How to Use Audacity – A Visual Guide

How to Use Audacity – A Visual Guide

Download and open Audacity.
Double click on the shortcut to open the application.

A application will open up with no timeline displayed.  You can either record directly into Audacity or import audio file(s).

Tracks:  Record Live Audio

To RECORD a track, click the large, red circular button and a track will appear.  Each new recording will be created on its own timeline. If you wish to record on a previous track, select it, hold shift, and press the RECORD button.  The play head will move from left to right on the timeline. Click on the STOP button to stop recording.

Tracks:  Import Audio File

To RECORD a track, click the large, red circular button and a track will appear. Each new recording will be created on its own timeline. If you wish to record on a previous track, select it, hold shift, and press the RECORD button. The play head will move from left to right on the timeline. Click on the STOP button to stop recording.To Import an audio file, go to File >>  Import >>  Audio and select the audio file.

Editing the track

Editing Tools(from top-left corner to bottom-right corner)  Selection tool, envelope tool (adjust volume), draw tool, magnifying tool, time shift tool, and multi-tool mode.

Select Tool

Click and drag to make a selection, then perform an operation on the selected portion of the track.  

Time Shift Tool

Move track or clip on timeline horizontally.  

Envelope Tool

Adjust the gain (volume) of the track or clip by placing anchor points on the ceiling and floor of the track.  

Export Project to Audio File

Export project:  

1. Click File
2. Click Export Audio
3. A Save As pop-up window will appear
4. Create file name and select .WAV
5. Click Save
6. An Edit Meta-Data window will appear in which you can enter data about the audio file.  You aren’t required to enter any data.