.aud — Audacity Project File
Audacity · 2000
An .aud file is a project file used by the Audacity audio editor to save your editing session and history, not the audio data itself.
Key Features
- Stores editing history and project settings for Audacity.
- Enables non-destructive editing and complex undo/redo chains.
- Links to separately stored audio data files.
- Facilitates collaborative work on audio projects.
Best For
- Saving complex audio editing sessions with multiple tracks and effects.
- Maintaining the ability to undo and redo extensive editing steps.
- Facilitating collaborative audio production workflows.
- Projects where non-destructive editing is a priority.
Less Ideal For
- Directly playing audio, as it's a project file, not an audio file.
- Sharing audio with users who don't have Audacity installed.
- Storing raw, unedited audio recordings.
- Web streaming or embedding directly into websites.
Common Use Cases
- Saving ongoing audio editing work in Audacity.
- Archiving multi-track audio projects for later modification.
- Sharing unfinished audio projects with collaborators using Audacity.
- Revisiting and refining audio edits made previously.
How to Open It
- Open the Audacity application on your computer.
- Go to 'File' > 'Open' and navigate to your .aud file.
- Alternatively, if Audacity is your default audio editor, you may be able to double-click the .aud file.
What is a .aud file?
The .aud file extension is primarily associated with Audacity, a free and open-source digital audio editor. These files are not raw audio recordings but rather project files that store information about the editing session. This includes details like editing history, effects applied, track arrangements, and pointers to the actual audio data stored separately. Because they are project files, they allow for non-destructive editing within Audacity, meaning you can revisit and change edits without permanently altering the original audio.
Programs That Open .aud Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Audacity | Free | Official |
| macOS | Audacity | Free | Official |
| Linux | Audacity | Free | Official |
How to Convert .aud Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .WAV | Audacity (File > Export > Export as WAV) |
| .MP3 | Audacity (File > Export > Export as MP3) |
| .OGG | Audacity (File > Export > Export as OGG) |
Common Problems with .aud Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, an .aud file is a project file that references audio data. It's not the audio itself, but instructions for how to edit and play the audio within Audacity.
No, .aud files can only be opened and processed by the Audacity software. They are not standard audio playback formats.
Historically, Audacity used .aup files to store project data. Newer versions often use .aud for project files which may contain or link to other data files. Both serve as project containers, not raw audio.
Technical Details
.aud files are proprietary project files for Audacity. They contain metadata about the audio editing session, including track information, applied effects, and editing commands. The actual audio data is typically stored in separate .aup files or in WAV files, depending on the Audacity version and project settings. This structure enables Audacity's robust undo/redo functionality and non-destructive editing capabilities.