Audacity 4.0
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Audacity 4.0 rebuilds its interface on Qt, adding clip grouping, workspaces, and a new project format.
Audacity 4.0 introduces a Qt-based interface with native high-DPI rendering, a new clip-editing model (direct clip selection, grouping, free placement between tracks), and workspace layouts (Modern, Classic, Music). Playback and recording features are revised, including draggable playhead and per-track input monitoring. The new .aup4 project format replaces .aup3; older projects convert forward. Built-in effects, spectrograms, and track meters are updated. ASIO support is included in Windows builds. Removed features include Time Tracks, Note/MIDI tracks, the Mixer, Macro Manager, VAMP/LADSPA hosting, and play-at-speed.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly praised the new UI's appearance and usability improvements, noting the concise release video. Some expressed concern about the parent company Muse Group's monetization plans (plugins, cloud services) and past telemetry controversy, though others felt optional features are acceptable. Several users highlighted specific improvements like time-stretching clips and crossfade handling. A few criticized the move to Qt or the design as derivative of other DAWs. The comment thread also recommended a detailed video by the Head of Software at Muse on the development challenges.