Audacity audio-editing app no longer looks like it's from the early 2000s
The FOSS tool for audio editing has a fresh coat of paint, and new features to boot
Audacity, the popular open-source audio editing software, has undergone a significant overhaul in its latest release. This 26-year-old tool, known for its robust capabilities and zero cost, has traditionally featured an interface that appeared outdated and stuck in the early 2000s. However, with the launch of Audacity 4.0.0 on Thursday, users can now enjoy a completely redesigned interface and numerous under-the-hood improvements.
The new user interface, built on Qt, introduces a Home screen for recent projects and configurable Workspaces. For those accustomed to the original software, the editing workflow now bears a closer resemblance to modern applications. Users can move clips over one another, with the underlying portion replaced where they overlap. Multiple clips can be selected simultaneously, and clips can be grouped for easy movement as a single object.
One of the most anticipated features is the ability to perform non-destructive trimming. Trimming portions of a clip can be easily recovered by extending the clip back into the trimmed-out section. Muse Group, the parent company of Audacity, also introduced a dedicated splitting tool in this version, fulfilling a long-standing user request. Additionally, clip envelopes have been added, providing users with the ability to adjust volume and create fades without altering the original recordings.
The entire suite of Audacity's built-in effects has also undergone an interface redesign, enhancing the overall user experience. Importantly, Muse Group has taken care not to alienate existing users, ensuring that existing keyboard shortcuts remain functional and projects created in Audacity 3 open normally. The familiar layout of tracks and timeline has been preserved, making the transition to the new version seamless for most users.
Muse Group expressed gratitude towards the open-source community for their ongoing support, praising Martin Keary, the former head of product for Muse Group, who played a crucial role in the development of Audacity 4. Keary recently departed from the company but left behind a comprehensive YouTube video defending the early alpha build of Audacity 4 against critics who perceived it as a step towards transforming Audacity into a full-fledged digital audio workstation (DAW).
However, Muse Group has clarified that this is not the case, emphasizing that Audacity 4 remains focused on efficient audio editing. Users can obtain Audacity 4 from GitHub and MuseHub, ensuring continued access to this invaluable audio editing software.
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