how to merge audio regions

thank you in advance for the help.

how do i merge audio regions in the same track?
specifically, i’ve placed several 7 short .wav files back-to-back on one track, but i want to edit them from this point forward as one unit, not at seven different units.

more specifically still, i want to use the envelope tool to make multiple volume changes across the track as a whole, not to each individual section/region.

thank you.

“Tracks menu > Mix and Render” will mix down all selected tracks into one continuous track.

thank you!