.aup — Audacity Project File
Audacity Development Team · 2000
It's a project file used by Audacity to save your audio editing work, not the final audio file itself.
Key Features
- Saves project state, including tracks and edits
- References separate audio data files
- Allows for continued editing and revision
- Open-source and human-readable XML structure
Best For
- Saving your progress in Audacity
- Keeping detailed audio editing projects organized
- Facilitating non-destructive workflows within Audacity
- Sharing the editable state of an audio project
Less Ideal For
- Sharing finished audio for playback (export to WAV, MP3, etc.)
- Storing large amounts of raw audio data directly
- Compatibility with other audio editing software
- Playback on standard media players
Common Use Cases
- Saving ongoing audio editing sessions in Audacity
- Archiving projects before final export
- Collaborating on audio projects where edits need to be shared
- Returning to complex audio mixes or recordings for further refinement
How to Open It
- Install and open the Audacity software.
- Go to File > Open and select your .aup file.
- Ensure the associated _data folder is in the same directory as the .aup file.
What is a .aup file?
An .aup file is a project file created by Audacity, a free and open-source digital audio editor and recording application. It doesn't contain the final audio itself, but rather stores information about the edits, tracks, effects, and settings applied to your audio project. Think of it as a recipe for your audio, allowing you to return and continue working on your recordings or mixes later without losing any of your progress. The actual audio data is stored in a separate folder alongside the .aup file.
Programs That Open .aup Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Audacity | Free | Official |
| macOS | Audacity | Free | Official |
| Linux | Audacity | Free | Official |
How to Convert .aup Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .WAV | Audacity Export |
| .MP3 | Audacity Export |
| .FLAC | Audacity Export |
Common Problems with .aup Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .aup files are project files for Audacity and cannot be played like standard audio files. You must open them within Audacity and then export to a common audio format like WAV or MP3.
Technical Details
The .aup file is a plain text XML-based file that describes the structure of the project, including track information, edits, effects, and metadata. It references associated audio data files (often in WAV format) which are stored in a separate _data folder. This structure allows for non-destructive editing to a certain extent and preserves the history of modifications within Audacity.