
Audacity is an easy-to-use, open source audio editing software program that is available as a free download. It is available for Macs, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Audacity has a variety of features that can meet the needs of a range of audio recording projects, from very basic short live recording to more elaborate, multi-track projects that combine audio from a various sources.
What can it do?
- Live recording audio from a microphone or computer
- Editing of audio recorded within Audacity or created by other programs
- Multi-track capability for mixing different audio sources
- Multiple filters and tools to improve sound quality and create special effects
- Ability to export to WAV and MP3 files
- Option to change the user interface to display in 35 different languages

Uses in a Course
- Record live responses to prompts during a class session on a computer
- Record narration or introductions to place onto a course web page
- Create audio review materials for student use
- Edit raw interview recordings to create a more polished final product
- Digitized cassette or CD audio course materials for sharing (additional post-production steps may be necessary)
- Combine recordings made by individual students for a group project
Things to consider before using Audacity
- Audacity project files can’t be uploaded to YouTube, websites etc. They have to be exported into an audio file like WAV or MP3.
- iTunes and QuickTime Pro or other editing software may be necessary to complete the final steps of your project depending on the desired final product.
- When digitizing other’s work, interviews, or lectures, you have to consider copyright and Institutional Review Board issues, including permission from people who are getting recorded.
Access
- Audacity is available on computers in Taylor 205 and in the Sound Studio.
- Audacity can be downloaded for Mac, Windows, and Linux from their website.
Additional Help
- Student Technology Assistants are available to help at the Digital Media Bar in Andrews Library in the CoRE
- CoRE Consultants can help at the Digital Studio in Andrews Library
- Educational Technology can provide instruction and support in Audacity
- Hoonuit has online training for Audacity
- Documentation on Audacity can be found on Wooster’s wiki
- Audacity Editing 101 (YouTube)
- Audacity Basics: Recording, Editing, Mixing (YouTube)