ELAN

What ELAN is

ELAN is a free annotation tool for audio and video recordings, particularly suited to analyzing languages, sign languages and gestures. It supports unlimited text annotations, including words, sentences, glosses, translations, comments and descriptions. Annotations can be arranged in hierarchical tiers, aligned with media time or linked to one another. Multiple views stay synchronized with the media timeline, and users can apply controlled vocabularies. A document can link as many as four video files. Annotation text supports Unicode, and documents are stored in the XML-based EAF format. Media compatibility varies by operating system and relies on native frameworks such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime or VLC. ELAN is written in Java, with Windows, macOS and Linux distributions; its source is available under GPL 3. The download page lists ELAN 7.1, which adds export to REFI project files for qualitative data analysis software. This integration is described as a one-time addition with no current plans for further extension. Documentation includes online and PDF manuals, an introductory guide and a media encoding guide; users can also turn to a forum or support desk.