
What media formats does VoiceQ Cloud support for upload?
For best results use MP4 (H.264) or MOV for video, and WAV, MP3 or AAC for audio. Files over 5 GB may time out on upload — compress to H.264 at a lower bitrate, or link to media hosted on cloud storage (S3, Dropbox, etc.) via File > Media > Link Media URL.
How do I loop playback over a group of lines?
Select the lines (click the first, Shift+click the last), press L or use Transport > Loop Selection to toggle loop mode, then press Space to play — VoiceQ loops continuously through the selection. Named persistent loops aren't currently supported; use In/Out markers on the timeline as a workaround.
How do I use phonics symbols / the phonic window?
Make sure you're on VoiceQ 9.2.1 or newer, which includes the latest symbol integration. Click the phonic marker button in the transport bar (lower left), then select a position on your script — the phonic window opens for inserting and editing symbols.