How to save audacity project without audio embedded in it

Question

First time using audacity in years. I downloaded the latest version, imported a 2GB audio file, and when I "save as" the project, it saves the audio in the project folder, so that the project is around 2gb.

I recall there used to be an option to reference the audio at the location you open it from, so that the project directory is much smaller. Since I save my source files and the project, I can't afford the space of storing the audio effectively twice.

I can't find the option to do this any more, or anything in the online manual or searching google. Is this still possible?

Thanks.

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 07 '20 at 09:08

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I did not try, but on import you can choose not to make a copy of the audio file (see Importing Uncompressed Audio Files) but to read them directly on the original file. I did not test, but I would say that if you open your file this way, it should not be saved as a copy in your project upon saving.

Hope it helps,

answered Dec 07 '20 at 09:08

Tom

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Thanks for this- I recall this dialog from last time I used Audacity, but I do not seem to get it on a fresh install of 2.4.2. – clearedPerson Dec 07 '20 at 15:53
@clearedPerson maybe check the preferences? – Tom Dec 07 '20 at 16:06
Nothing about importing in the preferences, and all dialogs/warnings are still enabled. I'm hoping this options wasn't removed but I can't find any indication it exists anymore... – clearedPerson Dec 07 '20 at 17:47
@clearedPerson Arf... Hope you will find a solution! – Tom Dec 07 '20 at 17:56
@clearedPerson It looks like the option was removed. – PiedPiper Dec 07 '20 at 18:56
That option has indeed gone away with the new Audacity file format – Steve Mansfield May 06 '21 at 12:48

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered May 06 '21 at 16:05

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This option was removed in Audacity version 2.3.3, see: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/on_demand_loading.html

answered May 06 '21 at 16:05

user1079505

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How to save audacity project without audio embedded in it

2 Answers2