> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sightlinebehavior.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Companion overview and requirements

> Check what you need to record on iPhone, with or without your computer nearby.

Sightline Companion lets you enter observation scores and record voice notes on iPhone. Prepare the observation on your computer, choose where you will record, and return to the computer to review the saved results.

## Choose where to record

| Task | With your computer nearby | Away from your computer |
| - | - | - |
| Prepare | Open the observation recorder on your computer. | Prepare the observation on your computer and use **Send to phone** before leaving. |
| Record | iPhone sends input to the observation running on your computer. | iPhone runs and stores the observation. |
| Keep with you | Your computer and iPhone. Keep the devices connected. | Your iPhone. |
| Finish | End and save on your computer. | End on iPhone, then reconnect to the computer to return the observation. |
| Confirm the result | Open the saved observation in the student's **Sessions**. | Open the returned observation in the student's **Sessions** on the computer. |

**Duration and Latency require the nearby workflow.** They cannot be prepared with **Send to phone**. Away preparation offers Partial Interval, Whole Interval, Momentary Time Sampling, Frequency, ABC, and Anecdotal.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Record nearby" href="/companion/record-nearby">
    Keep the computer available for reviewing scores, pausing, and ending.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Record away" href="/companion/record-away">
    Follow a complete practice observation with one behavior and 30-second partial intervals, then check the returned record.
  </Card>
</Columns>

Losing a nearby connection does not automatically turn the session into an away observation.

## What you need

* Sightline on your computer with **Pro or an active Pro trial**. See [Licensing](/licensing).
* Sightline Companion installed on iPhone, in a version that works with the desktop app.
* Bluetooth enabled and permission for Sightline to use it on the computer and iPhone.

If you do not have Companion installed or cannot find a version that works with your desktop app, contact [support](mailto:support@sightlinebehavior.com) for installation help.

Pair and check the devices while they are together. **Out of sync** means the installed versions cannot work together; follow [version help](/companion/troubleshooting#out-of-sync).

Voice notes are optional. Scoring does not require microphone access. Spoken notes need microphone permission on the recording device and a transcription model on the computer. Prepare the model before observing; its initial download needs internet access. See [Voice notes](/companion/voice-notes).

## Check your method before preparing

Read [Supported features and limitations](/companion/features-and-limitations) before choosing a method or prompt setting. The practice walkthrough uses partial intervals without prompts.

## Set up the devices

1. [Set up your iPhone](/companion/iphone-setup) to pair it with the computer and confirm the connection.
2. Follow the [nearby recording guide](/companion/record-nearby) or the [away practice walkthrough](/companion/record-away).

## Where observation data goes

* **Nearby recording:** scores go to the observation running on your computer.
* **Away recording:** the observation is stored on iPhone until it is returned to the paired computer.

**Saved on this phone** confirms only the phone copy. After returning an observation, open it in **Sessions** on the computer and check its scores and any voice-note text.

Companion transfers observation data locally to the paired computer, where voice notes are transcribed. Labels and other text you prepare can appear on the phone, including names you enter yourself. Choose labels with that visibility in mind. See the [Companion privacy supplement](https://sightlinebehavior.com/privacy/companion) for the data and retention details.


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