Audacity 4.0, a major update to the open-source digital audio editor, has been released featuring a rebuilt interface using Qt, a new project format, and expanded clip editing capabilities. The update introduces native HiDPI scaling, light and dark mode support, and customizable workspaces, allowing users to save preferred interface layouts. A new .aup4 project format stores preview thumbnails and clip data, though conversion from older formats is one-way.
New clip editing features include easier selection, simultaneous manipulation of multiple clips, grouping for coordinated movement, and a dedicated split tool. Improvements extend to recording and playback with a draggable playhead, ASIO support for Windows users, and redesigned spectrograms. Consistent handling of presets across effects has also been implemented.
While most Audacity 3 workflows remain available, some features have been removed, including Time Tracks, Note/MIDI tracks, the Mixer, Macro Manager, scripting, VAMP and LADSPA plugin hosting, and Play-at-speed. The release also includes a new project manager, support for Nyquist and VST3/LV2/Audio Units plugins, labeling functions, and an envelope tool for reshaping gain. The AppImage bundle for Linux is now universally compatible.
Not in dispute is that Audacity 4.0 represents a significant overhaul of the software’s user interface and project management. However, the removal of certain features has prompted discussion about the direction of the software’s development, with the development team hopeful that missing features will return in future releases.
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