Getting Started with Audacity
Overview
In this guide, we will show you how to use different features in Audacity and also answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Follow below to get started.
- Select an audio device
- How to create and record audio tracks in Audacity
- Save and export audio in Audacity
- How to import audio into Audacity
- How to add a plug-in to Audacity
Select an audio device
IMPORTANT: Audacity does not officially support hardware that natively uses the ASIO driver protocol due to licensing issues. While it may work fine in some cases, there’s no guarantee that your device will be recognized or function properly within the software.
The first step when recording in Audacity is to set up your audio hardware. Whether you’re using the computer’s built-in sound card or an external audio interface, it needs to be selected within Audacity’s audio settings. Mac users will use the Core Audio driver. Depending on the application, PC users must use either MME, DirectSound, or WASAPI. Learn more about different Windows audio driver formats in our guide here.
- Navigate to the Device Toolbar, select the driver type from the far left drop-down box, and then use the next drop-down box to select your device.
- Select the input source, either Mono or Stereo, and select the output source.
Selecting an audio device within Audacity.
How to create and record audio tracks in Audacity
Once your audio device has been selected, you’re ready to check the levels and start recording.
- Check the level by clicking anywhere in the Recording Meter Toolbar to start monitoring. Adjust the input level on your interface as necessary.
- Press the Record button to begin recording, then press Stop (or Spacebar) once finished.
Monitor then record audio in Audacity.
Save and export audio in Audacity
Once you’re satisfied with the recording you created, you can save and export your project. Saving and exporting are different from one another. When you save in Audacity, it creates a .aup file that you can only open within Audacity. Exporting will allow you to save the project as an audio file such as a .WAV, .MP3, or .AIFF file.
How to save a project
- Click File, then select Save Project and choose one of the following:
- Save Project – Saves the project as a .aup project file and creates a data folder containing the audio.
- Save Project As – Saves a copy of the project as a .aup project file. Using this option is useful if you want to save a copy of the project to a different location or with another name.
- Save Lossless Copy of Project – Saves a copy of the project in an uncompressed, lossless format. This is particularly useful for backup purposes. Due to the lossless format, the project will have a large file size, and any envelopes applied to a track will be rendered in place.
- Save Compressed Copy of Project – Saves a copy of the project and compresses all audio files to .OGG. Saving a project this way is helpful for very large projects.
- Select the folder path you wish to save the project, and then click Save.
Export audio
- Click File, select Export, and choose one of the following:
- Export as MP3 – Exports the project as an MP3 file.
- Export as WAV – Exports the project as a WAV file. The file size cannot exceed 4GB.
- Export as OGG – Exports the project as a compressed OGG file.
- Export Audio – Allows you to select the audio file type to export the project as.
- Export Selected Audio – Exports only selected parts of your project. If nothing is selected, this option will be greyed out.
- Export Multiple – Exports the project as multiple audio files. This is useful if you have multiple tracks you need to export at the same time.
- Choose the format options, including the quality and channel mode, and then press Save.
How to import audio into Audacity
Importing audio in Audacity is simple. With the main window open, click File, select Import, and select Audio. Alternatively, you can click and drag the file into the main window. The following audio formats are compatible with Audacity:
- WAV
- WMA
- MP3
- AAC
- AIFF
- FLAC
- AC3
- AMR
How to add a plug-in to Audacity
IMPORTANT: Audacity supports 32-bit .VST2 plug-ins, and cannot load virtual instruments. 64-bit and .VST3 plug-ins are not compatible.
Audacity can load VST and AU (Mac only) plug-ins. You will first need to place it in the Audacity plug-in folder and then enable it. Follow these steps to load a plug-in within Audacity. Check out our guide about different types of plug-ins, their file locations, and their compatibility.
- Find the plug-in file you wish to load and copy it into the Audacity Plug-Ins folder:
- PC: C:/Program Files (x86)/Audacity/Plug-Ins
- Mac: /Library/Application Support/audacity/Plug-Ins
- Click Effect, and then select Add/Remove Plug-ins.
- Find the newly added plug-in, and then click Enable.
- Alternatively, you can click the New button in the top-right section of the Effect window.
- Click Effect again, and select the plug-in.
Enabling a plug-in within Audacity.
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