Saving and exporting files

In the Waveform Editor, you can save audio files in a variety of common formats. The format you choose depends on how you plan to use the file. (See Audio format settings.) Keep in mind that each format stores unique information that might be discarded if you save a file in a different format.

If you want to edit or output individual channels of a stereo or surround-sound file, extract them to mono files. Adobe Audition appends the channel name to each extracted filename. For example, a stereo source file named Jazz.aif produces mono files named Jazz_L and Jazz_R.

Audition automatically opens each extracted file in the Editor panel.

A multitrack session file is a small, non-audio file. It merely stores information about locations of related audio files on your hard drive, the duration of each audio file within the session, the envelopes and effects applied to various tracks, and so forth. You can reopen a saved session file later to make further changes to the mix.

If you create multitrack mixes entirely in Adobe Audition, save session files in the native SESX format. If you plan to share multitrack compositions with other applications, however, see Export sessions to OMF or Final Cut Pro Interchange format.

Export to OMF

1. In the Multitrack Editor, choose File > Export > OMF.

2. Specify a filename and location.

3. Set the following options:

   Sample Type

   Click Change to access the Convert Sample Type dialog box. (See Converting sample types.)

   OMF Settings

   Click Change to access the following:

   Media

   Encapsulated stores audio clips in the OMF file itself for easier organization. Referenced stores audio clips in the same folder as the OMF file, letting you edit them offline if necessary.

   Note: Encapsulated OMF files are limited to 2 GB in size.

   Media Options

   Determines whether clip source files are trimmed to clip length in the Editor panel or reflect the entire original file.

   Handle Duration

   For trimmed clips, specifies the time duration to include beyond clip edges. Including additional audio provides more flexibility for fades and editing.

The Warnings section indicates elements of the session that will be excluded or changed. To copy this information to clipboard, click the Copy Warnings button .

Export to Final Cut Pro Interchange format

1. In the Multitrack Editor, choose File > Export > FCP XML Interchange Format.

2. Specify a filename and location.

3. To include audio markers and information from the Metadata panel, select Include Markers And Other Metadata.

The following session elements are excluded from the exported file:

• The second channel of stereo clips. (All clips and tracks become mono.)

• Overlapping clips

• Effects and track EQ.

• Automation envelopes other than clip volume and mono-to-stereo track panning.

• Output routing, sends, buses, and the Master track.

After you finish mixing a session, you can export all or part of it in a variety of common formats. (See Audio file formats.) When you export, the resulting file reflects current volume, pan, and effects settings routed to the Master track.

To quickly mix specific audio clips down to a single track, use the Multitrack  > Bounce To New Track command. (See Create a single audio clip from multiple clips.)

In most cases, you should save uncompressed audio to the AIFF or WAV formats. Save to the compressed mp3 format only when creating files for the web or portable media players.

In a Save As or Export dialog box, click Change to the right of Format Settings to access the options below.

To see the effect of settings changes, note the Estimated File Size at the bottom of the dialog box.