How do I add tracks to a recording of a show? Importing and dragging always send it into a new window. I want it added to what I have already recorded. The intro, first track and next link are fine. After that, they always take a new window, instead of tacking on to the file I’m using.
I think this depends on the type of file you are “importing”. So if you import a .wav file or a .mp3 file, or an older .aup file, Audacity will create new tracks in the existing project. New .aup3 files cannot be be “imported” and must be opened in a new window.
If Windows is hiding your .aup or .aup3 file extension, see: Common file name extensions in Windows - Microsoft Support
Try File → Import Audio.
No, it always goes into a new window underneath. All tracks are .mp3. Is there any way of changing settings within Audacity?
Try File → Import Audio.
Always goes into a new window underneath. However, found a way to cut and paste, although it is a slow way. Select with cursor, imprecise, cut, select spot in show with cursor, paste. Delete the track from window below. Repeat. When I go to save, it says that is only for a Project not an Audio file. Don’t know what the difference is or, how to start it as a Project or, what any advantage of that might be. I then have to export it rather than saving it. Works but again, very slow and cumbersome. It is all counter-intuitive.
if adding it to the end of already recorded track, import the new bit you want to add first…it will go to new track, then select the bit of it that you want added, click copy. Then click the track you want it added to, then click the black arrow to skip curser to end of that track, then click Paste then click menu, Edit, Audio Clips, Join…and all will be joined as one piece of sound on that track. You can then delete the track you imported to do it.
Yes - Unlike some other DAWs, Audacity will always import external audio into a new track.
If this new track “window” is causing you to lose your edit point, you can always right-click on the external file and Open with Audacity. The track will appear in a new Audacity Project Window. Then Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C to copy, Alt-Tab back and Ctrl-V to paste, then Alt-Tab back and exit, and your original project will reappear. This also reduces Undo/Redo overhead.
When you have Audacity open, the entire visible screen is the project. Each “sub-window” within that project is a track. You can only “save” Audacity projects. If you want to convert the audio from it’s internal Audacity format to something playable by other programs, you must convert or “Export” that audio into say, a .WAV file or a .MP3 file.