Audacity

Software Overview

Main Features

• Support for audio formats such as MP3 and WAVE
• Record from multiple sources, such as a microphone or line input
• Cut, copy, and paste audio clips
• Unlimited sequential Undo and Redo

Audacity is an open-source program that allows you to record and edit audio on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is one of the most popular open-source audio editors available.

Audacity users can record, import, and mix audio from multiple sources, such as a microphone, line input, audio files, and USB devices. The program natively supports many common audio formats, including MP3, WAVE, AIFF, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis. Advanced users can extend Audacity's capabilities and import files saved in other audio formats.

The application includes many standard and advanced editing features, such as the ability to fade audio in and out, trim clips, apply normalization, and adjust speed or pitch. You can also customize your audio clips with cut, copy, and paste capabilities. If you make a mistake, Audacity provides unlimited sequential Undo and Redo, allowing you to go back any number of steps.

Summary

Audacity is a great option for recording and editing audio. Unfortunately, it lacks any useful publishing options. For example, to publish a podcast, you must export your recording and then manually upload it to your hosting or publishing service. Besides that shortcoming, Audacity offers a robust set of features for free, making it a cost-effective alternative to expensive audio-editing applications.

Supported File Types

Primary file extension

Other file extensions used by Audacity 3

Updated: March 23, 2021