Libraries Preferences

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Both the optional MP3 Export Library and the optional FFmpeg Import/Export Library allow Audacity to import and/or export many additional audio formats such as AC3, AMR(NB), M4A and WMA, and to import audio from video files.
Accessed by: Edit > Preferences > Libraries    (on a Mac Audacity > Preferences > Libraries )
Devices PreferencesPlayback PreferencesRecording PreferencesMIDI Devices PreferencesQuality PreferencesInterface PreferencesTracks PreferencesTracks Behaviors PreferencesSpectrograms PreferencesImport/Export PreferencesExtended Import PreferencesLibraries PreferencesDirectories PreferencesWarnings PreferencesEffects PreferencesKeyboard PreferencesMouse PreferencesModules PreferencesClick on this in Audacity to get helpPreferences Libraries.png
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Libraries Preferences.


MP3 Export Library

  • MP3 Export Library Version: This shows the current version of the LAME MP3 encoding library being used by Audacity for MP3 export. On Windows and Mac the LAME library is now built-in on Audacity.

LAME on Linux

On Linux the message will instead state that the library is "not found". Use the provided buttons to either locate LAME on your computer or download a free copy of it, following the instructions on the FAQ:Installation, Startup and Plugins page.

  • Locate If you already have the LAME library on disk and Audacity cannot find it, use this button to tell Audacity where it is.
  • Download Use this to fetch a copy of the LAME library.


FFmpeg Import/Export Library

  • FFmpeg Library Version: This shows the current version of the FFmpeg library being used by Audacity for custom export. If a suitable version of FFmpeg is not accessible to Audacity, the message will instead state that the library is "not found". In that case, use the provided buttons to either locate the FFmpeg library on your computer or download a free copy of it, following the instructions on this page.
  • Locate If you already have the FFmpeg library on disk and Audacity cannot find it, use this button to tell Audacity where it is.
  • Download Use this to fetch a copy of the FFmpeg library.