Batch Process Multiple Files with Audacity Macros

Audacity includes a powerful batch processing feature called Macros that allows you to apply a defined sequence of effects, edits, and export commands across hundreds of audio files automatically. Instead of opening and editing each recording individually, you can configure your processing chain once and run it across an entire folder of audio files, dramatically reducing editing time while ensuring uniform audio quality throughout your project.

Step 1: Create or Configure Your Macro

Before processing a batch of files, you need a defined Macro:

  1. Open Audacity.
  2. Navigate to Tools > Macros (or Tools > Manage Macros depending on your version).
  3. Click New in the left panel to create a new macro, and name it (e.g., "Podcast Batch").
  4. Use the Insert button on the right to add the commands and effects you want to apply in sequential order. Common additions include:
    • Noise Reduction or High-Pass Filter
    • Compressor
    • Loudness Normalization or Normalize
    • An export command, such as ExportWAV or ExportMp3
  5. Adjust the parameters of each effect by selecting the command and clicking Edit Parameters.
  6. Click Save to store the macro sequence.

Step 2: Run the Macro on Multiple Files

Once your Macro is configured, you can apply it directly to your audio files without opening them in the workspace:

  1. Go to Tools > Apply Macro > Palette... (or simply stay in the Tools > Macros dialog).
  2. Select your desired macro from the list on the left.
  3. Click the Files... button on the right.
  4. In the file browser window, navigate to the folder containing your audio files.
  5. Select all the files you wish to process. You can select hundreds of files at once by using Ctrl + A (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + A (macOS).
  6. Click Open.

Audacity will immediately begin opening each file sequentially, running through the list of commands, and exporting the processed version. A progress indicator will display the current status of the batch.

Where Output Files Are Saved

By default, Audacity exports the processed files into a newly created subfolder named macro-output located within the source folder of the original files. This prevents your original recordings from being accidentally overwritten.

Best Practices for Batch Processing