Since the update, I’ve not been able to figure out how to save my recording. I used to save it in a folder and it automatically selected MP3. Now the only option is .aup3.
I noticed if I save it like that, close the app and then reopen it, I can open the file and MP3 is then an option. However, if I try to save it at that point, I get a message that says “Could not open file” (and then the folder name).
I’d really appreciate it if anyone could assist, but pretend you’re talking to a 3-year-old because I need step by step instructions!
Use File → Export Audio to make a regular audio file.
File → Save only saves AUP3 projects.
As stated above, EXPORT.
Thanks; however, here is what I’m doing:
I record…
File
Export audio.
Change file name to what I want. It automatically adds the .mp3 on there. And it does say MP3 files for the format.
I have to choose export or cancel-naturally, I choose export.
Then, file…save project, save as- and again, I have only the choice of .aup3.
You can imagine how frustrating this is.
Thank you. I am doing something wrong, I just know it. I am exporting audio, but initially it gives me the mp3 option, but at some point after that, I have to save it. And I have no choice but the aup3.
Why? What does that mean? You can’t export more than once?
Here is the process:
File: Export Audio
Export to Computer
Result:
Export Audio Dialog—
Filename:
Folder:
Format: Choose MP3 Files
Range: Project or Selection (if whole sound range is selected)
Edit Metadata Cancel Export
Choose Export.
Unless there is an error your selection is now saved to MP3 at the location specified in Filename and Folder.
When you try to exit or close the project you will get a prompt again if you want to save. If you have already saved to Audacity format this is not necessary. Using your File system look in the path for the filename.mp3 file and it will be there.
You are NOW looking at the MP3 version of the project although the title bar does not indicate that and again you will get the prompt to save as Audacity file. Again not necessary.
I agree the user re-enforcement display of what actually happened is weak but it works.
-Pv-
This didn’t work. 
Everything was going perfectly, until “edit metadata cancel export”. I have edit metadata, which I did and there’s nothing that shows up to edit, so I canceled that. I can definitely choose export and MP3 is already there. I exit and it asks if I want to save, which I do. But it doesn’t give me the option to save as MP3 at that point! I DO see the MP3 option at the beginning (where you said under ‘folder’)
I realize this is something on my side, but I don’t have any idea what to do. The problem arises at the moment when I try to save, after I export. Ideas?
I meant to add that instead of saving it to a folder, I also tried saving it to my desktop. Saving it is the problem. I get no option to select MP3 at this point.
Is this about metadata (which you can add) or about saving/exporting the MP3 (with or without metadata)?
As far as “saving” an MP3, that’s just a matter of terminology… With some programs you “save” the audio (or video) file, some you “render” the audio file, and with Audacity you “export” the audio file.
I understood what you meant. When I export it, it’s going automatically to MP3. Yay. But then I must put it in a folder, right? When I do that, the only option available is the AUP3 one, and I can’t do anything else. This was not a problem before the blasted update. Please help. I am at my wits’ end.
The Export Audio Dialog Box allows you to choose/enter a file name, folder, and file type (MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.).
In your Audacity EDIT ->Preferences → Directory are the default libraries the program will use when you do not change the location.
No matter that location you choose previously in any save or load, the program will always default to that location. I suggest you use your computer’s File system and inspect that location.
-Pv-
I don’t understand. I was able to pull up the directory, but where would I go to change the location?
This dialog box allows me to choose MP3, but it’s after that that I have the problem. I must save it…and I can save to computer, but it will not allow me to save to anything other than AUP3.
One last time…
You can’t “save” an MP3. NOBODY can “save” as MP3. You can only “save” AUP3 projects.
If you want MP3, WAV, FLAC, or any regular audio file, you have to “export”.
…And, you can’t “export” an AUP3 file.
…Or, try GoldWave ($59 USD with lifetime upgrades, $19 one year, after free trial). It can save as MP3 and it doesn’t have project files.
DVD doug: I understand I can’t “save” an MP3. Please understand the steps I’m taking and please let me know what to do.
First, I record my content.
FILE - EXPORT AUDIO- EXPORT TO COMPUTER.
At this point, I change the file name.
Folder is already in there by default and it’s the one I want.
Format says MP3 files and I think we’re all happy about that.
There is an option called edit metadata, but it seems I don’t need to do that, since the format is happily, MP3.
My choices are cancel and export.
I choose export.
Here is where I think I’m going wrong, but I don’t know what to do.
I need to do something with this so I can send it out later.
I choose FILE.
My choices are: (eliminating the ones I know are wrong)
Save project (then I have a choice to save project or save project as)
Export audio - which takes me right back to what I did before, save to computer.
Export other - which has 2 options that are grayed out. (labels & MIDI)
If I choose save project as, I have the only option of AUP3.
I feel your frustration, but I don’t know what else to do. I appreciate the suggestion of GoldWave, but really I feel this with Audacity can be worked out, if I could get past the AUP3 situation.
Change AUP3 Save Location while saving:
FILE: Save Project → Save Project as
Change Location while exporting to MP3:
FILE: Export Audio → To Computer → Folder → Browse
FORMAT: MP3 Files
OK
NOTE: Once you have clicked OK at the bottom the MP3 file is saved. Go to the location where you browsed and the mp3 file will be there. If you try to save again after Audacity has loaded the saved MP3 file, trying to save again will result in saving that MP3 to the default AUP3 file which is what is confusing you.
At this point you can close the loaded project Window or reload your AUP3 project for further work.
To change the default Save Location:
EDIT: → Preferences → Directories → Browse
I officially give up. You guys have been most helpful, but the steps you are giving me aren’t even an option. Let’s let this go and I’ll see if I can find someone local to come in the house and fix this crap for me.
OK, at this point you already have an MP3 file where you exported it, right? Then what else do you need Audacity to do with it? It seems like Audacity did everything it needed to do, and now you want to do something with the MP3 file that was just created. Am I on the right track here?
If you want to send the MP3 file somewhere or do anything else with it, you’ll need to find it (e.g., in your system’s file browser) where you exported it and do whatever you want to do with it outside of Audacity.