How to Split Audio into Multiple Clips in Audacity

Splitting an audio track into distinct, independent clips in Audacity allows you to rearrange segments, delete unwanted sections, and process individual parts of a recording without affecting the rest of the file. This guide covers the quickest and most effective methods to divide a single track into multiple clips using Audacity's built-in editing tools and keyboard shortcuts.

Method 1: Split at the Cursor Position

The most common way to split a track is by placing a cut point at a specific timestamp.

  1. Select the Selection Tool from the toolbar or press F1.
  2. Click on the audio track at the exact point where you want to create the split.
  3. Open the top menu and navigate to Edit > Clip Boundaries > Split, or press Ctrl + I on Windows/Linux (Cmd + I on macOS).
  4. A thin line will appear across the waveform, dividing the audio into two separate clips.

Method 2: Split a Selected Section

If you want to isolate a specific segment of audio into its own independent clip:

  1. Click and drag your cursor over the audio section you want to isolate to highlight it.
  2. Go to Edit > Clip Boundaries > Split (or press Ctrl + I / Cmd + I).
  3. Audacity will place split lines at both the start and end of your selection, isolating the highlighted section as an independent clip between the surrounding audio.

Method 3: Split to a New Track

To split a section and immediately place it onto a separate track:

  1. Highlight the section of audio you want to move.
  2. Go to Edit > Clip Boundaries > Split New, or press Ctrl + Alt + I on Windows/Linux (Cmd + Option + I on macOS).
  3. The selected section will be removed from the original track and placed in the identical time position on a newly created track below it.

Moving and Managing Your Independent Clips

Once audio is divided into clips, you can adjust and organize them freely: