How to cut a section out of a song or a recording
You want to cut a section out of a song or a recording, but you don't know how to do it. You can trim a song, voice note or recording to the exact part you want, and save it as MP3, using a free online tool that runs in your browser.
Understanding the audio cutter
The audio cutter reads many file formats, including MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG, FLAC and the sound of MP4, MOV and WebM videos. This means you can use it with most types of audio files, without having to convert them first.
The waveform shows where the loud and quiet parts are, so silence at the start of a voice note, applause at the end of a talk or the chorus of a song are easy to spot. This makes it easier to find the part you want to cut and save.
Using the audio cutter
To use the audio cutter, you can select your audio file, or drop it on the box on the audio cutter page. You can then drag the two handles to the start and end of the part you want to cut, and press play to check it.
You can nudge the handles until it sounds right, and add a short fade in or fade out to avoid a click at the cut and make ringtones and alarm sounds feel finished. This gives you more control over the final result.
Steps to cut an audio file
- Select your audio file, or drop it on the box on the audio cutter page.
- Drag the two handles to the start and end of the part you want to cut.
- Press play to check the selection and nudge the handles until it sounds right.
- Click Cut audio to save the trimmed audio file.
- Choose to save the result as MP3 or WAV, depending on your needs.
By following these steps, you can easily cut a section out of a song or a recording and save it as an MP3 or WAV file. You can then use the trimmed file as a ringtone, alarm sound, or for any other purpose.
Results and security
The result is saved as MP3 at 192 kbps, which plays everywhere, or as WAV if you are going to keep editing it in another program. Saving as WAV keeps the sound exactly as decoded, while MP3 at 192 kbps is re-encoded and sounds the same to most listeners.
The part you keep is not stretched or changed in any other way, so you don't have to worry about the audio quality being reduced. You can also make a ringtone with this audio cutter by picking about 20 to 30 seconds, adding a short fade in and fade out, and saving as MP3.
Best of all, the file is decoded, cut and saved inside your browser on your own device, so voice notes and private recordings are never sent or stored anywhere. You can use the audio cutter with confidence, knowing that your files are safe and secure.
FAQ
Can I make a ringtone with this audio cutter?
Pick about 20 to 30 seconds, add a short fade in and fade out, and save as MP3. Android phones use the MP3 directly. iPhone ringtones must be imported through GarageBand or a computer, which accept the MP3 as a starting point.
Does cutting reduce the audio quality?
Saving as WAV keeps the sound exactly as decoded. MP3 at 192 kbps is re-encoded and sounds the same to most listeners. The part you keep is not stretched or changed in any other way.
Is my audio uploaded to a server?
No. The file is decoded, cut and saved inside your browser on your own device, so voice notes and private recordings are never sent or stored anywhere.