# 3. Check the lyrics

Imported lyrics are a starting point, not proof that the words are correct. Listen through the exact recording and correct every line before timing it.

Use the [Spicy Lyrics Transcription Guide](https://guides.spicylyrics.org/s/transcription) for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, repeats, vocalizations, censored words, languages, and line breaks. It adapts the [Genius Lyrics Style Guide](https://genius.com/Genius-how-to-add-songs-to-genius-annotated) for this project; where they differ, the [Uploading and TTML Rules](https://guides.spicylyrics.org/s/tools/doc/uploading-and-ttml-rules-rvofBBi0PV) take priority.

Include intelligible sung or spoken content such as ad-libs, background vocals, dialogue samples, and producer tags. Remove section labels, stage directions, guessed filler, and other text that is not heard. If you are uncertain, ask for help in the [Spicy Lyrics Discord server](https://discord.gg/lyrc).

| Task | What to do |
|------|------------|
| Edit a word | Double-click it, make the change, then press `Enter`. |
| Add a line | Select **Lyric Line** in the toolbar's **New** section. |
| Mark a background vocal | Select the line, then enable **Background Vocal** in **Line Properties**. It displays below the lead line in smaller text. |
| Mark a duet vocal | Select the line, then enable **Duet Vocal** in **Line Properties**. It displays on the opposite side of the lyrics view. |


:::warning
**Spicy Lyrics line rules**

* Background lines cannot follow one another.
* A song cannot begin with a background line.
* Duet/primary lines cannot begin with a background line.
* Duet/primary lines cannot have only one background line.
* **Obscene Word** in **Word Properties** currently has no effect in Spicy Lyrics.

:::

## Optional: syllable splitting

Whole-word timing is valid and is the recommended place to start. Splitting a word into separately timed syllables is optional and initially harder because it creates more boundaries to judge.

Once you can hear the performed syllables reliably, accurate splits can make detailed synchronization easier to refine. Read [Basics Of Splitting](https://guides.spicylyrics.org/s/splitting/doc/basics-of-splitting-ULtyX3rrzK) for the tool workflow and the [Splitting Guidelines](https://guides.spicylyrics.org/s/splitting/doc/splitting-guidelines-IyXtGi4ta6) for what is accepted or incorrect.