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Import and Export

Import sound files, edit them, and combine them with other files or new recordings. Export your recordings in several common file formats.

 

  • Import and export WAV, AIFF, AU, and Ogg Vorbis files.
  • Import MPEG audio (including MP2 and MP3 files) with libmad.
  • Export MP3s with the optional LAME encoder library.
  • Create WAV or AIFF files suitable for burning to CD.
  • Import and export all file formats supported by libsndfile.
  • Open raw (headerless) audio files using the “Import Raw” command.

 

Note: Audacity does not currently support WMA, AAC, or most other proprietary or restricted file formats. 

Editing

 

  • Easy editing with Cut, Copy, Paste, and Delete.
  • Use unlimited Undo (and Redo) to go back any number of steps.
  • Very fast editing of large files.
  • Edit and mix an unlimited number of tracks.
  • Use the Drawing tool to alter individual sample points.
  • Fade the volume up or down smoothly with the Envelope tool.

 

Effects

 

  • Change the pitch without altering the tempo, or vice-versa.
  • Remove static, hiss, hum, or other constant background noises.
  • Alter frequencies with Equalization, FFT Filter, and Bass Boost effects.
  • Adjust volumes with Compressor, Amplify, and Normalize effects.
  • Other built-in effects include:
    • Echo
    • Phaser
    • Wahwah
    • Reverse 

 

Sound Quality

 

  • Record and edit 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit (floating point) samples.
  • Record at up to 96 kHz.
  • Sample rates and formats are converted using high-quality resampling and dithering.
  • Mix tracks with different sample rates or formats, and Audacity will convert them automatically in realtime. 

 

Plug-Ins

 

  • Add new effects with LADSPA plug-ins.
  • Audacity includes some sample plug-ins by Steve Harris.
  • Load VST plug-ins for Windows and Mac, with the optional VST Enabler.
  • Write new effects with the built-in Nyquist programming language. 

 

Analysis

 

  • Spectrogram mode for visualizing frequencies.
  • “Plot Spectrum” command for detailed frequency analysis.

 

Free and Cross-Platform