Audio Editors

Audacity

Developer:
5  /  19063 Reviews
115,522,864 Downloads
Jun 24, 2026 Last updated

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Full Changelog Older Versions

# Change Log

Audacity 3.7.8 is a patch release with fixes for paste operations into newly created tracks.

The release fixes scripting and macro behavior around tone generation, waveform scale settings, clip names, and clip-boundary commands.

It also fixes preset loading for the Distortion effect.

Description

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder for recording, editing, processing, and exporting audio projects.

It is used for podcasts, voice recording, music edits, audio cleanup, digitizing old media, and simple multitrack work. The tool is approachable enough for basic edits but deep enough to reward learning.

Audacity can import, cut, copy, paste, mix, apply effects, and export audio in common formats depending on installed libraries and settings.

Audacity Features

Audacity's features are best understood through the work users are trying to complete. The tool is useful when those features reduce setup, switching, or manual effort.

The capabilities below are the main points to check before choosing this download.

  • Records from microphones, mixers, and other inputs.
  • Supports multitrack editing and mixing.
  • Imports and exports common audio formats.
  • Includes cut, copy, paste, undo, and redo editing.
  • Provides effects for pitch, noise reduction, EQ, and more.
  • Supports plug-ins and analysis tools.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Free and open source.

Audacity Review

Audacity is strongest when its category-specific workflow matches the user's needs. A good review should explain both what it does well and where another tool may be better.

The sections below focus on practical use, setup expectations, and limits to understand before installing.

Recording and Editing

Audacity is useful for capturing voice, instruments, or other audio sources and then editing the recording into a cleaner result. Users can remove mistakes, split tracks, adjust levels, and export the final file.

The workflow is especially practical for podcasts, interviews, voice notes, and digitizing older recordings from tapes or other media.

Effects and Cleanup

Effects make Audacity more than a recorder. Noise reduction, equalization, pitch changes, compression, and other processing tools can improve raw recordings when used carefully.

Audio cleanup takes judgment. Heavy effects can introduce artifacts, so users should work on copies and preview changes before applying them across a full project.

Learning Curve

Audacity has many tools, and new users can feel overwhelmed at first. Starting with simple recording, trimming, and export is the best way to learn.

More advanced work, such as multitrack mixing or restoration, requires understanding levels, formats, plug-ins, and effect order. The manual and tutorials are valuable for that progression.

Who Should Download Audacity?

Download Audacity if you need a free audio editor for recording, trimming, cleanup, podcasting, or basic multitrack work.

Choose a dedicated digital audio workstation if you need advanced music production, MIDI sequencing, or large studio workflows. Audacity is strongest for editing and recording tasks.

Bottom Line

Audacity remains one of the most useful free audio tools because it covers common recording and editing needs without a paid license.

Its depth can take time to learn, but the payoff is a capable editor for many everyday audio projects.

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