Toggle Linear and Decibel Scale in Audacity

This guide explains how to toggle the vertical scale of an audio track in Audacity between the Linear format and the Decibel (dB) format. Audacity allows users to switch between these display modes depending on whether they need to monitor absolute sample values or analyze dynamic range and human-perceived loudness. The following steps provide direct, easy-to-follow instructions for changing this setting instantly.

Method 1: Right-Click the Vertical Scale (Fastest)

1. Move your mouse cursor over the Vertical Scale (the numbered ruler located on the left edge of your audio track).
2. Right-click on the ruler to open the context menu. (On macOS, hold Control and click, or right-click using a mouse/trackpad).
3. Select your preferred display mode from the context menu:
   • Linear: Displays amplitude values ranging from -1.0 to +1.0.
   • dB: Displays a logarithmic scale measuring loudness in decibels, typically ranging from 0 dB down to -60 dB (or lower, depending on your preferences).

Method 2: Use the Track Control Menu

1. Click on the track name dropdown menu located in the track control panel on the far left.
2. Hover over or click on Track Type or Display Options (depending on your Audacity version).
3. Choose either Waveform for the standard linear view or Waveform (dB) for the decibel view.

Why Switch Between Linear and dB?

• Linear Scale (Default): Best for editing, cutting, and performing detailed waveform alignment. It shows the raw amplitude of the audio signal, making clipping (exceeding 1.0 or -1.0) immediately visible.
• dB Scale: Best for mastering, mixing, and noise reduction. Human hearing perceives volume logarithmically rather than linearly; the decibel scale expands lower-level sounds, making quiet background noise, room tone, and subtle audio artifacts much easier to see.