Audacity

2 min read

Tool Summary #

Audacity is an audio recording and editing tool, which allows you to import and edit external audio files as well as record your own. Audacity has several tools that let users create, mix, analyze, clean up, and export audio.

Quick Facts #

  • Price: Free
  • Platforms: Mac, Windows, and Linux
  • Open Source: Yes
  • Recommended For: Nearly everyone
  • Where to Access: Download Page

Things to Know #

Audacity is a DAW or digital audio workstation that allows users to create and interact with audio files. Like most DAWs, Audacity has the ability to create and play several audio tracks at one time. Audio within these tracks can be trimmed, sped up or slowed down, edited volume levels, and have a variety of effects and filters applied to them (in addition to much more). The range of editing that Audacity allows for is highly flexible; it features an array of tools that are useful in many contexts. For example, one can use Audacity to create a song from recordings of instruments, clean up background noise in a voice recording, or simply trim audio to a desired length. There are also several plugins available that allow for even greater editing and recording capabilities.

Getting Started Guides #

Audacity Basics – An Audacity Basics Tutorial PDF.

Audacity Getting Started Guide – A quick getting started guide with helpful links on the program.

Audacity Online Manual – A digital Audacity reference manual.

Additional Resources #

How to Make a Podcast – A tutorial for students on how to make a podcast.

Audio Accessibility Guide – Check out our tips and resources on how to make your audio projects more accessible.

Free Audio Resources – A list of websites where you can find free audio, video, and graphics to use for your project.

Want More Help? #

Updated by Haley Gosman 04/08/24