timeline

[the3D_guy]

I use Audacity to review audio files recorded during paranormal investigations. Is they a way to use label track to make a timeline? Basically want to input the time the original recording started and have it tick up from there like a clock. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[PGA]

The cursor tracks along the timeline at the top of the display. By zooming in on that until you can see tick marks on the timeline at the interval you desire (every minute, every second, every thousandth of a second, whatever), does that not give you the timiepoint information you require?

[the3D_guy]

I understand how use that to figure it out. But am looking for actual time (hh/mm/ss) based on the actual start time of the recording.

[steve]

Audacity does not use "standard time" (such as UTC). The track always starts at time=0.0 .
However, what you could do:
1) Start the recording
2) Look at your watch, make a mental note of the time and press Ctrl+M.
This will place a "marker" label when you press the key.
3) Type in the time that you pressed the keys.
4) Press the Enter key to close the label.

You now have a reference point from which to work out the actual time for any events that are recorded.

Note: if you want to use the label text for file names, avoid using the "reserved characters" / ? . < > * :
It's safest to write the time as "16-26" or "4-26pm". If you want to include the date as well, something like "2012-02-09-16-26".