How to Install Audacity on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install Audacity on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS Linux releases utilizing the command-line terminal with three options: APT default, PPA, Snap, or Flatpak with Flathub.

Audacity is a powerful, free, open-source audio editing software widely recognized for its versatility and extensive feature set. It offers users a comprehensive suite of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio, making it an ideal choice for podcasters, musicians, and audio engineers alike. Key highlights include:

• Multi-Track Editing: Seamlessly edit and mix numerous tracks to create complex audio projects.
• Broad Format Support: Works with a wide array of audio formats, ensuring compatibility with most media types.
• Effects and Plugins: Offers an extensive range of built-in effects and support for third-party plugins to enhance audio production.
• Audio Analysis Tools: Features tools for analyzing frequencies, such as spectrogram views, making it easier to fine-tune your audio.
• Recording Capability: Enables high-quality recording from various sources, including microphones and mixers.
• Accessibility Features: Designed to be accessible, with options for keyboard navigation and support for visually impaired users.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, ensuring a consistent experience across different operating systems.
• Active Community and Support: Benefits from a robust community and regular updates, providing new features and improvements.

Audacity’s intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make it a go-to choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio production work. Its adaptability to various audio tasks, from simple recordings to complex editing projects, ensures it meets the needs of both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Now, let’s dive into the technical steps to get Audacity up and running on your Ubuntu system.

Install Audacity on Ubuntu via APT

Update Your Ubuntu System Before Audacity Installation

To start, it’s crucial to update your Ubuntu system. This step ensures that all existing packages are current, minimizing the risk of installation conflicts. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command combines two operations: sudo apt update refreshes your system’s package index, and sudo apt upgrade updates all your installed packages to their latest versions.

Choosing APT Installation Method for Audacity

Method 1: Install Audacity Using Ubuntu’s APT Repository

For those who prefer the simplicity and reliability of the Ubuntu APT repository, installing Audacity is straightforward. The Ubuntu repository is typically well-maintained and secure, making it a preferred choice for many. Use the command below to install Audacity:

sudo apt install audacity

This command instructs the package manager to fetch and install the Audacity package from Ubuntu’s default repository.

Method 2: Install Audacity via PandaJim PPA for the Latest Version

Alternatively, the PandaJim Personal Package Archive (PPA) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the most recent version of Audacity. PPAs are repositories hosted on Launchpad, offering newer or additional versions of packages not always available in the official Ubuntu repositories.

To add the PandaJim PPA, use the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/audacity
sudo apt update

Next, install Audacity from the newly added PPA. This command will either install the latest version of Audacity or upgrade an existing installation from this PPA.

sudo apt install audacity

By using this method, you ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of Audacity, potentially with additional features and bug fixes not available in the version from the standard Ubuntu repository.

Install Audacity on Ubuntu via Snapcraft

Install Snap Core

Before installing Audacity using Snapcraft, it’s essential to install the Snap core. This component is a set of foundational files necessary for running Snap packages. Installing the Snap core first helps in preventing potential conflicts with other Snap packages. Use the following command:

sudo snap install core

Executing this command installs the core Snap framework, a crucial step for a smooth installation of Snap packages on Ubuntu.

Install Audacity Using Snap Command

After setting up the Snap core, you can proceed to install Audacity. Snapcraft, a modern software deployment and package management system, simplifies the process of installing applications like Audacity on Ubuntu. This method is especially convenient as it often includes the latest software versions. To install Audacity via Snapcraft, use this command:

sudo snap install audacity

This command instructs your system to download and install the Audacity package from the Snapcraft store. Snap packages encapsulate all the dependencies an application needs, which means Audacity will be installed with all the necessary components to run efficiently on your Ubuntu system.

Install Audacity on Ubuntu via Flatpak with Flathub

Enable Flathub Repository for Audacity Installation

Flathub is a widely-used repository for Flatpak applications and is essential for accessing a broader range of software, including Audacity. Use this command to add the Flathub repository:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Adding this repository makes Audacity and other applications available for installation through Flatpak.

Install Audacity via Flatpak Command

Finally, install Audacity using Flatpak. The following command fetches Audacity from the Flathub repository, ensuring you receive the latest version packaged for Flatpak.

flatpak install flathub org.audacityteam.Audacity -y

With this command, Audacity is installed on your Ubuntu system via Flatpak.

Launch Audacity on Ubuntu via CLI or GUI

After successfully installing Audacity, you can launch it using various command-line methods, depending on your installation approach.

CLI Commands to Launch Audacity

If you installed Audacity through the APT package manager, enter the following command:

audacity

For installations done using Snap, use the snap run command:

snap run audacity

If Audacity was installed using Flatpak, initiate it with this command:

flatpak run org.audacityteam.Audacity

GUI Method to Launch Audacity

The most user-friendly way to open Audacity is through the application icon.

1. Access your system’s application menu.
2. Search for “Audacity” in the application list.
3. Click on the Audacity icon to start the application.

First-Time Tips with Audacity on Ubuntu

Now that you’ve successfully installed Audacity on your Ubuntu system, it’s time to explore some useful tips for first-time users.

General Tips for New Audacity Users on Ubuntu

• Explore the Interface: Familiarize yourself with Audacity’s user interface. Spend some time understanding the toolbar, menu options, and various panels. This will make your editing process smoother.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Leverage the power of keyboard shortcuts. Audacity offers a range of shortcuts that can significantly speed up your workflow. For example, using Ctrl + P opens the preferences window, and Spacebar can play or stop your track.
• Experiment with Sample Projects: Before diving into complex projects, try editing a simple audio file. This hands-on approach helps in understanding basic features like cut, copy, paste, and track layering.

Common Audacity Keyboard Shortcuts

• Space: Play/Stop playback
• J or L: Rewind or fast forward
• R: Start a new recording
• Ctrl + P: Open Preferences
• Shift + M: Mute or unmute tracks
• Ctrl + B: Add a label at the cursor position

Audacity Customization Tips for Enhanced Experience

• Adjust Preferences for Optimal Performance: Tailor Audacity’s preferences to suit your needs. Navigate to Edit > Preferences to explore settings related to audio quality, interface, and more.
• Utilize Plug-ins: Enhance your audio editing capabilities by exploring and installing plug-ins. Linux users can access a variety of open-source plug-ins that extend Audacity’s functionality.
• Select the Right Project Rate: Ensure you set an appropriate project rate (sample rate) for your audio. You can find this option at the bottom left of the Audacity window. A common setting is 44100 Hz for standard audio quality.

Additional Audacity Tips for Efficient Audio Editing

• Use Noise Reduction: If your audio has background noise, use the Noise Reduction effect (Effect > Noise Reduction) to clean it up.
• Leverage Multi-Track Editing: Audacity supports multi-track editing. Start by creating a new track (Tracks > Add New > Stereo Track) and experiment with layering different sounds.
• Regularly Save Your Work: To prevent data loss, regularly save your project. Use File > Save Project to save your work in Audacity’s project format (AUP).

Managing Audacity on Ubuntu

Update Audacity

To ensure Audacity and other software remain up-to-date, regularly check for updates. This practice is crucial for security and functionality, especially for new users. Here’s how to update Audacity based on the installation method:

APT Update Method for Audacity

Run the following command to update packages via APT, including Audacity if installed through this method:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your package list and checks for updates for all installed APT packages.

Snap Update Method for Audacity

If you’ve installed Audacity using Snap, use this command to check for and apply updates:

sudo snap refresh

The refresh command searches for and installs updates for all your Snap packages.

Flatpak Update Method for Audacity

For Audacity installations via Flatpak, execute this command to update:

flatpak update

This command updates all Flatpak packages, including Audacity, on your system.

Removing Audacity

In cases where you need to uninstall Audacity, follow these methods depending on your installation choice:

APT Remove Method for Audacity

For those who installed Audacity using APT, remove it with this command:

sudo apt remove audacity

This removes Audacity installed via APT from your system.

Snap Remove Method for Audacity

To uninstall Audacity installed through Snap, use this command:

sudo snap remove audacity

This command completely removes the Audacity Snap package.

Flatpak Remove Method for Audacity

For removing Audacity installed via Flatpak, execute the following:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.audacityteam.Audacity -y

This command not only uninstalls Audacity but also deletes its associated data.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we’ve walked you through the steps to get Audacity up and running on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS, covering installation methods like APT, PPA, Snap, and Flatpak. We dove into first-time tips to ensure you start on the right foot, emphasizing customization, efficient workflows, and keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity. As you embark on your audio editing journey with Audacity, remember that the key to mastery is practice and exploration. Don’t hesitate to tweak settings to fit your workflow better and dive into the vast array of features Audacity offers. Happy editing, and here’s to creating something amazing with your newfound skills!