Beginner Short on Time

[jonese]

I am a beginner to Audacity. I am short on time and I am trying to put together multiple/audio files in mp3 format I have stored in ITunes into 1 long audio file. The intent is to export this music into a DVD slideshow for a class reunion.

I have my music downloaded in ITunes and have figured out how to import the songs into Audacity and I think I have figured out how to use the time-shift tool to move one song so that it attaches onto the end of another.

Because I am very short on time, I am looking for somebody who can tell me how to start a song about 4 seconds into it because of the long intro, how to end it early because it is such a LONG song and how to blend 2 songs together so there isn't dead time in between the songs. I would GREATLY appreciate help. I have already spent hours reading and trying to figure this out on my own but I am going in circles.

Thanks in advance.

[kozikowski]

The short answer is to put each song on its own timeline one above the other (File > Import), and use a combination of Time Shift Tool (two sideways arrows) and Envelope Tool (two white arrows and bent blue line) to position each song in time and fade it in and out.

After getting everything right, Save the Project. Then select all the tracks and Tracks > Mix and Render. Export as the final audio file -- assuming nothing else went wrong.

Almost all these tricks are best in Audacity 1.3.12.

Koz

[jonese]

Thanks VERY much for the help. What is the purpose of the envelope tool? I know you said it was to place each song in position in time but I don't understand what that means. Assume I am an idiot! Thanks.

[steve]

The Envelope tool allows you to adjust the volume of the track up and down following an "envelope" shape that you create by dragging the waveform bigger/smaller vertically. You can switch from the normal "Selection" tool to the "Envelope" tool by pressing the F2 key.
Audio may be shifted left/right along the track using the "Time shift" tool (F5 key).
To go back to the normal selection tool press the F1 key.

There are also buttons on the main Audacity window for changing which tool is being used, but using the "F" keys (F1 to F6) is much quicker and easier once you get used to it).