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1# Audio and voice23> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to the page URL.45For a new conversational voice application, start with **[GPT-Live](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/live)**. It can listen while speaking and keep the conversation moving while a backend agent reasons, uses tools, or completes a task.67Connect your first conversation with the [WebRTC quickstart](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-webrtc?api=live), then write a short [Live prompt](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/live-prompting). If you already have a Realtime application or text agent, follow [Migrate to GPT-Live](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/live-migration).89## Choose another audio workflow101112131415161718192021222324252627Use the Realtime API when you need its session and tool model. For transcription, translation, or speech generation without a conversational agent, choose the dedicated API below.282930313233| Build | Start here | What you control |34| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |35| A speech-to-speech agent using the Realtime session and tool model | [Realtime API](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/realtime) | Audio turns, session state, tools, and interruptions. |36| A voice interface for an existing text agent | [Voice agents](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-agents#build-a-chained-voice-workflow) | Speech-to-text, the text-agent workflow, then text-to-speech. |37| A transcript of an audio file | [File transcription](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/speech-to-text) | File uploads, bounded requests, and supported transcript formats. |38| Live captions without assistant speech | [Live transcription](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/realtime-transcription) | Streaming audio and incremental transcript events. |39| Continuous speech translation | [Live translation](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/realtime-translation) | A dedicated translation session, not a voice-agent turn loop. |40| Narration or generated speech | [Text to speech](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/text-to-speech) | Text, voice, and output format. |41| Audio input or output in an existing chat app | [Audio in Chat Completions](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/audio-chat-completions) | Bounded multimodal chat requests. |4243## Build with voice4445Use [Voice agents](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-agents) to compare architectures. Start with the prompting guide for [GPT-Live](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/live-prompting) or [Realtime](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-prompting). Then use the shared guides for [custom voices](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/custom-voices), [evaluation](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-agents#evaluate-your-voice-agent), and [cost optimization](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-latency-cost). Each guide distinguishes model- or API-specific behavior.4647## Choose a connection4849For browser audio, start with [WebRTC](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-webrtc). For server audio pipelines, use [WebSockets](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-websockets). For phone calls, see [Telephony and SIP](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-sip). A [server-side control connection](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-server-controls) lets a trusted backend observe and control a media session.5051Select your API on each connection page. Sharing a transport does not make GPT-Live and Realtime handshakes, credentials, or event formats interchangeable. Check the connection guide for prerequisites and setup instructions.5253## Add audio to your existing application5455The Chat Completions examples now live in [Audio in Chat Completions](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/audio-chat-completions). For a browser voice-agent starter, use the [GPT-Live WebRTC quickstart](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/voice-webrtc?api=live).