Step 2: Edit

Adjusting Audio Levels

• Move slider bars to adjust how loud the playback is, or how much audio is picked up from the microphone.

Selecting and Editing

• Click and drag the mouse over the audio you want to select-- this will highlight that audio or use the "I" Selection tool on the upper left hand corner.

Cutting

• After selecting, chose “Cut” from the Edit menu. This will delete the selected audio but save it to be pasted later.

Pasting

• Click the area of the track you wish to have the added audio and go to Edit > Paste.

Trimming the Beginning

• Click the track just before where you want the audio to start. Go to Edit > Select > Track Start to Cursor. This will highlight the beginning of the track. Press Delete on the keyboard.

Trimming the End

• With the Selection Tool, click just after where you want the track to end. Go to Edit > Select > Cursor to Track End. This will highlight from the cursor to the end of the track. Press Delete.

Mixing and Adding Extras

• Applying Effects
• Mixing Tracks
• Mixing Narration and Background Music
• Adding Music

Tips

• To edit more efficiently, spread out the waves. To do this, look for the magnifying glass with a +sign (this is the zoom in icon; to zoom out use the - sign). Click it a few times so that the waves are spread out.
• Click "play" and start listening to the audio.Note: it is a good idea to to confirm that you want this audio deleted, so always listen first!
• When using the audio control buttons (play, stop, pause), make sure to push the stop button or you won't be able to highlight or delete selections.
• Make sure to SAVE often. To save the audacity project, go to "File" tag --> "save project as" --> save as .aup
• More Tips ("Master your MP3s with Audacity," CNET.com)