Audacity
| Version | 4(as of 9/17/2026) |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| License | Open Source |
| Category | Audio |
Main Features
- Supports common audio formats, including MP3, WAVE, AIFF, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis.
- Records audio from multiple sources, such as microphones, line inputs, mixers, and USB audio devices.
- Cuts, copies, pastes, trims, and rearranges audio clips.
- Provides unlimited sequential Undo and Redo for reversing editing actions.
- Applies audio effects such as noise reduction, equalization, compression, reverb, and distortion.
- Exports edited audio for use in other applications or sharing through supported online services.
Software Overview
Audacity is a free, open-source program for recording and editing audio on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to record audio, import existing recordings, edit multiple tracks, apply effects, and export finished projects in a variety of audio formats.
Audacity can record audio from microphones, mixers, and other input devices, including USB-connected equipment. It supports importing and exporting many common audio formats, including .MP3, .M4A, .AIFF, .FLAC, and .WAV. Users can also extend Audacity's capabilities with third-party effects plugins and other supported plugins.
The application includes standard editing tools for cutting, copying, pasting, trimming, and splitting audio, as well as features for adjusting volume, speed, and pitch. Users can apply effects such as noise reduction, equalization, compression, reverb, and distortion. Audacity maintains an Undo and Redo history while a project is open, allowing users to reverse multiple editing steps. Version 4 also supports cloud project storage and direct publishing through Audio.com.
Summary
Audacity provides tools for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio for a variety of uses, including music production, podcasting, and audio restoration. Users can save projects for continued editing, export finished audio files for use in other applications, or share and publish audio through supported online services. Audacity is a capable free option for users who need a versatile program for recording and editing audio.
Primary File Type
Supported File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .AUP4 | Audacity 4 Project |
| .AIF | Audio Interchange File Format |
| .AU | Audacity Audio File |
| .AUP | Audacity Project File |
| .AUP3 | Audacity 3 Project |
| .CAF | Core Audio File |
| .FLAC | Free Lossless Audio Codec File |
| .LOF | Audacity File List |
| .M4A | MPEG-4 Audio |
| .MP3 | MP3 Audio |
| .MP4 | MPEG-4 Video |
| .OGG | Ogg Vorbis Audio |
| .PCM | Pulse Code Modulation File |
| .RAW | Raw Audio Data |
| .WAV | WAVE Audio |
Additional Related File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .AIFF | Audio Interchange File Format |
| .CAFF | Core Audio File |
| .GRO | Allegro MIDI File |
| .MP2 | MPEG Layer II Compressed Audio File |
| .MUZ | MUZ Audio File |
| .NY | Audacity Nyquist Plug-in |
| .VST | VST Audio Plug-in |
