Using Audacity/The Interface

=The Audacity Interface =



Playback Control Toolbar


The Playback Control Toolbar functions much like the buttons on a DVD or CD player, or perhaps more accurately the buttons on tape deck. It enables you to preview parts of your project and add (record) new ones.

Tools Toolbar


These tools work directly on tracks in the Track Window.

Meter Toolbar


Shows the input and output levels. You will use the input levels to test whether you are getting enough input through your mic or recording device.

Mixer Toolbar


These sliders control the mixer settings of the soundcard in your system. The selector on the right (labeled Vol in this image) controls what audio input you wish to use.

The slider near the small speaker icon will control the output of your soundcard affecting the overall volume of your project.

The slider near the small microphone icon controls the input of your soundcard; adjust this to increase the level of input on your microphone.

Track Window


New or existing tracks (or audio clips) in your project are lined up in the sequence that they are recorded or imported in this window. This example shows a stereo audio track; you can tell it is in stereo because of the two wave forms (one for left and one for right) that a present. Along the top of the Track window is a timeline in seconds, or even fractions of a second.