New features in this release
Version 3.0.0 is primarily a release for a unitary, single self-contained, project file.
- Details of all the major changes since 2.4.2 can be found in Audacity Release Notes 2.4.2.
Contents
Unitary Project
For this release a single AUP3 project file with an aup3 extension has been implemented using a SQLite database. This replaces the sometimes dangerous previous project storage format which used the AUP filed and its associated folder full of little audio clips. This structure caused too many users to lose or damage their projects by moving or deleting the project components. The new single project file structure precludes that happening.
AUP projects from previous versions of Audacity can be opened or imported in Audacity 3.0.0 (Audacity converts them to the new unified file format). But once you have saved the project in the new AUP3 format they can then no longer be opened in previous versions of Audacity.
With the new project structure it is now possible to import a project into another open project. Just as with importing audio files this will add the contents of the imported project to the existing open project.
Project size
Projects with the new unified file structure should not be larger than similar projects with the old multiple files structure.
As you work on a project the project will consume additional temporary disk space, this is normally released by Audacity on closing the project. This is not new with Unitary Project File, previous versions of Audacity also used to do this.
You can if you wish compress your project with but note carefully that this will remove your Undo History.
Performance
Extensive speed testing has shown that for most work in Audacity the new project file can be a little faster that the old project structure.
This is especially true of using the Effects and Generators which run faster with the new project file.
Closing a project can now take a little longer As Audacity clears up the unused temporary disk space in the database.
Saving backup copies of the project
There is a new backup command for projects: .
This replaced the two previous commands:
Automatic Recovery
Automatic Recovery (following a crash) is different in Audacity 3.0.0, it is simpler with no orphan block-files or missing block-files to worry about
- When Audacity is launched following a crash it will offer to recover the crashed projects.
- You can choose to either accept the recovery or to discard the projects.
- You can select projects for either action by clicking on their checkbox, or you can select all by clicking on Select.
- You can discard just some and then the recovery dialog will remain open enabling you to select others for recovery.
For more details please see Automatic Crash Recovery
Temporary work files
In addition to the single database project file the database also creates two temporary work files WAL & SHL files.
These are deleted on Exit from Audacity.
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Do not delete them or move them as this will damage the project. Windows blocks you from doing this but macOS an Linux do not. |
Enhanced Directories preferences
Default folder locations have been added enabling you to specify the folders to be used for each of the Audacity actions: Open, Save, Import and Export.
If you set a default folder for any of those actions Audacity will always offer that folder location when you invoke that action.
If a particular action's default folder is left blank (default setting) then Audacity will offer the last-used location for that action.
The default setting is for all to be blank.
See Directories Preferences for more details.
Improvements to Macros
Import and Export of Macros
Import and Export of Macros has been added to the Manage Macros dialog.
Only one Macro can be imported or exported at a time.
Comments in Macros
Comments can now be added to Macros to enable you to document what is happening in the Macro.
There is a new command "Comment" in the Macro command set, editing its parameters enables you to type the text of your comment.
Bug Fixes
There are likely to be some ...
Here is a small selection of some of the most important.
Key P1 bugs fixed
None
Key P2 bugs fixed
None
Links
> Audacity Release Notes 3.0.0 - detailed release notes for this release of Audacity
