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  • To export Audacity files as MP3s, you just need to use the "Export" option in the program's "File" menu.
  • Older versions of Audacity can't export MP3s natively, and you'll need to install an add-on called the "LAME MP3 encoder" to do so.
  • When you export an Audacity file as an MP3 track, you can specify its name, artist, genre, and more.
  • Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

Audacity is a popular audio-editing program that's free, powerful, and easy to use. 

Using Audacity, you can produce music, podcasts, and other audio projects without needing to buy an expensive commercial audio program. 

When your audio project is completed, though, you typically need to save it as an MP3 so it can be published and shared.

Luckily, exporting Audacity files as MP3s only takes a moment. Here's how to do it using Audacity on your Mac or PC.

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How to export Audacity files as MP3s

1. In Audacity, click "File" at the top of the screen.

2. In the drop-down menu, click "Export" and then choose "Export as MP3."

Save your audio as an MP3 via the Export menu. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

3. At the bottom of the dialog box in the Format Options section, choose your MP3 settings. As a general rule, you'll get the best results by choosing "Constant" for the "Bit Rate Mode" rather than one of the variable bitrate options. Choose the bitrate from the "Quality" drop-down menu (if in doubt, choose 192 kbps or higher) and then save your file. 

For best results, save your file as a constant bitrate MP3 at 192 kbps or higher. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. In the "Edit Metadata Tags" window, fill in as much information as you desire about your MP3 file. This data is entirely optional, but will be visible if you import your file into programs like iTunes. Click "OK" when you're done.

This metadata may be visible in certain audio apps. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to export Audacity files as MP3s using older versions of Audacity

In older versions of Audacity, you couldn't convert audio to MP3 without first installing an MP3 encoder add-on to your Mac or PC. This is because the encoding library was protected by a patent, and couldn't legally be included with Audacity. 

The patent has expired, though, and the most current version of Audacity includes the MP3 encoder. If you have an older version of Audacity, you can install the LAME MP3 encoder, and then restart Audacity.

However, it's easier to just install the latest version of Audacity. If you do, not only will you get built-in MP3 exports, but you'll receive an improved version of Audacity as well.

Apple Macbook Pro 13-Inch Display with Touch Bar Shop at Best Buy External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Apple External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Acer Chromebook 15 Shop at Walmart External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less

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