How to Edit Audio in Audacity: Step-by-Step Guide

Audio editing is an essential process for audio production, from music to podcasts and voice over for training/educational videos. Audacity, the open-source audio recorder and editor, is recognized as one of the best tools to refine audio files. It has the ability to improve clarify and impact of your audio recordings. So, how to edit audio with Audacity? In this article, we will show the ultimate guide of how to use Audacity to cut, trim audio tracks and make other edits.

What is Audacity?

Audacity is a free yet powerful audio processing program available for many years. It includes a lot of editing options and effects to elevate almost all types of audio. With the support of third-party plugins (like VST3, Nyquist) and deep audio analysis, it enables you to create professional audio tracks.

Key editing features of Audacity:

• Split, trim, and silence audio tracks.
• Apply filters and effects to improve audio quality.
• Record, mix, and layer multiple audio tracks.
• Remove background noise and adjust volume levels.
• Convert audio files between various formats, such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, and OGG.

Besides, Audacity is a good voice recorder for Windows, Mac and Linux, helping you record podcasts, voice-over work and voice memos through microphone while keeping high quality.

How to Edit Audio on Audacity?

Audacity is available to free download from the official site or reliable download sites, like CNET, Softonic and more. Please download and install the right version compatible with your operating system. Then, follow the steps to edit audio on Audacity.

Step 1. Launch Audacity and click on the File menu, then select Open to import the audio you want to edit.

Step 2. If you haven't prepared a recording, you can also record one using Audacity. To do this, you just click the red dot in the upper left corner of the Audacity and click it again to pause the recording. Then, you can import your recordings by following Step 1.

Step 3. Click the Edit tab and start editing your audio depending on your needs. You can perform tasks such as trimming, cutting, copying, pasting, and applying various effects and filters to your audio.

Step 4. If you want to delete audio, you can click on the Edit tab and then delete. Or you can directly press Ctrl+K to do the same thing.

Step 5. If you want to split audio tracks, you can also click on Edit > Audio Clips > Split. 

Step 5. Once you make the audio track you want, click File > Export Audio. Select Export to Computer. Then, customize the file format and destination folder and other options. Next, click Export to save your audio file.

What is an Easier Way to Edit Audio for Beginners?

While Audacity is a powerful and feature-rich audio editing software, it does have a few drawbacks, such as complex editing procedures, limited multi-track capabilities, steep learning curve, potential stability issues, and more.

If you want a simpler but more powerful audio recorder and editor, iTop Screen Recorder is a nice option. It a versatile screen recording and audio editing tool that provides tools for trimming, splitting, and adjusting audio files. This can be advantageous for users who prioritize a streamlined editing workflow.

iTop Screen Recorder - Record Audio Without Background Noise

• Record system audio or external microphone flawlessly
• Record streaming audio without quality loss
• Remove background noise of audio recording
• Save audio recordings as MP3, AAC, FLAC and WMA

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Record and edit audio at one-stop

iTop Screen Recorder offers you a convenient way to record and edit audio recordings. You can directly activate the editor after the audio recording is generated through clicking the Edit button, no complex or extra operation.

Trim, split and combine audio tracks with ease

iTop Screen Recorder enables you to cut unwanted parts, split an audio tracks into several segments, merge two audio files into one and so on. Also, you can add audio to video and extract audio from video at will.

Enhance audio quality

iTop Screen Recorder builds in a denoiser to remove background noise from audio recording, such as wind sound, others’ talking, traffic noise etc., to make your voice clearer

In addition, the screen recorder has the power to record screen, audio and webcam respectively and simultaneously. You can use it to create training, education, tutorial videos easily and quickly.

Well, how to edit audio with iTop Screen Recorder? Follow the guide.

Step 1. Download and install iTop Screen Recorder on your PC. It is fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.

Step 2. Go to Record > Only Audio.

• Turn on Speaker to record system or headphone audio.
• Turn on Mic to record your voice from microphone.
• Turn on voice changer is you want to disguise your voice (optional)
• Next, click REC to start recording.

Step 3. Click Done button on the mini control bar to stop recording.

Step 4. The recorded audio is saved to Files > Audio. Click Edit icon to access Quick Editor or Advanced Editor.

With Quick Editor, you can trim audio quickly.

With Advanced Editor, you can make more edits, like split, merge and more.

Next, export the edited audio to your device.

What's more, you can edit existing audio files with iTop Screen Recorder as well. 

Go to Tools > Quick Editor/Advanced Editor. Then, import the audio track and make edits you need. Next, import the audio track to your device.

FAQ About Editing Audio on Audacity

Can I edit audio with Audacity for free?

Absolutely yes. Audacity is a totally free program to download and use. And it has announced always free for everyone.

Is it safe to edit audio in Audacity?

Audacity is a reliable audio recorder and editor with no virus or malware. It is entirely safe to download, install and use on your desktop.

What is the best audio format for editing in Audacity?

The best audio format for editing in Audacity is generally considered to be WAV (Waveform Audio File Format). WAV files are uncompressed, which means they retain all the original audio data without any loss in quality. This makes WAV ideal for audio editing without compromising the audio quality. 

What audio quality does Audacity deliver?

Audacity supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit audio. Sample rates and formats are converted using high-quality resampling and dithering.

Final Words 

Audacity shows powerful abilities to process audios. But for beginners, it is not so easy to edit audio with Audacity because of relatively complex procedures and steeper learning curve needed. If you want an easier way on how to edit sounds, it’s better to use iTop Screen Recorder. The best Audacity alternative is more user-friendly for users who require a tighter integration between audio recording and editing tasks. You can also use it capture any screen activity and streaming videos with original quality as you can.

iTop Screen Recorder - Record Audio Without Background Noise

• Record system audio or external microphone flawlessly
• Record streaming audio without quality loss
• Remove background noise of audio recording
• Save audio recordings as MP3, AAC, FLAC and WMA

Free Download Buy Now