In this guide
Start with an original recording or a short microphone test. Import or record it, make a careful selection and edit, save an Audacity project for later, and export a separate audio file. Listen to the actual export before sharing.
To use Audacity, import or record audio, select a passage on the waveform, make an edit and export a separate audio file. Save an Audacity project as well if you want to return to your tracks and edits later.
This guide walks through a first spoken-audio project. Audacity's interface and menu names can vary by version; its official editing tutorial documents importing, selections, clips and effects.
1. Start with a recording or an existing file
Import a file: Open Audacity and choose File → Import → Audio, or drag a supported file into the project. MP3 and WAV are common starting formats. Some formats, including certain M4A files, may require a compatible FFmpeg library; check Audacity's instructions for your version. Keep the original file unchanged.
Need to shorten repeated long pauses? See how to remove silence in Audacity for threshold, duration and synchronization checks.
Record a microphone: Select the intended recording device in Audio Setup and check operating-system microphone permissions. Record a few seconds, stop and play it back. Test your loudest expected phrase and reduce input gain if it distorts. The Audacity recording guide covers device selection and Windows computer-audio loopback.
A microphone recording and computer playback are different sources. Do not assume choosing a microphone also captures a browser or meeting app; test the exact routing before recording something important.
2. Understand the waveform and selection
The waveform shows the audio's amplitude over time. A larger visible waveform generally indicates a stronger signal in that display, but it does not by itself tell you whether speech is intelligible or free of distortion.
- Press Play and listen to the file. Note the part you want to remove.
- Click and drag over the unwanted time range in the waveform. Zoom in if you need a more precise boundary.
- Play the selected passage and listen around both ends. Include enough room to avoid cutting a word's attack or tail.
- Press Delete or Backspace to remove the selected audio. Listen across the resulting join; use Undo if the cut removes the wrong material.
Deleting a selection can close the time gap and change the timing of what follows. If you need to preserve alignment with picture or another track, choose the appropriate silence or split workflow instead and check the result. The cutting guide compares these choices and explains boundary clicks.
3. Try a small effect or mix
To test an effect, select a representative passage, open the relevant effect and use its preview where available. Compare it with the unprocessed audio at a similar level. Aggressive noise reduction, EQ or gating can remove wanted detail; a distorted source may need a new recording rather than more processing.
To combine speech and music, import each file into a separate track, adjust track levels and listen to the overlap. Audacity mixes audible tracks during playback and export. Check for clipping at the loudest overlap and confirm mute and solo states. For a practical timing example, see how to mix audio files.
4. Save the project and export the audio
| Action | Result | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Save Project | An Audacity project, commonly .aup3, retaining project information. | You want to reopen and continue editing in Audacity. |
| Export Audio | A separate file such as WAV or MP3, depending on available options. | You need to play, send or use the mix in another app. |
- Choose File → Save Project → Save Project and save a working project to suitable local storage.
- Choose File → Export Audio. Select the intended range, channels, format and destination; check the version's export dialog.
- Open the exported file outside the project. Listen to its beginning, edit points and ending, and confirm the duration and format.
Audacity's saving and exporting guide distinguishes the editable project from a shareable audio file. WAV can be a useful PCM working copy; MP3 is lossy and a new encode may add delay or padding. Neither format restores detail already missing from the original.
Common first-project problems
- No waveform while recording: check microphone permission, the chosen input and channel, then record a new short test.
- No sound during playback: check the selected output, system volume and the track's mute or solo state. Test the exported file separately.
- Clicks after a cut: inspect the boundary, undo and adjust the selection or test an appropriate short fade. See how to fix edit clicks.
- A file will not import: confirm it is fully downloaded and check whether the codec requires FFmpeg support. Renaming a file does not convert its contents.
- The mix is too loud: reduce the levels feeding the combined output and listen again; turning down playback speakers alone does not fix a clipped export.
Common questions
Is an Audacity project the same as an MP3?
No. A project retains information for editing in Audacity; exporting creates a separate listening or delivery file.
Can Audacity separate voice and music perfectly?
Not reliably. Results depend on the source and available method. Keep the original, compare the result and see the Audacity vocal-removal guide.
Can I use a browser for a simple cut?
Yes. The audio trimmer can prepare one continuous excerpt from a supported short local MP3 or WAV within its file and duration limits. A multitrack editor offers more control for a larger project.