Audacity 4 revamps the popular audio editor

Audacity 4 is a major redesign of the free audio editing and recording app. The update moves the software to a non-destructive editing workflow, allowing users to trim a clip and later recover the removed audio by dragging the clip’s edge back out.

Clips can now overlap on the timeline. Users can paste audio even when there is not enough space, then adjust the clips afterward, or freely move audio around the timeline. Audacity also adds clip splitting for easier rearrangement. Previously, dragging a clip past another clip would stop it, requiring users to cut and paste the audio instead.

The developers refreshed clip envelopes and built-in effects, and added a home screen with redesigned project organization. The app also received a visual overhaul aligned more closely with other Muse products, including Muse Score and Audio.com. Customizable themes are included.

Audacity has been part of many users’ toolkits since it debuted in 2000. Its design and layout had remained largely consistent as new features were added over time. With Audacity 4, the project moves closer to the structure of a modern digital audio workstation, or DAW.