Audacity
The Audacity repository contains source code for its cross-platform audio editing and recording application.
About Audacity
This GitHub repository holds the source code for Audacity, a multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. The README states that the project is open source software licensed under GPLv3, with most code files under GPLv2-or-later. Third-party libraries in /au3/lib-src and VST3-related code are noted as exceptions. Documentation is licensed under CC-BY 3.0 unless otherwise noted.
The repository is undergoing major structural change while the team works on Audacity 4, which has an entirely new user interface. The README says the master branch is currently not particularly friendly to new contributors. Patches can still be submitted to Audacity 3.x by branching off the audacity3 branch. Project updates are posted on YouTube, Discord and the project blog.
Key features
- Multi-track audio editor and recorder application
- Runs on Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems
- Build instructions for the Audacity 3.x codebase
- Ongoing development of Audacity 4 with a new user interface
- GPLv3 license, with most code files under GPLv2-or-later
- Documentation licensed under CC-BY 3.0 unless otherwise noted
Best for: Developers and contributors who want to read, build or submit patches to Audacity's source code, particularly for the 3.x line.
Good for
- License terms are stated in the README and in the repository license file
- Patches to the 3.x line can still be submitted through the audacity3 branch
- Project updates are published on YouTube, Discord and the project blog
Watch out for
- The master branch is not particularly friendly to new contributors, according to the README
- The repository is undergoing major structural change for Audacity 4
- Third-party libraries and VST3-related code fall under separate license exceptions
Audacity at a glance
- Website
- github.com/audacity/audacity
- Category
- Music & Audio › Audio Editing & Production
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Audio Editing & Production
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Audacity FAQ
Can I submit changes to Audacity?
The README says patches can still be submitted to Audacity 3.x. Contributors should branch off audacity3. The master branch, which is used for Audacity 4 work, is not particularly friendly to new contributors.
Where can I follow Audacity's development?
The README says updates are shared on YouTube, Discord and the project blog.
Which license applies to the code?
The README states that Audacity is licensed under GPLv3 and that most code files are GPLv2-or-later. Third-party libraries in /au3/lib-src and VST3-related code are exceptions. Documentation is under CC-BY 3.0 unless otherwise noted.
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